08.08.2005 SPLURGE 25th ANNIVERSARY REUNION AT LEOPARD STUDIO

25 years ago The Umour Ritual Specialists began a tradition of live recorded jams, which were called "Splurge". Essentially these are unplanned, un-rehearsed spontaneous performances recorded live. Over the years liberties have been taken with the process, occasionally overdubbing a few tracks, but the spirit of spontaneity remains intact by limiting overdubs to "one per person" and "you only get one take".

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Splurge The Umouor Ritual Specialists spent 2 days at Leopard Studio. In the studio were Loudmouth Bill, Bob, Em and his brothers Fred and Sean, and Kane and Kol. Most of the first day was spent laying down literally hours of percussion jams. Fred and Sean are both trained and experienced Jazz musicians and this was a powerful influence on the direction of these live performances. There were also some completely live recordings of the "full band" with Fred on drums, Sean on sax and clarinet, Em on bongos, Bob on violin, Kol on guitar or bass, and Bill and Kane doing vocals. Here are some images and Recordings.