Mamas Gun

Mamas Gun is a 5-piece band from the UK. Their sound is one that straddles so-called blue-eyed Soul and the best of Soul in the Black music tradition. With that music being the common ground between the 5 members, echoes of artists such as Marvin Gaye, Bobby Caldwell, Bill Withers, Lewis Taylor and Sly Stone can be heard weaving in between the sonic threads of their frequently uplifting and heart-rending music.

Drummer Chris Boot's softly-but-always-groovy presence on the drums is perfectly complimented by the warm bouncy James Jamerson-esque bass guitar stylings of Cameron Dawson. Together their sound is intimate, highly musical and questing. Guitarist Terry Lewis' deft touch on the guitar adds to the authenticity of sound. Think percussive Motown style "chanks", shimmering spring reverb, Cornell Dupree's chordal fluency and searing Isley Brothers style lead sounds. Dave Oliver's control and connection with keyboard instruments sees him at home with everything from serene jazz piano and crunchy Wurlitzer textures to roaring gospel Hammond and warm vocal-esque synth lines. Sitting atop is the yearning honeyed voice of Andy Platts. Surprisingly reluctant to identify as a singer, his abilities nevertheless are able to stir deep emotional reactions from listeners. Names like Marvin Gaye and Daryl Hall are often mentioned but Platts' really has a unique sound all of his own.

Mamas Gun was originally formed by Platts in 2007, who is also largely responsible for the group's songwriting output. Platt has also enjoyed an illustrious side career as a songwriter, penning hits for Take That, James Morrison and various high profile stars in South Korea and Japan. Since 2015 he has also been one-half of yacht rock duo Young Gun Silver Fox, alongside cult musician and producer Shawn Lee. YGSF has since cultivated a major presence in both Europe and the United States.

Mamas Gun have issued six albums to date, the latest DIG! featuring a line up completed by keyboardist Dave Oliver, known for being MD for Lisa Stansfield and guitarist Terry Lewis, a well regarded sideman whose credits include Leon Ware, The Impressions and Rumer, both there from Mamas Gun's inception; bassist Cameron Dawson, known for playing bass for Cinematic Orchestra, Puma Blue and Joy Crookes, who joined for 2014's third album Cheap Hotel and Chris Boot, whose playing credits include Alice Russell, Nilufer Yanya and Lucy Rose, the group's drummer since 2018's fourth album Golden Days.

"Our first three albums (2009's Routes To Riches, 2011's The Life And Soul, and 2014 Cheap Hotel) I see as having been made by a different band - certainly more modern, poppier and rockier than we ultimately became. I was still evolving as a writer and we were seeking a voice" says Platts. "Our fourth album Golden Days was the eureka moment when we hit our stride. The sound, the MO and the personnel all aligned to create the sound of Mamas Gun 2.0. This is the sound and outlook which has informed our last 3 albums - Golden Days, Cure The Jones and DIG!".