Just when you were wondering, “where the hell is Wareham? ” the former Acoustic Ladyland leader and saxophonist has announced a brand new band, Melt Yourself Down, and a debut gig in October.

Pete Wareham (pictured), who also plays in Polar Bear, folded Acoustic Ladyland last year after 11 years blazing a trail for the new wave of Brit Jazz, inspiring many new young bands, collectives and scenes to develop throughout the UK. Melt Yourself Down include Wareham on sax and electronics, Shabaka Hutchings on saxophones, former Acoustic Ladyland bassist Ruth Goller, singer Kushal Gaya from Zun Zun Egui, drummer Tom Skinner from Sons Of Kemet and Hello Skinny, and percussionist Satin Singh who’s played with Transglobal Underground.

Wareham describes the band as: “The sound of Cairo ’57, Cologne ’72, New York ’78 and London 2013” and refers to taking the heart of Acoustic Ladyland and reanimating it with, “intense, sweaty funk, uplifting horns and blistering Nubian drums.” Melt Yourself Down make their debut at the Queen Of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, London, EC2 on 18 October and, knowing Wareham, should no doubt be a key new band to watch out for next year. 

– Jon Newey