finetune artist: The Herbaliser

The Herbaliser is led by Jake Wherry and DJ Ollie Teeba, who work from the former's TrainTrax studio in Twickenham. Wherry grew up in south London interested in jazz, funk, rare groove and hip-hop, and played the bass and guitar in several jazz, funk and rock bands. Teeba began DJing when he was 15 and later played hip-hop, electro and funk in clubs and warehouses around London. After Wherry had built his studio in 1992, the pair began working together; they later met DJ Food at a club and signed with Ninja Tune Records. Their first release, "The Real Killer"/"Blowin' It" (1995), was recorded with keyboards, percussion and horns to produce an abstract blend of jazz instrumental sounds and hip-hop beats, created in a repetitive, sample-orientated manner. After a second single, their debut album, Remedies, attracted critical praise when it was released in October 1995 and helped promote Ninja Tune. During 1996 they performed live around the UK and Europe with a band that included drums, bass, keyboards, percussion and horns. The following year they toured again to promote further singles, including "New And Improved"/"Control Centre", and a new album, Blow Your Headphones, which emphasised their hip-hop roots. The over-slick Very Mercenary followed two years later. Wherry and Teeba launched their own Department H imprint with Session One, a live in the studio session featuring the extended touring line-up of the Herbaliser Band.

Listen to The Herbaliser at Finetune.

Sensual Woman
K: a Mother
It's Just For You
Mrs Chombee Takes The Plunge
Theme From Control Centre