The New Mastersounds

by Chris True Formed by former Mastersounds members Eddie Roberts and Simon Allen and new members Pete Shand and Bob Birch in Leeds in 1999, the New Mastersounds were an act that became part of the new-funk movement in England in the early part of the 21st century. Their first release, a limited edition run seven inch, was merely the band's first rehearsal. An album soon followed, Keb Darge Presents the New Mastersounds, in 2001 and by 2007 the band had released five albums, played a number of high profile gigs and undergone a membership change -- keyboardist Bob Birch departed to be replaced by Joe Tatton.