City Funk Orchestra

Since its inception in 2010, City Funk Orchestra (CFO) has occupied a specific niche in the UK’s live music landscape, delivering what many consider the most authentic “dance-all-night” experience in the country. Eschewing the more generic approach of many soul ensembles, CFO focuses on the intricate, high-fidelity arrangements of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, covering everything from the heavy funk of The Gap Band to the sophisticated soul of Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan.

The band’s enduring appeal is centered on its front line, featuring two of the most formidable vocalists in British music. Imaani remains one of the most recognizable voices in jazz-funk, having spent years as the lead vocalist for Incognito and representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. Beside her is Mary Pearce, a veteran of the global stage whose powerhouse vocals have supported the likes of Prince, Culture Club, and Primal Scream. Together, they bring a level of session-pro precision and raw soulful energy that has made CFO a staple at premier venues like Hampton Pool and London’s top jazz clubs.