Das Contras

Bio:

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"Das Contras are a band of musicians from Fife in Scotland playing Folk-Funk-Jazz-Punk or something.

Elegant and unusual Das Contras display venerable creative ability in their music, with distinctive composition and craftsmanship.

They are rare carpenters with a distinct musical vision and spirit, at once eclectic and refined, brisling with improvised energy, a fusion of classical, jazz, reggae influences.

Das Contras are a rarity and a prize. Give these guys a listen, you won't be disappointed."

Scotcampus..



"A refreshing change to guitar bands, their obviously studied dedication to their craft created layers of sometimes up beat jazz and reggae to despairing sadness.

Think Ruben Wilson, gypsy violins, Miles Davies, filterless French cigarettes, The Bosstones, bull fighting and Ray Manzarek and you’ll probably wonder what the hell I’m talking about.

There appeared to be a fairly large fan base with them and rightly so. It was not just a gig but a celebration and a chance to party. A joy to watch and even better to listen to."

Live Music Direct



"Tonight's proceedings take a surreal twist when, about half way through Das Contras' set, a group of drunken cheerleaders crash into the venue and start chanting.

To their credit, Das Contras don’t even flinch and continue about their unenviable task of making danceable, catchy jazz without borrowing heavily from ska and reggae. They manage it with gusto.

Occasional Latin rhythms, the odd free form breakdown and a little piano weirdness mixed with probably the most impeccable musicianship The Loft has ever seen. "

The Skinny



"Das Contras are a rare breed, gigging a unique soundscape that is dynamic and original but with familiar roots.

This is a band that laps up the live environment and revels in getting feet from tapping to jumping."

Nexus Live



"Das Contras- one of the most talented bands in Scotland.

With an emphasis on trumpet and saxophone, they treated the Edinburgh audience to two John Martyn covers. "

The Herald



"Das Contras kept the Jazz flowing with a funk twist.

This sextet from Fife combined Latin, reggae, jazz and funk to create an engaging set that helped the beer go down more smoothly.

If your into bands like Ozomatli, Das Contras will not disappoint."

Chris Torres



"Upbeat jazz combo Das Contras, whose number may be cut to a trio today, but this only highlights the virtuoso playing of their pianist and eternally smiling saxophonist.

Lead singer and guitarist Watson’s vocals may make him sound like he’s from the barrios rather than Fife "

The Skinny



"Blend folk, rock, latin, punk, reggae, shake them around a bit and take yourself off to a distant place and you've found their sound. And what a sound it is- they really are making some great music. "

Music News



"Das Contras are beyond rational description. Irresistibly danceable, funky, with cracking tunes and unimpeachable musicianship.

There's more to love than should fit on a stage."

Is This Music?



"One of our favourites, Das Contras - a rabble-rousing blend of jazz, reggae and latin-tinged songs of love, hedonism and Fife."

Get Into Trouble



"Das Contras! Normally I’d run a mile from anything remotely jazz-funk, but these guys made me confront my prejudices."

Review



"Mixing rock, funk, folk and jazz, Fife band Das Contras are mesmerising live. "

Martel Maxwell



"An absolute joy, and one of Scotland's hidden pleasures."

Record



"High octane mix of Latin, funk and soul"

The Scotsman



"In a league of their own when it comes to energy and pure musical talent"

Music News Scotland








Das Contras play festivals...

Rochester International Jazz Festival (US), Eden Festival, SPRAOI Festival (Eire), Glasgow Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Wickerman Festival, Big Tent Festival, Meadows Festival, Merchant City Festival, Wee Tree Festival, Alchemy Festival, Wizard Festival, NY ItFest (US) and have performed across Europe and the US...

and support tours... Ozomatli, Acoustic Ladyland, Terry Callier, Marlena Shaw, Candi Staton, Rusted Root, Derrick Morgan, Spin Doctors, Curved Air



Das Contras debut album is available now.





BOOKINGS:

dascontras@scottishmail.co.uk



contra- (kän′trə) 1. against, opposite, opposed to, contrary.

Members:

Sher Watson (Vocals, Guitar)


Dave Webster (Trumpet, Keys)


Tony Courtney (Sax)


Sam Firth (Bass)


Colin Walker (Drums)


Gerardo Ballesteros (Percussion)


Andy Chisholm (Electric Guitar)

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Influences:

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Sounds Like:

"Blend folk, rock, latin, punk, reggae, shake them around a bit and take yourself off to a distant place and you've found their sound. And what a sound it is- they really are making some great music. "

- Music News

Das Contras: Rated one of the best Pop, Soul, Folk and Latin Bands in Scotland by Freak Music