THEN...
The Gene Drayton Unit (aka GDU) does the Hammond & horn thing in a way that references the 60's, but is at the same time thoroughly modern.
With the blues at the root, the sound fuses jazz, rhythm ‘n’ blues, garage, northern soul, rock, funk and punk. Live GDU shows are renowned for their energy, excitement and unpredictability - nothing’s ruled out in the GDU repertoire; as Gene always maintains, You Can’t Sit Still.
The Unit has released 7 vinyl singles and 3 LPs, and has gigged extensively across England and in Italy, Spain, Sweden, France, Ireland, Belgium, Greece and Scotland. All available albums and singles, including our latest single (Chips and Beans/Geno) and album (Done'n'Dusted) will be for sale again shortly in our shop, which is currently closed for refurbishment after a recent change of management.
NOW...
NEWSFLASH 22 MARCH 2010:
LONG GONE GENE!
It is with great regret that we have to announce to you news of the death last night of Mr Gene Drayton, modernist mould-breaker, diplomat, dandy and svengali.
Belgian police reported today finding an immaculately-cut 3-button pinstripe suit, a harmonica, a packet of menthols and a book of Ginsberg poems piled neatly where the peripherique meets the river, just past the jazz traffic lights. Sources close to the gendarmerie suggest that Drayton took the typically bold decision to opt for a watery final resting place.
Tears were shed freely across Brussels as the news broke - grown men contributing in no small part.
The Unit, therefore, is no more. But we shall remember Gene through his prodigious recorded legacy, and the many fruits of his eternally fecund loins including The Imperfections, the Getup, Orgestra Koolberg, Dangerous Heresy, Hammond Hitmen and a big chunk of Fantasticness.
We've all been touched by Drayton dust. Thanks to all of you whose enthusiasm, support and belief helped Gene to spread that magic across Britain and Europe for 9 years - it was always a blast.
