03.2011 /// Colours

Colours is the debut album by Frootful (the name guitarist Nick Radford records and works under). Released in Spring 2011 on Freestyle Records, the album is a recording project, bridging the gap between past and present; acknowledging influences, while reflecting the creative process of looking back to move forward. Those classic influences include 60s soul, jazz, latin, ska and R&B.

Being an accomplished guitarist, Nick also cites players such as Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, Boogaloo Joe Jones and BB King as a source of inspiration. The album title, Colours reflects the wide range of moods and grooves found on the album. Having played guitar in the Lack of Afro live band for several years, Nick began making some home recordings of his own material. The Colours recording project came about when Adam Gibbons (Lack of Afro himself) seemed suitably impressed by the demos and offered his services to helm the production.

The boys booked some studio time in May 2010, and laid the material down with as much vintage gear as they could lay their hands on. Vintage instruments, ribbon wound mics, valve amps and analog gear contribute to the solid production of the album. While most of the instruments are played by Nick and Adam, a few very special guests feature: among them Angeline Morrison (The Ambassadors of Sorrow) on vocals; Damon Minchella (Trio Valore / Paul Weller) on bass; and Pete Judd on sax and flute.

The debut album has received airplay worldwide, including XFM, BBC6, FIP (France) and KCRW (LA), while becoming a Jazz FM ‘Album of the Week’.

LP, CD and digital download: released 21st March 2011 (FSRCD/LP084) – Freestyle Records