24pesos

24pesos are a London-based band formed by four musicians playing blues, soul, funk and New Orleans-influenced rhythms. The group forms around guitarist, singer and songwriter Julian Burdock, with Silas Maitland, Moz Gamble on Hammond organ and Mike Connolly on drums. Their approach draws on traditional blues but also incorporates elements associated with the Meters, John Scofield, John Mayer and Ray Charles.

Formation and early activity

The project develops after Burdock and Maitland write and produce a record for soul singer Geno Washington in 2006. While working as sidemen and session musicians, they decide to form their own band to play and record original material. In 2008 they recruit Gamble and Connolly, and 24pesos begin rehearsing and writing together. The group’s early rule is that the songs must be enjoyable to play as well as musically interesting and demanding.

Recordings and live work

By mid-2008 the band has enough material for a debut album, The Boogieworm, which they record in July 2008. The record is well received by fans and the music press, and the band tours extensively in late 2008 and 2009 in support of it. Their live profile grows through club dates and festival appearances in the UK and abroad, beginning in London blues venues and moving on to larger stages.

In 2008 they play festival and club dates across Europe and the UK, including Fête de la musique in Le Touquet, Festival Boule Rock in Boulogne, The Rock Store in Montpellier and the Bataclan in Paris.

Second album

By late 2009 the band have enough new material for a second album. It is first given the working title Neckbones and Gumbo before being retitled Busted Broken and Blue. The album reflects political corruption, events in Westminster and recession, while aiming to remain upbeat rather than bleak. The finished record is set for release in 2010.

Collaborations and influences

Burdock and Maitland’s work with Geno Washington is important to the band’s development, with the record designed to capture Washington’s live energy and improvisational style. They also say that working with Geno Washington and Beverly Knight teaches them the importance of energy and persistence. Their sound remains rooted in blues but is shaped by soul, funk and a respect for the genre’s traditions.