The Filthy Six at The Lot

The Filthy Six are a Soul Jazz Funk sextet from London.  Having read reasonably good things about them, I decided to go along to the Lot and check them out.

An interesting mix of players, as with many fringe music events they were using session players to cover for those with real jobs!! However the core seemed to be there.  It was an unusual makeup with the down on their luck Russian Mafia Groovy Head Nodders on guitar and base, the "too cool for my jeans and flip-flops" band leader and trumpeter and the jiving Duracell bunny on Speed leading the way with some admittedly fabulous organ riffs.

The honest use of session players meant that, while individually the many of the players were great, together they were a bit slack.  At times they managed to hit it off though and if you are into a real jiving funky tunes they might just do it for you.  Their interpretation of some soul classics was good fun, and they did get the crowd going, with some amazing individual solos.  

One big find was a local saxophonist that apparently came into the mix at the very last moment. He slotted in well and his improvisation and soloing was phenomenal.  As was the Duracell Bunny's sleek hand speed along an organ which at times carried the performance.  Obviously enjoying his work, he jived and boogied to every song, the coolest of Duracell Bunnys!!

The performance was let down by two things.  Firstly the venue was not the greatest.  The converted chapel has a cavernous ceiling and at times it felt like much of the sound was being lost into the room.  This is a band that shouldn't be doing gigs in venues like this.  They are good for a dark enclosed space with a good vibe for those wanting to dance.  

Second was the band leaders penchant for his own voice.  They could of played two more funky hits had he not mumbled and grumbled along between every song!  Most probably because they weren't as slick as they could be and he was covering for it but more funky tunes and less mutterings would go down better.

 All in all a funky band and would be great for a bit of fun.  Too be honest I haven;t decided on whether their album is worth it.  A bit funky for the times you need it, and the soul hits went down really well.  The jury is still out on this lot.  I would probably like to get a shot at the full lineup next time and see how it goes, unless someone was to send a free CD!!