The Bamboos are Australia's masters of raw, old school Funk breaks and super-heavy Soul.
Led by Guitarist Lance Ferguson (AKA Lanu), other members include Kylie Auldist (Vocals), Dustin Mclean/Ben Grayson (Hammond Organ), Danny Farrugia (Drums), Yuri Pavlinov (Bass), Anton Delecca (Sax/Flute) and Ross Irwin (Trumpet).
The Bamboos formed in 2001 and released the 7" single 'Eel Oil/Blackfoot', earning them international acclaim from the likes of Snowboy, Mr Scruff, Jazzanova, Patrick Forge and Russ Dewbury. Their next release 'Tighten Up/Voodoo Doll' was picked up by Kenny Dope (Masters At Work) and Keb Darge (Legendary Deep Funk) for their U.S-based imprint Kay-Dee Records.
Making their home at Tru Thoughts records (home to Quantic and Alice Russell) in 2005, The Bamboos debut album ‘Step it Up’ was released jointly by Tru Thoughts and Ubiquity Records (US).
In 2004 and 2005 The Bamboos toured Australia and New Zealand alongside Quantic and Alice Russell to universal acclaim. In 2006 and 2007 The Bamboos toured Europe and the U.K, bringing their unmistakable sound to venues including The Jazz Café in London and countries including Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Belgium. The Bamboos live shows have evolved into non-stop mixtape-style throw-downs that draw the links between Hip Hop, Soul, Funk and old-school Breaks.
The Bamboos have performed at events including Meredith Music Festival, Falls Festival, The West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Golden Plains, The Adelaide Festival, The St Kilda Festival, The Sydney Festival, Trop Fest and have appeared on the ABC TV Show ‘Sunday Arts’
The Bamboos music has been featured in high rating TV Shows such as ‘Greys Anatomy’ (US) and ‘Ugly Betty’ (US)
The last Bamboos album ‘Rawville’ was described by IDJ magazine (UK) as ‘Arguably the best Funk album of the modern era…” Out through U.K’s Tru Thoughts, it was JBHiFi, Radio National and 3PBS FM’s ‘album of the week’ upon release in May 2007.
It was in ABC Australia’s Top 5 Albums for 2007
The Bamboos have performed as a backing band for international artists including: Eddie Bo (US),
Joe Bataan (US), Eddie Floyd (US), Alice Russell (UK) & The Quantic Soul Orchestra (UK)
They have supported numerous artists including:
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (USA), Moloko (UK), Derrick Carter (USA), Jazzanova (GER), Keb Darge (UK), Mathew Herbert (UK), Guru (USA), TY (U.K), Steinski (USA), Mad Mats (SWED), Quantic (UK), Snowboy (UK), Nextmen (UK), Joe Bataan (USA), Patrick Forge (UK).
The Bamboos - “Another Day In The Life Of Mr Jones” played on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show - BBC 6Music. Listen again on http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/funk_soul/"
Yo Bamboos! Thanks for rockin the Stepp Inn recently! Just dropped by to show some love and listen to them sweet tunes. Drop by and set up a Keytone sometime soon so all these fans can buy your shit....thanks for showing the world how to funk. Man, this ball's producin some sweet cream....
The Bamboos “My Baby’s Cheating I Sure Got The Feelin’ played on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show - BBC 6Music. Listen again on http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/funk_soul/"
Hey guys. Thanks so much for the other night. It was such a great vibe at the QBar, everyone loved it. We've been looking forward to seeing you play since we knew it was possible to get you up here. Nice to meet you all, love to do it again next time your up this way, cheers.
The Bamboos – Intro Jan Jan/Sing A Simple played on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show - BBC 6Music. Listen again on http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/funk_soul/"
