Light Of The World
Light of the World is a British jazz-funk band formed in London in 1978, known for pioneering the Brit-funk movement. They drew their name from Kool & the Gang's 1974 album Light of Worlds and achieved moderate chart success in the UK during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The band started with core members including guitarist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, bassist Paul "Tubbs" Williams, drummer Everton McCalla, guitarist Neville "Breeze" McKreith, percussionist Chris Etienne, keyboardist Peter Hinds, trumpeter Kenny Wellington, and saxophonist David Baptiste. Additions like vocalist/percussionist Gee Bello and guitarist Nat Augustin joined in 1979, strengthening their live presence. Early rehearsals evolved from informal sessions at venues like Crackers nightclub.
Their debut single "Swingin'" hit UK No. 45 in 1979, followed by Top 40 hits like a cover of "I Shot the Sheriff" (No. 40) and the double A-side "I'm So Happy"/"Time" (No. 35). Debut album Light of the World (1979) and Round Trip (1980, peaking at No. 73) were released on Ensign Records, blending funky grooves with brass sections. Later works included Check Us Out (1982) and a 1999 reunion album Inner Voices.
Lineup changes marked the early 1980s, with Baptiste, Wellington, and McKreith forming Beggar & Co., while Maunick and Williams launched Incognito. In 2020, original members Gee Bello, Nat Augustin, and drummer Mel Gaynor released Jazz Funk Power, topping UK Soul Charts for four weeks. The band remains influential in funk and soul circles.
Light Of The World
2 DreamsN. McKrieth, P. Williams (6:44)
3 Who Are You (Who Do You Think You Are?) Light Of The World 5:48)
4 Midnight Groovin' (V. Castellano 6:22)
5 Aspects (N. McKrieth 3:16)
6 Mirror Of My Soul (J.P. Maunick, V. Castellano 4:28)
7 Liv Togevver (The Greater London Funkathon) (Light Of The World, V. Castellano 5:02)
Label: Ensign – ENVY 7
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1979
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk
Light Of The World's self-titled 1979 album is the debut release from the British jazz-funk band and is considered a pioneering work in the UK's burgeoning Brit-funk scene. The album features a mix of electrified sounds, traditional instruments, and synthesizers, characteristic of the genre at the time.
The album is a foundational piece of the Brit-funk movement, influenced by American jazz-funk acts like Kool & the Gang (from whose album Light of Worlds the band took their name) and Earth, Wind & Fire.
It includes the track "Swingin'", which was the band's debut single, a significant dance-floor hit, and reached number 45 in the UK charts. The album was produced by Vincent Castellano.
The original band members included Wellington, Baptiste, and McKreith, who later went on to form the offshoot group Beggar & Co.
The album sleeve notably featured a pre-stardom headshot of the UK soul singer Sade. The release of the album was reportedly marred by the death of one of the band members, Etienne, during a promotional tour.