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Zamba

From Left To Right: Simon Tucker - Keyboards/Backing vocals, Edge “Coconut” Bullock - Drums, Pete Hughes – Saxophone, Dave Little - Guitar, Della - Lead Vocals, Stuart Clayton - Bass.

Zamba are a Classy six piece band, who play a mixture of Reggae, Ska and Carnival music. They describe themselves as “The cool mellow sounds of reggae music combined with upbeat ska style dance tunes - the sounds of summer all year round.…” They definitely have a tight, mellow sound, and a summery feel.

They list influences including Sublime, Marley, The Specials, War, Burning Flames and Hendrix. Providing their own versions and variations of covers as well as some blinding original tracks of the same style, they play all over the North Devon area as well as some gigs further afield.

The band itself is still in its early years, formed at the end of 2000. The group contains a core of musicians who have been playing professionally on the North Devon scene for many years, in a wide range of bands, playing styles including Reggae, Funk, Soul, Jazz and Pop. Zamba aim to utilise these experiences to create mellow grooves within the reggae style and produce a Californian surf sound.

I recently finished recording one of their original tracks with them “No More Trouble”, for release on the Ariel Compilation CD which is due out in February. The Track has a very classy feel, with lots of hooks.

“No More Trouble” is a great example of Zamba’s laid back quality sound.

During 2001 Zamba played many successful events and venues, which in June included hosting their own night during the “Gold Coast Ocean Festival” in Croyde, to a sell out crowd. Later in August that year they travelled down to Cornwall to play the “ultimate Beach Festival” on Fistral Beach, Newquay.

Zamba have released a demo which is currently available to down load from their web site and includes the classy original track “Mister Mister”.

Their live show has benefited from a new larger PA and engineer and a new light show.

2002 saw a return for Zamba to the “gold Coast Ocean Festival” with a slot on the main stage. And many other gigs including Atlantic Village, Oxbow Promotion for Tiki, Combe Martin Jubilee and Carnival, Chicago Rock Café, and many other local and national venues.

Recent events for Zamba include a gig @ the White Lion, Braunton, on the 27th December.

Zamba are a classy band, embodying all that’s good about reggae, ska and carnival music, they have a fun, musical and happy sound and they are definitely worth checking out, recorded or live.

For more information on Zamba, including free down loadable demos, why not visit www.zamba.org.uk.