British funk legends Cymande have announced new album Renascence which will be out January 31 via BMG. It will be their first album since 2015’s A Simple Act of Faith (which was their first album since 1981’s Arrival which was actually recorded in 1974). Produced by Ben Baptie, the album features founding members Patrick Patterson (guitars, vocals) and Steve Scipio (bass, vocals), longtime members Adrian Reid (keyboards) and vocalist Raymond Simpson, plus Richard Bailey (drums), Donald Gamble (percussion), Denys Baptiste (saxophone) Kevin Davy (trumpet) and Toni Kofi (saxophone). Renascence also features contributions from Soul II Soul‘s Jazzie B and Celeste.
“The genesis for this song stemmed from an observation on the kind of world we are living in; reflected in the materialistic focus of today’s society and culture,” says bassist Steve Scipio of “Chasing an Empty Dream.” “But the song also has a positive message of hope and optimism. A hope that one day society will see sense and pull back from the brink; to once again understand and appreciate the importance of the values that were once held so dear, in shaping a positive future for all.” Listen below.
Cymande will also be on tour in early 2025, including a NYC show at Irving Plaza on February 13. All dates are listed below.
Renascence
Chasing An Empty Dream
Road To Zion
Only One Way (Featuring Celeste)
Coltrane
Sweeden
How We Roll (Featuring Jazzie B)
Heart Of The Willing
I Wanna Know
Darkest Night
Carry the Word
Cymande US Tour Dates:
FEB 13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
FEB 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
FEB 15 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre
FEB 18 – Chicago, IL – Metro
FEB 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre
FEB 21 – Denver, CO – Bluebird
FEB 22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile
FEB 23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
FEB 26 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall (Noise Pop Fest)
FEB 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether