Cymande - Renascence

Renascence is the fourth studio album by British funk fusion band Cymande, released in January 2025 via BMG.

Legendary British band Cymande release their highly anticipated new album, Renascence, along with a new single “Coltrane,” a jazz-infused homage to the legendary artist and activist.

A true return to form and jewel in the crown of their iconic discography, Renascence picks up where their 1974 album Promised Heights left off – a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh modern edge to their iconic sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in the United States and UK.

Renascence tells the story of a band that never fully got its due back in the day; but are back to take the crown by remaining true to themselves – politically aware, and spiritually positive with infectious grooves.

Their latest single “Coltrane,” is a nod to the multi-faceted legacy of John Coltrane and exemplifies Cymande’s long-held deep jazz influences. “Coltrane” strikes a balance between tight arrangement and a loose comfort, dancing between genres like funk, jazz and Caribbean, that meld so naturally. Its slinking bassline, modal jazz influences, atmospheric shimmers of strings and wails of horns, including saxophone, all underscore the refrain, “Music is the message that creation sent.”

Guitarist Patrick Patterson says, “It came out of an original rhythm track that Ray (vocalist) put together called Early Morning. The rhythm created certain picture ideas in one’s mind which led to the way we developed the lyric. Also it had a jazzy thing, which brought about the concept about writing something relating to Coltrane. That’s a real three-part thing we put together with everybody making their contribution. I suspect it’s the same for all black musicians, what Coltrane represents in terms of artistry is the pursuit of the highest possible quality.”

Bassist, Steve Scipio adds “And Coltrane was also political! He wasn’t just an artist, and that was also one of the attractions. Although a quiet man by nature, he was aware of the issues that affected black people. This song is in recognition of his music, his creativity and his importance as a jazz musician.”

This album is a limited edition on transparent coral coloured vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, pressed in Germany via BMG.