Music anoraks will know that keyboardist /vocalist/composer MIKE LINDUP (above) was a founder member of Level 42. They’ll also know the band were hugely successful but disbanded in 1994 only to reform in 2001, though Mike didn’t rejoin till 2006. In the interval he worked with a band called Da Lata who proffered a Brit take on Brazilian music. Mike also pursues his own solo career – though it’s a little sporadic. He released his first solo album, ‘Changes’, back in 1990. That was followed by 2003’s ‘Conversations With Silence’ and 2011’s ‘One The One’. Then some singles and the last we heard was the 2023 album ‘Changes 2’.
Mike’s always making music though; indeed he’s lined up a very special gig at the famed Union Chapel in Islington, which will feature a whole range of special guests! The date is December 21st and to whet appetites, there’s a brand new single on the way – a jazzy, percussive, Latin groove, ‘Perplexity’.
The track’s as complex and meandering as that title suggests. Mike described is it “An instrumental, Influenced by Belize “old school” Brukdown, Azymuth, George Duke, Stevie, Salsa basslines and Chick Corea” – and yes, something of a throwback to his days with Da Lata.
The Latin scat vocals are down to Carolina Lelis and also involved are Mike Patto on additional keys, Chris Franck on guitar, Satin Singh on percussion (and laughter). Production’s down to by Toni Economides and Mike Patto, so you know we’re talking Brit soul/jazz quality.
‘Perplexity’ is released 29th November via Knapdale Records
