THINGS come and go in the music business but quality musicians are never very far away from the centre of the action. So it is with Kokomo, one of the original British funk bands, who appear at the Brentford Red Lion tomorrow.
Despite making a startling impression in the 70s and returning to the fray in the mid-80’s, the band’s individual members have always been as big as the sum total. Kokomo are an eight piece band with three vocalists. Paddy McHugh, Diane Birch and Frankie Collins. They have been hired by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry and Joe Cocker. Frankie Collins’ astonishing vocal range has found him touring the USA this year with Terence Trent D’Arby.
The band members are nothing if not multi-talented and sax player Mel Collins had found work with both Dire Straits and Sting. Guitarist Hubbard has been performing with Steve Winwood and Bryan Ferry in Paris, and not to be outdone Tony O’Malley enjoyed a run of tours with 10CC.
Tomorrow’s appearance at the Red Lion is their first of 1988.
PETE FEENSTRA – Hounslow Star