FSJB – Funk Soul Jazz Blues….and more!

These are independently promoted nights of live bands and DJ music – currently at the new live room of one of Reading’s best and oldest pubs and music venues – The Butler.

Sharing a love of live, accessible music from a variety of related genres, we are curating events where the audience has come for the music – ready to enjoy what some of the best musicians around have to offer – for a small charge to cover the band & DJs transport, rehearsal, sound and equipment costs – and enjoy themselves along with other like-minded souls.

NEXT EVENT – FRIDAY 3rd May 2024

DANDELION & THE DROP

With support from

8 till late

Earlybird TICKETS SOLD OUT. General Admission available from WeGotTickets.com https://www.wegottickets.com/event/609581

FSJB@thebutler are excited to present Dandelion & the Drop for this reggae Friday special.

Dandelion & The Drop are a 9-piece band with full horns, percussion and dubs……melding jump up grooves, down and dirty bass, epic walls of sound and clever lyricism….

The band, whose spiritual home is Reading, have appeared at numerous UK & International festivals over the last few years and have released several EPs, singles & re-mixes and a debut album featuring the late great Lee Scratch Perry.

With a new album scheduled for later this year, they come heavy and alive at the Butler’s live room, The Left Wing on Friday 3^rd May.

“The Drop create a mesmeric stage show, captivating the audience from the first track to the reluctant last.”

“UK Reggae at its best” (David Rodigan, BBC 1Xtra)

“The Drop’s contemporary take on Jamaican Roots music has been accepted and acclaimed across the board. National radio support from David Rodigan (BBC Radio 1Xtra), Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 Music), Gilles Peterson (World Wide FM), Becca Duddley (Beats 1), Huw Stevens (BBC 6 Music), and online support from Clash, Bandcamp, Irie Mag, Reggaeville, United Reggae and UK Bass Music to name a few.” Funkdub.co.uk

Click here for more info/audio/video Dandelion & The Drop

VENUE

The Butler, 85-91 Chatham Street, Reading, RG1 7DS

Drinks from the bar, music in the Left Wing live room

PAST EVENTS

Ma Bessie

Julia Titus returned to her home town to play a very special performance of Ma Bessie at FSJB on Thursday 1st June. It was standing room only as the full house gave an enthusiastic reception to her soulful – (and naughty!) rendition of blues and jazz classics and some wonderful original songs written by Julia herself. She was accompanied by Matt Foster on guitar who made a sterling effort to keep up the pace (or slow down as requested by Julia!) due to a last minute op for percussionist Andy. Julia’s wonderful, deep voice filled the room – as did her humour and laid back style. With a gin in hand, she led the singing for some fun – and also moving, audience participation – what a great night!

Photo credits: Steve Omahoney/Alison Rolls

FUSION 6

This was a great night with a full house and such a wonderfully appreciative audience for the excellent playing from Fusion 6. We all had a great time and the band also got to launch their new CD – A Dollar 9 for a Bottle of Wine. DJ David Crocker from Universal Records played a very cool contemporary jazz set to add to the evening’s special club night atmosphere. We hope to have Fusion 6 back in September for FSJB – watch this space.

Limpopo Groove

This was a brilliant party night – lots of fun and great Afro- fusion grooves from Tomson Chauke and his band Limpopo Groove. Their new songs are wonderful – filled with joy, melody and tight rhythms from these excellent musicians. The audience was in full on dance mode and happily showed their appreciation for this great, original band. Lots of praise also to DJ David Crocker who kept the mood upbeat and eclectic on the decks with some afro-beat and rare groove tunes.

Limpopo Groove at FSJB@thebutler Photo credit ©David Crocker

P’Jam

Our second FSJB night at the Butler was our first with a live band and P’Jam did not disappoint!

Annie Parker gave a full-on performance on flute and bass flute, accompanied by her band mates Phil Craddock – piano, Marianne Windham – bass, Jim Wade – drums.

The audience, who had indeed come for the music, were great too, while DJ David Crocker set up a jazz club vibe on the decks.