Cymande ft: Celeste - Only One Way (Single) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Dean Chalkley
Founding members of Cymande; Patrick Patterson & Steve Scipio sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Steve Scipio: As a child growing up in Guyana, I was always interested in music from the earliest age I can remember. In particular, my dad had a great voice and was always singing the popular songs of the time by US artists in the home – Nat King Cole, Brook Benton, Ray Charles etc. There was also the indigenous Caribbean calypso music with which most children were familiar and participated, even if they did not fully understand the significance of some of the risqué lyrics. This love for music continued when I moved to the UK in the early 60s, and as I grew older became a jazz fanatic with particular interest in Miles Davis’s work in the 60s. But my interest was not only jazz, I also loved the work of Jimi Hendrix and his influence in expanding the perceived musical boundaries existing at the time.
Patrick Patterson: My love for music began after I moved to England as a young boy , although I do not have a distinct memory, it was deepened when I encountered the music of Jimmy Hendrix and immediately became a total devotee. At some time in my early teens, I had obtained an acoustic guitar from my older brother, who had no real interest in using it, thereafter a great deal of my spare time was spent in learning to play the instrument from various guitar books and listening to guitar players.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Steve: I have difficulty identifying any particular artist that may have influenced my bass playing style. This may be due to the fact that the bass was, at the time, considered more a support instrument. Also, from the outset, Cymande set about writing and performing original material, so the influences that may have occurred from doing cover material, never had an opportunity to materialise with Cymande. In particular, I have never considered the bass to be just a support instrument and this is apparent from songs, for example, such as Bra and The Message on the first Cymande album. For me, it was, and is, necessary for the bass to have a clear identity, as much as the guitar or saxophone have an identity. It is pleasing to see that today, with the work of the likes of Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorious, Marcus Miller to name a few, the bass is no longer seen purely as a support instrument, but an instrument that can take the lead. In terms of working with other artists, we have on the latest Cymande album due for release in January 2025, collaborated with the excellent young British vocalist, Celeste, and Jazzie B. Jazzie B’s contribution to the UK music scene with Soul II Soul is well documented and recognised with an OBE.
Patrick: My influences in relation to the guitar include Jimmy Hendrix and many jazz guitar players notably Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery, and Buddy Guy, and also soul guitar star of the day: Steve Cropper. But I also loved and still love players such as Herbie Hancock, Roland Kirk, Miles Davis and the late Wayne Shorter, to name but a few. As for people I would like to work I the future, I am open to most things, but I must say that we have had a couple of wonderful recent collaborations on the new album with Celeste and Jazzie B, that also involved Arranger /Composer Chris Cameron, who I have known for many years and who came back into our musical lives for this new album , that has been a real pleasure and a memory to cherish.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Steve: Cymande has just released its first single since the 70s called Chasing An Empty Dream. As already noted an album “RENASCENCE” is due for release in January 2025. The Band will be touring extensively in support of that album, commencing February 2025.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Steve: It is difficult to describe Cymande’s sound because it does not sit comfortably in any particular genre. It is somewhat eclectic with influences from our Caribbean roots, but also soul, jazz, funk and rock. The label we used to describe our sound in the 70s was “Niah Rock”, but that would not adequately reflect where the band is at now. One interesting and important addition to the Cymande sound not present on the first three albums, are keyboards. While the sound still comprises elements of funk and rock, the jazz influence is more prominent, as is the focus on more melodic structures – but still difficult to pigeonhole.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Steve: I am unable to speak to a “proudest moment”, but there are several experiences of which I am particularly proud including, firstly, that Cymande was, and probably still are, the only UK musicians to have played the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York in 1973; also that Cymande continues to have relevance to, and influence, a generation of young musicians worldwide; worthy of recognition and chronicling in the documentary “Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande”.
Patrick: I agree with Steve , there have been a number of “proud moments” , but in addition to touring the USA with Al green and Playing at the Apollo Theatre, I have a great deal of pride about having played the Rainbow Theatre in London with Kool and the Gang in 1975, it was to my mind an absolutely amazing gig and a wonderful experience.
Album Artwork: Koby Martin
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Steve: Music is one of the most difficult and demanding professions to pursue and be successful. But it is also one of the most satisfying, enjoyable and rewarding experiences in life when performing on stage before appreciative fans. If you believe strongly in what you are doing, stick to it and be prepared to deal with the many detractors you will find along the way.
Fortunately, young musicians today have online outlets for their music other than the record companies, which are not as dominant as in days gone by. A good example of this is JustinBieber’s YouTube career which contributed significantly to his later emergence as a major As one of our original Cymande members, Mike Rose would say, practice, practice, artist.
Patrick: Practice.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Steve: Cymande’s new album in 2025.
Patrick: In addition to Cymande, check out Celeste , she is a wonderful talent.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your personal playlist currently?
Steve: I tend to mostly listen to jazz when travelling; I find it relaxing. My current playlist include the following: Miles Davis – In A Silent Way; Miles Davis - Bitches Brew; John Martyn – The Church With One Bell; Jim Hall – Concierto; David Sanborn – Pearls; John Coltrane – The John Coltrane Quartet Plays; John Coltrane – Ballads; Charlie Haden/Pat Metheny – Missouri Sky; Herbie Hancock – River The Joni Letters; Keith Jarrett – Facing You; Keith Jarrett – Changes; Ramsey Lewis – Dance of the Soul; Jaco Pastorius – Trilogue Live at the Berlin Jazz Days; John Handy – Projections.
Patrick: Herbie Hancock albums: “Imagine” and “The River”.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Steve: I am really into technology. Coming from an age when a transistor radio was considered a marvel, walking around today with a computer in your pocket is just mind-boggling. I can’t get enough of playing around with phones and computers. In particular, I get really excited when there is some new technological development on the horizon. I also love opening up things and exploring inside to see how they work. As a child this got me into a lot of problems with my parents, but I find that my interest in such matters is not diminishing as I get older. I also read a lot. You can now walk around with a whole library in your pocket. I particularly like reading political commentaries on the issues impacting the world today. My favourite subscription at the moment is a New York online publication called “Foreign Affairs”.
Patrick: Thinking about making music, especially lyric writing, it is an amazing art form. In addition to that, I am a great believer in acquiring knowledge and doing a lot of research.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Steve: My bass obviously; my phone; a comfortable chair.
Patrick: Concentration, inspiration and light. Darkness pulls my spirit down.