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Jack Afro

Leeds' latest in what seems to be a production line of upstarts are Jack Afro. It was only fair we let them introduce themselves - via frontman Mark Crossley.

Posted 13th June 2006, 8:02pm in Interviews, by Missy Campbell
Jack Afro Leeds' latest in what seems to be a production line of upstarts are Jack Afro, signed to James Endeacott's 1965 Records imprint, and first recommended to us by our own Leeds-based DJ here. It was only fair we let them introduce themselves - via frontman Mark Crossley.

How did the band form?
I'd formed a respected band in Leeds called Lucky Royale and one gig we found ourselves being supported by Michael Kerr. Mike's a solo folk acoustic act and there are plenty of these around but Mike really seems to have something different. He instantly stood out to me on that gig anyway. He enjoyed Lucky Royale and asked to join. We gigged locally and started to grasp what kind of a sound we were wanting to achieve. We needed and good drummer and I knew James Rugg was available. I had probably known Ruggy for about two-three years as a friend of a friend. I knew he was class so got him in. With a steady three piece sound we recorded some demos and recieved some good feedback. We decided a fresh start would be good and changed to Jack Afro. We knew we wanted a keyboard player but knew we needed the right one (Retro organ etc). We found ourseleves being supported by The Revelators a fun, raw Leeds rock band. Steve Dymond was their keyboard player and I was jealous. Steve is the only man I've seen who can rock a keyboard. I asked Steve if he could help us out and jam. He accepted and it was good fun. Sadly (but not sadly for us!) The Revelators split and Steve joined Jack Afro permanently.

Are you doing anything to celebrate the release of your first single 'Take Me Home'?
Yeah we've had three single launch parties. The first one we had was at our favourite club night in Leeds called Fuzzy Logic. That was good fun, we had the video for the single playing on a brick wall behind us. Then we had a London knees up at Boom which is held at The Half Moon Putney. We are having an instore party on the day the single comes out, June 5th, at Crash records in Leeds.

You're putting it out through 1965 Records, how did that come about?
We sent the first Jack Afro demo out and James Endeacott liked it. He invited us down to play at The Windmill, Brixton. We got on well and went down a second time. James set up the new label and kindly offered us a single. I've got alot of repsect for James. For a man who has achieved so much he is incredibly nice. He seems to be different to a lot of the other A&R men. When you are with James at a gig it's like he's 15. You can see in the way he watches bands he loves music. He dances, sings along and makes you feel at ease. I like that in him. We're incredibly proud that 'Take Me Home' is going to be the first relase out on the 1965 Records label too. That's special.

Do you have an album in the pipeline?
We've been recording one with Will Jackson at Soundworks studios in Leeds. It's about 75% complete. Doing it has been so much fun. Everything was recorded live and we laid down 12 songs in 2 days. Will Jackson was rock solid, I remember thinking how knackered he must have been doing it. Our humour and charm pushed each other on though. We are going in to finish it off early June, all being well. But we've got another 6 new tracks we would like to lay down. So much to do and not enough time at the moment but I think that's ace.

How many Jack Afro members does it take to change a lightbulb?
I'm sure that Ruggy. Steve or I wouldn't reach. (I have a thing about touching light bulbs) and Mike just wouldn't be arsed. But James is definitely the most responsible member, so I'm sure he'd get it sorted. James is the kind of drummer your mum wants in the band. Bless him.

Which records have you been listening to on the tour bus / van?
I'd love to say we have a tour bus/van but we don't. Last week we did 2,500 miles in my Ford Ka in 4 days. Just to really squash this question my cd player in the car is broken. Sorry no touring songs.

What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
Writing, gigging, house finding, World Cup going, recording... And to do more cooking. I love cooking!
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