(July 16, 2024) Longtime friends and musical partners McKenzie & Gardiner honed their recording chops amidst the late 1970s and early ‘80s rise of Brit-funk bands like Light of the World, Central Line, and Hi Tension. Although the pair made some noise in 1983 through a sterling collaboration with a then-unknown Jaki Graham entitled “From Time,” business roadblocks prevented much of their subsequent output from being heard outside of small industry circles.
True to the title of their signature record, the duo’s unreleased work began to garner newfound attention from time (three decades, to be precise) in which their original 12” vinyl single became highly valued amongst modern soul and boogie collectors. During the 2020 lockdown, they rejoined forces and released several singles of their demos. They’ve since begun writing and producing new material for Portugal-based DJ Headstretch’s label, with the latest session producing a single earlier this year called “We Can Make It Better.” The track has now been reconstructed as “Bettah Funk,” a punchy and percolating synth-funk affair highlighting McKenzie’s sophisticated baritone finesse.
“Bettah Funk” stirs together a smooth eighties sensibility with contemporary technological adornments. Its colorful structure foregoes predictable sequencing and arrangement in favor of a playful mixture of vocal sections, breaks, and solos. Gardiner’s lead keyboard lines complement McKenzie with zesty undertones of G-funk, while Headstretch’s additional percussive elements resonate with pepperings of nu jazz and electro.
Take a First Listen to “Bettah Funk”and welcome back McKenzie & Gardiner to SoulTracks!
