Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Andrew Cotterill
It’s rare to see many music groups or bands stay together after creating something special – creative differences often ensue or egos simply barricade future endeavors. It’s even more rare to witness musical giants who have already established a successful career come together as a power unit with the intent on simply making the best music that they can. Junior Giscombe, Don-E, Omar, Noel McKoy and Leee John are practically UK royalty, having sold millions of records globally. So when all five artists, who have contributed immensely to the soul and R&B scenes not only in England but internationally, decided to form a one of a kind collaboration project call The British Collective, there was undoubtedly something monumental about to take place.
The British Collective’s first single “Romantic” is a soulful and spirited R&B jam, perfectly polished, the only way masters of the craft could execute. Described as the unearthing of soul and R&B in their most organic states, the song is also a testament to the art of making hits that have shelf lives longer than a couple of months. But what else would one expect from a selection of artists who have released what are considered classic and timeless records.
With a list of tour dates in the works, The British Collective are not simply reviving the sounds of R&B but rather pushing it forward in it’s needed direction.
Junior Giscombe talked with ColoRising to discuss The British Collective and the state of soul and R&B.
Art Jefferson – How did the formation of the British Collective come about?
Junior – We were all at Carl McIntosh’s birthday party last year and Don said it would be dope if we came together on a track for his Little Star album, great idea but how would it work as we’re still all working independently. Don suggested we do our vocal’s at our own studios and he’ll do the rest…. That’s how “Spiritual” our first effort came together.
Art Jefferson – With each artist in the group already a successful act, what was the process like with recording your single “Romantic”? Were the vocals recorded and sent in or were you all in the studio together. I would imagine it would be quite hectic to get everyone in one place.
Junior – It was so much fun, and you’re right, to get everyone in at one time at that time, virtually impossible. Don and I knew when the vocal’s where coming in that we had something special going on. We would then get everyone in one by one to tweak parts we felt could be better or to try something else. When you have an idea that may suit your style, but not, let’s say Leee, then it’s about finding a vibe which allows him to flow, so that part of the recording process was so inspiring.
Art Jefferson – I think that this project is also a fine example of how top artists can come together in a unifying manner to create something magical. How has the experience been performing together as a group?
Junior – Thank you for your opening comment as I agree. Magical is the right word to describe how it felt. Rehearsals were us feeling out each others temperament and we gelled, then to perform together the next day, I was lost in the moment, it felt unreal.
Art Jefferson – I have described “Romantic” as a particular sound of R&B that people have been longing for. Is that something that you have also noticed over the past few years, and was that also a contributing factor to the inspiration of recording the track?
Junior – I think over the last 10 years there has been a drive to underplay the importance British R&B plays in today’s music and in our history, it’s true passion is not being reflected anymore as those who are making it don’t know it’s origins. When we started the project everyone threw in their idea of who we should use to produce it to who else we could work with to write it, as you can be swayed by listening to what is current and thinking if you’re not making the current sound you won’t be heard. In the end, before starting we had to recognise for this to work it had to be authentic. We have all written songs which have touched people, we have all produced work for ourselves and others that has been successful and most importantly the sound was distinctively British so I think the longing to hear something like “Romantic” is due in part to heritage and the song has our feel, meaning a British feel, not Urban, but Nationwide, as R&B did not originate from the streets of New York…
Art Jefferson – How do you view the current state of soul and R&B music?
Junior – I personally would like to hear some young kids knocking down some doors with a new wave sound like “Jungle” had back in the 90’s. I feel optimistic, more so today then yesterday just by the way “Romantic” has been received. We, TBC, have a saying we use, “If it’s for real and you left your heart within it, it can’t be denied on hearing it”, that to us is true British R&B and what’s happening for us in the way that people are being drawn to the song shows people have been starved of it and the audience for it is still out there ready to support.
Art Jefferson – Are there plans to release a British Collective album in the near future?
Junior – Yes, there will be an album released in the new year, including some very special guests.
Art Jefferson – Finally, you all performed at Tony Blackburn’s Soul Night Out event at Koko in early November. Are there any upcoming shows?
Junior – Live for us all is what we’re about so yes, you will be seeing TBC Live too next year.
I’d like to thank you for your support of this project.
http://www.thebritishcollective.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BritishCollective
https://www.youtube.com/user/UKSoulCollective
https://twitter.com/britcollective