Keb Darge Presents: The New Mastersounds (LP)

On vinyl, Keb Darge Presents The New Mastersounds captures the Leeds-born quartet's 2000 debut—the album that launched a two-decade career of Meters-inspired instrumental funk. Legendary DJ and crate-digger Keb Darge discovered the band in London's rare groove scene, recognizing kindred spirits who understood that funk was built on discipline, not just attitude. His endorsement introduced The New Mastersounds to audiences who'd been searching for contemporary musicians who honored the Hammond-guitar-drums-bass pocket without irony or nostalgia.

Eddie Roberts, Joe Tatton, Pete Shand, and Simon Allen emerged from Leeds' jazz scene with deep reverence for New Orleans funk, Memphis soul, and London's rare groove underground. This debut established their sound: crisp guitar lines, greasy organ, bass and drums locked so tight they breathe as one. Darge's co-sign carried weight—as DJ at London's legendary Deep Funk nights and advisor to countless reissue labels, his approval signaled that The New Mastersounds were the real thing, not pastiche.

Vinyl LP. 2000 debut album. Curated by legendary rare groove DJ Keb Darge. The New Mastersounds' first statement of instrumental funk mastery.