London Elektricity

Though Chris Colman’s name has now become synonymous with London Elektricity, this project was once more than a one man act. This outlet started out as a two piece, consisting of Colman and Chris Gross. Apart from forming London Elektricity, the two are also noted for founding the record label, Hospital Records. It was through this label that they released their studio debut “Pull the Plug”. This release featured both acclaimed jazz pianist/vocalist Liane Carroll and founding Fugees‘ member John Forte.

Gross left the project in 2002 to focus his attention on managing Hospital records. Coleman continued to perform as London Elektricity, but frequently recruited the help of session musicians, including double bassists, guitarists, brass instrumentalists, string players etc...

Colman released his 2nd studio album “Billion Dollar Gravy” in 2003. The album is praised for its elaborate use of live instrumentation and is also noted for marking a step further into the genre liquid funk. Coleman functioned so well with this group of hired musicians that he decided to take them on tour. One of their shows was actually turned into the live DVD “London Elktricity: Live Gravy”, which saw release in 2004.

The 3rd London Elektricity album, “Power Ballads” came out on 11 October 2005. While this album features virtually the same line up used on the previous album and still draws heavily upon liquid funk, it stands out in the sense that it displays a predominant integration of the Drum and Bass style. The snarky album cover, which features Coleman standing on water, while holding an omnichord perfectly captures the light, quirky nature of this release.

The next album “Medical History” did not feature a live band, but rather exclusively consisted of Coleman’s DJ work. London Elektricity was awarded best live act by BBC 1Xtra Xtra Bass in 2007 and a year later issued it’s 6th album “Syncopated City”. In 2011 Coleman put out his 7th studio album “Yike’s”, which peaked at No. 143 on the UK charts.

Given Coleman’s eclectic style it comes to no surprise that he lists influences as diverse as Led Zeppelin, Kraftwerk, Talking Heads, and Brian Eno; however, in spite of the many sounds these artists‘ encompass their are certain parallels that can be made amongst them and this act of finding similarities in apparently disparate musical forms seems to be at the very core of Colman’s music.