Free Peace

Free Peace

Free Peace is the name of two UK groups: a seven-piece acoustic hip-hop band based in Guildford, Peterborough and London, and a three-piece rock band from Liverpool formed in August 2008.

Acoustic hip-hop group

The acoustic hip-hop version of Free Peace begins in 2006 as a trio with Stacey Edwards on guitar, Abi Evans on vocals and Kerry Edwards on percussion. The group develops a style that mixes hip-hop and acoustic singer-songwriter elements with African and flamenco influences, alongside strong hooks and an insistent rhythmic feel.

After studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music, the band adds Sam Odiwe on bass. It then performs as a four-piece around the UK and Europe before further line-up changes bring in Sebastian Goodwin-Day on trombone, Naz Adamson on bass, Toby Couling on cornet, steel drum and banana shaker, and James Wiseman on alto sax. The line-up is completed by Abi Evans, Stacey Edwards, Kerry Edwards, Naz Adamson, Sebastian Goodwin-Day, Toby Couling and James Wiseman.

The band’s debut release, An Ounce of Bounce, includes contributions from both bass players used in the group’s early development. It is available directly from the band and is also associated with their regular monthly residency at the Bedford in Balham.

Liverpool rock band

The Liverpool Free Peace is a three-piece rock group formed by Edgar Jones, who writes the material, sings and plays bass. The line-up also includes his nephew Nick Miniski on drums and Stuart Gimblett on lead guitar. The band’s sound is described as loud and heavy, but with a strong soul influence, and its references include Led Zeppelin, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and the New Orleans soul sound.

Edgar Jones is already known on the Liverpool scene for his work with The Stairs and for the song Weed Bus. He has also worked with Paul Weller, Johnny Marr and Lee Mavers. Free Peace records its debut album, Born too Loose, on Loud Soul Records, a Liverpool indie label run by members of Edgar and Nick’s family. The band also supports Oasis at Heaton Park, Manchester in June 2009.