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.