Text by: Rita Smith
Bassically electrified the sold-out Jazz Café last month, taking us on a nostalgic tour-de-force through memory lane. The seven-piece band consisting of some of London’s musical cognoscenti were led by notable London producer, Raz Olsher, in a tribute to the godfather of house, Frankie Knuckles.
The set included obvious classics alongside underground and original cuts brought to life in a neoteric take on old-school dance. Kicking off with ‘You Can’t Hide From Yourself’ the live band saw the venue go POP. Following up with the interpretation of ‘Tears’ and ‘Let The Music Use You’, euphoria gave way to song and the whole crowd joined in. Something tells me Knuckles would have been front-left grooving from the grave, on hearing that.
The band’s own original tracks, ‘The One’ and ‘Know This Land’ complemented the old school repertoire, playing flawlessly aside timeless classics. After a short interval, Basically returned with ‘The Pressure’ in a soulful introduction only to drop the beat once more. The club swooned as the band continued to improvise and meld a heady dose of tribute and self-styled tracks.
Finishing the set with crafty improvisation and versions of ‘Blind’ and ‘Your Love’ the atmosphere was nothing short of euphoric. Bassically – You got the love! So it’s probably about time for another!
