About Me
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The trio of Simon T. Bramley (bass), Phil Nelson (drums) and Neil Burditt (keyboards) formed in Leicester, UK in May of 1995. Live, the band expands to at least an eight piece, with guitar, horn section, percussion and vocals.
The band's influences include Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Jeff Lorber, Banda Black Rio, Earth Wind & Fire, Incognito & Masters At Work.
In 1997 Internal Bass Records (home to Mr Gone & Down To The Bone amongst others) decided to include the cut 'Casa Del Ritmo' on their compilation 'A Taste of Internal Bass' (IBCD10). The track went down a storm with jazzheads, clubbers and DJ's around the world.
The band followed up this track with a new cut entitled 'It Remains To Be Seen' released on 'Internal Bass...Another Taste' (IBCD15), which was also released on vinyl as part of the band's 'Chocolat EP'. The EP received extensive licensing around the world, with the title track appearing on the massively popular 'Nude Dimensions 2' compilation on Naked Music.
With Afro Elements appearing as backing band to Mr.Gone & other visiting artists throughout Europe, releases came to a brief stop. However, many members of the band contributed to the soul-funk album 'Stories' released in 2005 under the name 'Black Gold Massive'. The album also featured renowned soul vocalist Cindy Mizelle (Steely Dan, Beyonce & Alicia Keys) & was mixed by Grammy winner Dave Darlington (Roger Sanchez, Wayne Shorter, Masters At Work).
Around this time various members of the band backed a variety of legendary jazz-funk artists including Reuben Wilson, Eddie Henderson & Gary Bartz for tours of the UK & Europe. Indeed, when Eddie Henderson & the band appeared at London's Jazz Cafe for two nights the concerts were cited as one of the gigs of the year by Blues & Soul magazine. In late 2007 members of the band were used in the new UK Down To The Bone (Blue Note Records) lineup for dates at the Jazz Cafe in London and the Cotton Club in Tokyo, Japan.
Not to be outdone in all things musical, Afro Elements also do the occasional remix. In 2006 the Afros remixed 'Wildfire Woman (Afro Elements Jazzin' Bossa Mix)' for the Down To The Bone 'Angel Baby' 12" on Shanachie Records, which was well received and has apparently become a bit of a rarity.
After all this The Afro Elements still found time to record their debut album, entitled 'It Remains To Be Seen'. It got its initial release in Japan in April 2007 on Swanky Records. A worldwide release of the debut 7" single 'Stop You're Killing Me' on Freestyle Records was released in October 2007, gaining some great reviews.
January 2008 sees the worldwide release of 'It Remains To Be Seen’ on UK label Freestyle Records, and includes newly recorded versions of previously released tracks 'It Remains To Be Seen', 'Ju Ju' and 'Casa Del Ritmo', along with a new vocal version of 'Chocolat'. The album features over 20 musicians including one of the bands heroes, keyboard legend Jeff Lorber on 'Volcano (Raydio Mix)'.
The band are currently working on material for a second album and look forward to any forthcoming live dates.
