McAlmont & Butler | |
---|---|
Genres |
Indie rock Britpop Soul |
Years active | 1994–1995 2002–2004 2014-presents |
Labels | Hut EMI Rough Trade |
Associated acts |
Suede Thieves The Tears |
Members |
Bernard Butler David McAlmont |
McAlmont & Butler are an English rock/soul music duo, comprising singer David McAlmont and guitarist Bernard Butler.
Formed in 1994, David McAlmont and Bernard Butler had already experienced success, Butler as the guitarist in Suede, until his departure during the recording of their second album, Dog Man Star. McAlmont, a singer with a three octave range, had been part of the duo Thieves with Saul Freeman, subsequently releasing an album of their sessions under the name McAlmont in 1994.
The iconic “Yes", described by the British Hit Singles and Albums as “a conceptual masterpiece, superbly arranged and thrillingly executed” was released in May 1995, reaching number 8 in the UK Singles Chart. Written in the autumn of 1994 it was recorded in Normandy France at the home of co-producer Mike Hedges just before Christmas in a frantic three-day session which also bore the second single “You Do”. The release was delayed during which time weekend sessions were hastily arranged at London’s Rak Studios to lay down b-sides with a live group. The sessions were assisted and then engineered by a novice Nigel Godrich and produced by Butler, each track recorded and mixed on the same day. Butler recorded “How About You” and “Don’t Call It Soul” at home to 16-track, later mixed with Godrich. A singular live performance at London’s Hanover Grand was followed by the legendary performance on Later With Jools Holland. "You Do", reached number 17 in October. The recording sessions had produced enough material for an album, The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler.
After pursuing solo careers for several years, new collaboration "Falling", was welcomed warmly in 2002 to rave reviews followed by second single, "Bring it Back", and an album, Bring it Back, released later that year. This time the duo toured the UK and Ireland taking in festival and radio appearances with an accomplished band.