Review: The Baker Brothers - The Next Last Party (Fish Legs Records)

You couldn't believe the excitement in the office when a new album from The Baker Brothers arrived as the South Coasts' finest in soul-funk reappear - like a sunrise!

Not long after 'Sunrise' featurng Hannah Williams (Ed. did I ever tell you the story of being in a queue for sandwiches behind Hannah once?) 

The disco-boogie-funk brothers founded on the south coast as a trio, Dan Baker (Keyboards, Guitars, Synth, Vocals), Richard Baker (Drums) and Chris Pedley (Bass).

Chris was always a bit of a frontman and he's an in-demand bass player (often featured with gospel soul/house legend Vanessa Freeman and 'Reel People' regular).  Now, as the only surviving original member the 'expanded' Baker Brothers band, the sound is more of a sophisticated jazz-funk soul of 70s purity that seems to be getting a 'revival' audience these days. 

And if you think 'The Brexican' is a broken beat instrumental that reflects the "polarizing effects of Brexit", these guys knows their breaks and I'm sure that they'd have half a mind on Babe Ruth's much admired/sampled, 'The Mexican' that's got even more implied poigniancy post Trump2.

Equally, when it comes to the old days, 'Yesterday, Holding On' is strong links in the yacht rock groove with West Coast horns (via the South Coast) and a sexy sax solo.  Another stand-out its the laid back 'No Sweat' which annoyingly fades out but there's no let up as the band are joined on vocals by Frankie Connolly on 'Western Morning' that's soulfully uplifting and would suit many a radio station playlist; as would 'You Are The One' and 'Heatbreaker' as Level 42-ish soul-funk-pop.

Another guest, NOLO joins for the Thundercat influenced 'Sleepwalking' and it's more for the BBC 6 Music DJs but it's clear that even now, The Baker Brothers are finding thier sound as even with a smoothing of the orginal band's funk, there's more of a focus on songwriting like on  'I Hate It When You Go', 'Unrest' (love the horns on this) and 'All The Time'.

The more you listen to this album, the more excited you get; plus it really fits in with any 70s Brit-funk or a NYC disco vibee (watch out for Tom Noble Presents... 'House Of Spirits' - see review HERE) and it's great to have The Baker Brothers back, even if it's just to play 'The Next Last Party'.

PS, there's no connection with the film, 'The Fabulous Baker Boys' (1989) in the making of this recording; Chris is no 'Susie Diamond'.

Artist: The Baker Brothers
Title: The Next Last Party
Release date: 15th November, 2023
Label :  Fish Legs Records
Catalog Number : LP / Digital / Bandcamp