Preview: The New Mastersounds
I first learned of Leeds UK-based funk instrumental quartet The New Mastersounds around the time of release of their 2008 album Plug and Play. They were scheduled to play a gig in my hometown (Asheville NC) and I had a tentative plans to interview the band when they arrived. But at the last minute (Asheville was an early date on the planned tour) the band ran into visa problems — a common problem for many bands at the time.
So I was thrilled to learn that The New Mastersounds would be coming here for the Earth Day weekend festival. More pleased to hear their new album Ten Years On. And delighted to set up an in-person interview with the band while they’re here. So keep an eye open for a New Mastersounds feature, coming very soon. And if you’re in the vicinity of Asheville NC, go see them. It’s free, but a bargain at any price. (Other acts on the bill are more of the jam-band variety: in those cases one gets what one pays for.)
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.