Release Date 23rd January 2026
Acid jazz founding figure Chris Bangs and former Style Council founding member Mick Talbot return with their new album ‘Smokin’ Aces’. It follows their acclaimed 2022 duo-billed debut album ‘Back To Business’ and two rapid sell-out 7” singles ‘Sumthin’ Else’ and, most recently ‘K-Jee’.
Chris Bangs coined the term ’acid jazz’ and was a prominent figure on the early scene, before an extensive production and DJ career, alongside the likes of Yada Yada, Quiet Boys and Paul Weller. Mick Talbot is one of the UK’s top keyboard players. After founding the Style Council with Weller, he went on to play with Merton Parkas, before embarking on a preeminent session career.
‘Smokin’ Aces’ is an uplifting, contemporary fusion of genres and influence, distilling these sounds to create a timeless Acid Jazz album - ‘retrophonic but contemporary at the same time’ says Talbot.
Recorded and developed over a 2-year spell, following the last album, the new record features 12 new tracks, with Bangs & Talbot joined by instrumentalists and voices from all over the world.
Another important landmark in the careers of these two prolific artists, and the
wider sounds of acid jazz.
Tracklisting:
1. Smokin’ Aces
2. K-Jee
3. Keep Love Moving On
4. Subway Strut
5. Una Mas
6. Club Date
7. Double Standards
8. Soul Sauce
9. TLC Tender Loving
Care
10. Play The Game
11. Chilli Tamales
12. The Last Minute