With a string of late 70’s – early 80’s Brit Jazz/Funk Classics like “London Town”, “I Shot the Sheriff”, “No.1 Girl”, “I’m So Happy”, “Time” and “Swingin’”, the British band Light Of The World laid the foundation for the massive British Dance/Street Soul movement.

The band’s stunning musical prowess carved them a formidable reputation both on vinyl and live on stage. However, by the early 80’s the original band (initially an 8 piece aggregation) split into 4 units: Beggar & Co, Incognito, Brit Funk Association and Light of the World.

Throughout their musical careers these 3 original members have collaborated with many world-famous acts:

• Gee Bello worked with George Michael, Kathy Sledge and Incognito
• Mel Gaynor worked with Elton John, David Bowie and Simple Minds
• Nat Augustin worked with Rick Astley, Spandau Ballet, Alexander O’Neal

On September 25th 2020 Light Of The World, led by the creative nucleus of original members Gee Bello (Vocals/Percussion), Nat Augustin (Vocals/Guitar) and Mel Gaynor (Drums), released “Jazz Funk Power”, their first album release in 20 years! The new album was produced by the legendary Nigel Martinez, and showcases a unique hybrid which meshes gutsy soulful vocals, tight jazz horn melodies and fat gritty bass lines, with a contemporary groove. The album was #1 on the UK Soul Charts during 4 weeks.

Gee explained “the Jazz Funk Power album came about after realizing that many of our favourite bands like Earth Wind and Fire, Incognito, Jamiroquai, Tower of Power, Brand New Heavies, Kool & The Gang and Chic were still enjoying success many decades later. With our records still being played across national and worldwide radio with digital streaming platforms too, we realized our music also has a timeless quality, therefore Jazz Funk really does have Power and Energy … so it felt right to name the album Jazz Funk Power”

Although “Jazz Funk Power” is LOTW’s first new album release (featuring new material) in over 20 years, LOTW have always kept on performing live and have shared the stages (both at major festivals and at major venues like the Indigo at the O2 in London) with many special American artists including Jocelyn Brown, Kathy Sledge, Gwen McCrae, James “D-Train” Williams and the late Colonel Abrams.

“Great soulful tunes with a nostalgic feel but remaining contemporary, reaching into the past to bring us what the present needs”

(John Osborne, Jazz FM)