Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers
Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers are a London-based nine-piece funk and soul band led by Hannah Williams, who is the daughter of a musically gifted minister and grows up immersed in soulful music. She also uses the name Deep Soul's Funkiest New Diva. The group begins with an independently released 45 on Mondegreen Records, and that single attracts attention from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Charles Bradley, Craig Charles and various labels and promoters. Shortly afterwards, the band signs to the Italian label Record Kicks.
Style and reputation
Their sound sits in funk, soul, deep funk and raw soul. They receive praise from figures including Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley and Craig Charles, and are described in the scene as a soul-focused live band with a heavy groove. The group also work with MCs in live settings, alongside their instrumental arrangements.
Releases and live activity
The band record a debut album titled A Hill of Feathers for Record Kicks. Their first single and video from the album appear ahead of the LP, and the record is associated with a 2012 release period. They also build a live profile through festival and club appearances, including main stage performances at Shambala, two headline slots on Larmer Tree’s second stage, a headline show at the 100 Club, and a headline at Band on the Wall for the Craig Charles clubnight. They also support artists such as Sharon Jones & Charles Bradley, and hip hop acts including Afrika Bambaataa & The Sugar Hill Gang.
Line-up
The Tastemakers are Chloe Harvey on trumpet, Haze Tratt and Sabrina Di Mitri on saxophone, Jimi Needles on drums, James Graham on organ, Hillman Mondegreen on guitar, and Dougie-Funk Taylor on bass.
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