Having been together since 1999, it was only recently, in May 2004, that this UK funk four-piece began to make waves on the American funk scene, thanks to the vision and commitment of Chicago enthusiast Dave Vandenburg (3 on the B Records).

Led by guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts, the NMS features Bob Birch on Hammond, Pete Shand on bass and Simon Allen on drums. There have been various guests in the line up over the years, but most recently the band have been joined by sax/flute player Rob Lavers, who appears on the new album - 102% - and is now a regular on the live gigs.

Though the NMS sound is very much their own, there are strong influences from the late-sixties soul-jazz of artists such as Jimmy McGriff, Lonnie Smith and Grant Green, as well as New Orleans funk pioneers the Meters. In 2004 the band had the honour of backing Blue-Note sax legend Lou Donaldson for his UK tour. (free mp3 download available at www.newmastersounds.com)

Their vintage-sounding 7" single releases have made them very popular with funk DJs and record collectors around the world and the live shows have a freshness and energy that sets dance-floors on fire. In 2006, after the US and Japanese release of their 'Live at La Cova' CD, the NMS have been touring in the USA, France and Japan, as well as writing and recording the new album, which is due for simultaneous release in UK, USA and Japan in January 2007.

The slideshow below features images from their first ever performance in Tokyo, by music photographer Yusuke Kitamura (e: unk2658@hotmail.com)