Based up in the North York Moors Branded play a unique mix of original instrumental compositions with the occasional carefully chosen re-worked cover. Initial inspiration comes from the great 50s/60s instrumentalists such as Link Wray, the Ventures, and Duane Eddy. Branded have developed these roots, covering an extraordinary range: elements of ska, reggae, blues and flamenco fused with dance - African and middle-Eastern rhythms counterpointed by straight-ahead rock. For comparisons look to Ian Brown since the Stone Roses, or Jah Wobble since Public Image Ltd.
Guitarist Steve Kneeshaw, still in his twenties,
was well known for his work with cult famed rockabilly outfit
The Infernos recording for
Goofin Records, touring Europe, and backing up Sun luminaries
such as Sonny Burgess. He was pegged for a UK and European tour
with the great Carl Perkins, forestalled by the fatal illness
suffered by that legendary rocker. Rockabilly roots are still
evident but Steve's
virtuosity is exceptional. Co-guitarist Mark Simpson, in contrast,
came out of the London based eighties dance scene with influences
ranging from Led Zeppelin to African Headcharge.
Rhythm section: Pete Bell on bass (whose work stretches from early days with Bowie and African Highlife bands to recently backing up Neil Dalton's Blue Aces, New Orleans keyboard player Gin Saw, and the famed Prendo), Paul Smith on drums has worked with an extraordinary range of contemporary greats: Sting, Jimmy Nail, Kathryn Tickell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Harry Sweets Edison, the Toy Dolls, etc.
The instrumental work of this quartet is
gradually being augmented by additional "voicings" -
female vocal chorus, tenor and alto saxes,
keyboards, percussion, techno beats ....................... all
from the best exponents in the region.
Branded never play the same set twice.
