The Cosimo Matassa Project are a London band working to conjure up the unique rhythm 'n' blues flavours that emerged from New Orleans in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
At the core of the band are pianist and arranger Al Dunn (Loudon Wainwright / Richard Thompson), singer and double bassist Dai Price (Dai & The Ramblers) and drummer Roy Pfeffer (The Big Smoke Family). They’re often joined by top London session players with credits that include Allen Toussaint, James Hunter and Van Morrison.
The band have become a staple on the R’n’B circuit, gigging around London clubs and bars such as Nightjar in Old Street, Brasserie Zedel in Mayfair and Ronnie Scott’s in Soho.
The entire project is born out of respect for the artists who passed through Cosimo Matassa’s studios, a genuine love for the music and a desire to summon up the sheer joy that pervades all of Cosimo’s recordings. Playing tunes by well-known artists from that era such as Fats Domino and Big Joe Turner, the band also like to unearth lesser-known gems by the likes of Smiley Lewis, Dave Bartholomew and Tami Lynn, as well as throwing in some original songs.
“Like James Hunter before him, frontman Dai Price is a man to watch”
“These guys are just knocking ‘em dead over there in the UK, and it does our hearts good to see them out there acting as ambassadors of all things New Orleans - hey, they even have their own hot sauce!”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £15 / £7.50 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.