Black Science Orchestra

Black Science Orchestra

Black Science Orchestra is a UK deep house group associated with Ashley Beedle, Rob Mello, John Howard, Linsey Edwards, Marc Woolford and Uschi Classen. The project grows out of the London club scene and the wider British acid-house period of the late 1980s, when Beedle begins DJing and develops an interest in disco after hearing Norman Jay play obscure records on pirate station Kiss FM.

Formation and members

The trio of Ashley Beedle, Rob Mello and John Howard forms Black Science Orchestra. Beedle later brings in other musicians for specific releases: Linsey Edwards replaces Mello on the second BSO track, while engineer Marc Woolford and keyboard player Uschi Classen join for the third single. The group’s named members are Ashley Beedle, Uschi Classen, Linsey Edwards, Rob Mello and Marc Woolford.

Releases and recognition

The group’s debut single, “Where Were You”, is a reworking of the Trammps track “Where Were You (When the Lights Went Out)?”. It is released on Junior Boy’s Own. Frankie Knuckles begins playing the record, and also champions the follow-up, “Strong”, which is recorded with Linsey Edwards in place of Mello.

Black Science Orchestra’s third single, “New Jersey Deep”, is recorded with Marc Woolford and Uschi Classen. It becomes a widely regarded track and is selected by Frankie Knuckles and the Masters at Work team for their DJ sets.

Style

The group is tagged to acid jazz, house, nu jazz, downtempo and British music, and is identified as a deep house act from the United Kingdom.