This was the second date on (LIVE – Red Snapper (redsnapperofficial.com)) new UK tour; a tour they’ve not attempted for far too long. Though I did try and see them in 2021 this was impacted by the pandemic; so I couldn’t wait for this one. On the eve of the release of their new material, long play – ‘Everybody is Somebody’, this night back in Sheffield where they first signed with discerning label Warp back in 1996 was destined to be a belter.
The band still with Ali fronting on double bass and Chris on drums, have had some new talent added since the early days: with Tom Challenger; the longest standing addition on Sax/wind, keyboard but who also adds the electronic loops and texture, urban rap style vocals now delivered by Natty Wylah; keeps the classics from the back catalogue feeling fresh and new addition Tara Cunningham on guitar.
The set was a mix of those classics from the back catalogue you would expect plus material from the new album (which I’ve since downloaded and is exceptionally good). The new tunes & classics compliment seamlessly, a bit like the makeup of the band itself, making for a night out that should attract a wide range of music fan.
If you’ve not heard Red Snapper before they are another one musically hard to pigeon hole genre wise (so why bother!). They describe themselves as ‘trip-hip’ or ‘nu-Jazz’, acid Jazz influences and electronic influences from trance or even the dub scene are there too. It is funk, dance and chillout in equal measures.
If you get a chance to see them at one of the UK dates, take it. The venues are compact making sure you can get close up, giving that intimate feeling and with a sound that would fill a much larger venue, it is exactly what experiencing live music should be like.
