The Haggis Horns @ The Zephyr, Huddersfield 20/9/12

Hailed by Mark Ronson as "the best f***ing horn section in the World!" the Leeds based funk group have a lot to live up for. As this 150 capacity venue begins to fill and increasing amounts of toes are stepped on the enthusiasm builds to almost bursting point.

Founded by Corinne Bailey Rae's late husband Jason Rae, the group had their first significant break in 2001, being featured  on the 'Keb Darge Presents The New Mastersounds' album. These edgy Northerners have received endless success and acclamation, playing with the likes of Jamiroquai, Amy Winehouse and Corinne Bailey Rae, thus catapulting them to the front line on the UK funk stage. Gathering great success on their debut album Hot Damn! and there follow up Keep On Movin' the Haggis Horns are sticking to their word and are trawling the UK, spreading their infectious funk vibe. 

Greeting the adorning crowd in such a way you feel you may know him already, lead singer Atholl Ransome has a certain Scottish charm and combined with Malcolm Strachen's sultry tones, this duo are effortlessly cool. Launching into well known numbers including The Traveller Part One and The Snarf Dance, a rippling wah guitar groove bursts onto the set, courtesy of Ben Barker and shuffling between defiant drum rhythms  and hi-hat smashes is a charismatic guest drummer who seems unable to stop smiling throughout the whole set. As the tantalizing intro to Love Gets You High hums softly you can almost feel the crowd begin to contort in unison and the feeling of joint appreciation is absorbed. Ransome has a masterful skill when it comes to playing the jazz flute and demonstrates it superbly in this track. Billowing melodies and curling crescendos create a fantastic atmosphere in the charming Zephyr bar. Nearing the end of the set the keyboards receive a rare chance of attention. Joe Tatton reveals rebellious organ riffs; coolly clicking and rolling through Pipe Bag. A liberating note to end this rousing set on as he was not heard from under the thunderous horns and squealing saxophone as he deserved.

The Haggis Horns have an irresistible force within them and show no signs of stopping on their captivating journey. Having climbed to the top of their game and become domineering names in the funk scene, their effortless skill and zealous ways make their live shows endlessly fascinating plus gaining them a celebrated status. As their success continues to increase one can only wonder, what next for these funk experts?