About

A true return to form and jewel in the crown of their iconic discography, Renascence picks up where their 1974 album Promised Heights left off – a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh modern edge to their iconic sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in the United States and UK. Renascence tells the story of a band that never fully got its due back in the day; but are back to take the crown by remaining true to themselves – politically aware, and spiritually positive with infectious grooves.

Their latest single “Coltrane,” is a nod to the multi-faceted legacy of John Coltrane and exemplifies Cymande’s long-held deep jazz influences. “Coltrane” strikes a balance between tight arrangement and a loose comfort, dancing between genres like funk, jazz and Caribbean, that meld so naturally. Its slinking bassline, modal jazz influences, atmospheric shimmers of strings and wails of horns, including saxophone, all underscore the refrain,  “Music is the message that creation sent.” Guitarist Patrick Patterson says, “It came out of an original rhythm track that Ray [vocalist] put together called Early Morning. The rhythm created certain picture ideas in one’s mind which led to the way we developed the lyric. Also it had a jazzy thing, which brought about the concept about writing something relating to Coltrane. That’s a real three-part thing we put together with everybody making their contribution. I suspect it’s the same for all black musicians, what Coltrane represents in terms of artistry is the pursuit of the highest possible quality.”

Bassist, Steve Scipio adds “And Coltrane was also political! He wasn’t just an artist, and that was also one of the attractions. Although a quiet man by nature, he was aware of the issues that affected black people. This song is in recognition of his music, his creativity and his importance as a jazz musician.” Renascence has everything both old fans and new would want from a Cymande album – spacious, haunting grooves that build over time, letting saxophones wail, drumbeats echo, and guitars trill – see “Coltrane,” “How We Roll (feat. Jazzie B) and “I Wanna Know.” Upbeat soulful dance breaks on “The Darkest Night” and “Carry The World,” and soulful ballads like “Only One Way” (featuring Celeste) on lead vocals, and “Road To Zion” all coalesce into one of the most powerful comeback records, from a band with a lot to say.  Produced by Ben Baptie, Cymande is led by its founding members Patrick Patterson (guitars, vocals) & Steve Scipio (bass, vocals). The band also comprises long time members, Keyboardist Adrian Reid and vocalist Raymond Simpson, with the full complement of players being Richard Bailey (Drums), Donald Gamble (Percussion), Denys Baptiste (Saxophone) Kevin Davy (Trumpet) and Toni Kofi (Saxophone). — via Label

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Label: BMG 
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Released: 2025
Genre: Rock, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk, Soul

File under: Funk / Soul
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