Working Week offers a masterclass in the intersection of British jazz-dance and socially conscious soul. Their sound is defined by a crisp, professional production style that highlights the interplay between Simon Booth's rhythmic guitar work and Larry Stabbins' expressive saxophone lines. It is music that feels both intellectually engaged and physically moving, bridging the gap between the smoky jazz club and the upscale dance floor.
What truly sets them apart is their ability to weave Latin percussion and soul sensibilities into a jazz framework without losing their political edge. By utilizing a rotating cast of powerhouse vocalists, they maintain a fresh perspective across their discography, moving from the stark, urgent protest of their early singles to the more refined, lush arrangements of their later albums.
Start with 'Working Nights' to hear the band at their most essential. It captures the vibrant energy of the mid-80s London jazz scene, offering a perfect blend of danceable rhythms and thoughtful songwriting that remains a touchstone for the acid jazz movement.
Working Week were a British jazz-dance band active in the 1980s and 1990s. Working Week was formed in 1983 by guitarist Simon Booth and saxophonist Larry Stabbins from the band Weekend, which ended when singer Alison Statton left to become a chiropractor. Initially a floating ensemble of nine players including trombonist Annie Whitehead, vocalist Julie Tippett, pianist Keith Tippett and percussionist Bosco D'Oliveira, Working Week released their debut single "Venceremos (We Will Win)" during the following year. The song was a tribute to Chilean protest singer Víctor Jara, with vocals by Robert Wyatt and Tracey Thorn (the latter from the band Everything but the Girl). It became the band's highest placing in the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at No. 64. Booth and Stabbins then recruited Juliet Roberts as permanent vocalist and started working on an album. The debut album Working Nights was released on Virgin Records in April 1985. Produced by Robin Millar and mixing many styles such as soul, jazz and latin music, the album was a success with 150 000 UK and overseas sales. Roberts continued as singer on the 1986 album Compañeros and Surrender, released in 1987, but left the band after that year's single, "Knocking on Your Door". Julie Tippett returned as vocalist for the 1989 album Fire in the Mountain, and Eyvon Waite was solo vocalist for Black and Gold (1991), the band's final studio album. Working Week appeared on 9 February 1986 at the Royal Albert Hall in a benefit concert for victims of the 1985 Armero tragedy in Colombia. The same year they contributed to the Absolute Beginners film soundtrack.
Shares percussion, trumpet, nu jazz, soul (signature)
Shares acid jazz, nu jazz, soul, hi fi (signature)
Shares acid jazz, percussion, nu jazz, saxophone (signature)
Shares nu jazz, soul, soulful, coffee shop (subgenre)
Shares nu jazz, soul, soulful, hi fi (subgenre)
Shares acid jazz, trumpet, saxophone, soulful (signature)
Shares nu jazz, soul, saxophone, soulful (subgenre)
Shares nu jazz, soul, soulful, coffee shop (subgenre)
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