Honeyriders

Think the Corrs meet Swing Out Sister and you're close to the sound of Honeyriders, but you may find it surprising this cool and urbane music was born in Tanzania, East Africa. Lead singer Helen J. Hicks had worked with acid jazzers the James Taylor Quartet and alternative rockers Merchants of Venus before she became a singer in the clubs of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It was there she wrote the wistful songs that were to become the Honeyriders' repertoire. Moving back to her native London, Hicks recorded some tracks with drummer James Sedge. The sessions went so well they decided to form a band and a label. The label, Loudmouth Music Ltd, released a solo album by Hicks that was sold at gigs. It eventually sold out, drawing the attention of major labels, but Hicks didn't want to be signed as a solo artist. With the addition of guitarist Joe Gibson and bassist Graham Brown -- friends Sedge knew from previous bands and session work -- Honeyriders were formed. As label negotiations were underway, the band completed an album on their own. Decca bought the acoustic jazz meets dreamy pop album and released it as Honeyriders' self-titled debut in 2005. ~ David Jeffries