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Young Disciples

Young Disciples was a short-lived British-American acid jazz band formed in London in 1990 by American vocalist and keyboardist Carleen Anderson, bassist and guitarist Marco Nelson, and percussionist Femi Williams.^[1] The group drew influences from funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and dub, contributing significantly to the early 1990s acid jazz movement with their innovative fusion of jazz improvisation, rhythmic grooves, and socially conscious lyrics.^[2] Signed to the Talkin' Loud label, they released their debut and only studio album, Road to Freedom, in 1991, which peaked at No. 21 on the UK Albums Chart and showcased Anderson's smoky, powerful vocals alongside clever, unpredictable production.^[1]^[2] The album featured notable singles such as "Get Yourself Together" (1990, UK No. 68) and the breakout hit "Apparently Nothin'" (1991, UK No. 13), the latter blending soulful melodies with hip-hop elements and becoming a staple of the era's club scene.^[3] Road to Freedom also included guest contributions from rapper Masta Ace on tracks like "Apparently Nothin'" and saxophonist Maceo Parker, enhancing its muscular funk and jazz textures.^[1] Anderson, a soul music scion as the daughter of singer Vicki Anderson and goddaughter of James Brown, brought a rich gospel-infused heritage to the band's sound, which was rooted in her relocation from the United States to London.^[4] Despite their brief tenure, Young Disciples are regarded as one of the finer acts of the acid jazz wave, with Road to Freedom enduring as a landmark release that captured the vibrant intersection of London's rare groove and hip-hop scenes.^[4]^[3] Following the band's dissolution after the album's promotion, core members pursued individual paths, most prominently Anderson, who launched a acclaimed solo career with albums like True Spirit (1994) and continued to influence soul and jazz circles.^[4] Their work remains celebrated for its political edge and genre-blending innovation, often cited in retrospectives of 1990s British music.^[1]

Formation and Members

Origins and Early Influences

Young Disciples formed in London in 1990 as a British-American collective at the forefront of the emerging acid jazz movement, which fused jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop elements in the UK's vibrant club culture.^[1]^[5] The group was founded by vocalist and keyboardist Carleen Anderson, bassist and guitarist Marco Nelson, and DJ and producer Femi Williams, who came together after Anderson relocated from the United States to the UK capital.^[6] Their collaboration was sparked by shared interests in reinterpreting American soul traditions within London's dynamic early-1990s music scene.^[7] Carleen Anderson brought deep roots in gospel and funk, shaped by her upbringing in a musical family; her mother, Vicki Anderson, was a prominent vocalist and protégé of James Brown, exposing her to high-energy soul performances from an early age.^[8] Marco Nelson provided a solid rhythmic foundation influenced by classic American R&B grooves. Femi Williams added expertise from his time DJing in London clubs during the 1980s, where he honed programming skills amid the rise of hip-hop and warehouse parties, drawing from pioneers like Norman Jay.^[9] The band's initial motivation centered on blending live instrumentation with electronic production techniques to create music that resonated with urban youth, reflecting the socially aware ethos of the early 1990s UK club environment.^[10] Inspired by the fusion of genres in London's acid jazz circles, they aimed to bridge transatlantic sounds—merging Anderson and Nelson's American soul heritage with Williams' local DJ sensibilities—to address themes relevant to young city dwellers.^[11] This approach positioned Young Disciples as innovators in a scene that emphasized improvisation and cultural cross-pollination.^[12]

Core Members and Roles

Young Disciples was a trio comprising Carleen Anderson, Marco Nelson, and Femi Williams, each bringing distinct instrumental and creative roles that defined the band's acid jazz sound.^[4]^[2] Carleen Anderson served as lead vocalist and keyboardist, delivering soulful, gospel-infused performances that anchored the band's emotive core. Her background in gospel, inherited from her mother Vicki Anderson and stepfather Bobby Byrd, infused tracks with raw vocal power and charisma, often blending precision with jazz-funk rhythms. Anderson co-wrote lyrics addressing social themes, such as the cyclical nature of violence and conflict in "Apparently Nothin'."^[13]^[14] Marco Nelson handled bass, guitar, and organ, providing the rhythmic foundation through multi-instrumental arrangements rooted in funk traditions. His basslines drew from funk influences, contributing to the band's groove-oriented textures and enhancing the fusion of live instrumentation with electronic elements. Nelson co-composed music for key tracks, collaborating closely on production to shape the overall sound.^[4]^[5]^[14] Femi Williams, also known as Femi Fem, managed percussion, programming, and DJ scratching, integrating electronic beats and samples that propelled the acid jazz fusion. As a former club DJ, Williams incorporated hip-hop and dub influences through programming, adding layered rhythms and sampled elements that bridged traditional jazz with contemporary dance music. His production work helped blend the trio's inputs into innovative tracks.^[4]^[10]^[15] The trio's collaborative dynamic emphasized joint songwriting, arrangement, and production, often developed in studio sessions drawing from their shared DJ and warehouse party roots. While operating primarily as a core three-piece, they occasionally featured guest musicians like rapper Masta Ace for added vocal layers, fostering a live-energy approach to composition without formal band expansions.^[10]^[16]

Career and Releases

Early Singles and Breakthrough

Young Disciples released their debut single, "Get Yourself Together", in October 1990 through Talkin' Loud Records, followed by "Apparently Nothin'" in 1991.^[17]^[18] The track, featuring vocals by Carleen Anderson, critiqued social apathy with lyrics urging action against global injustices, such as "There's people dying all over the planet / And you don't even care / Apparently nothin'." A Soul River remix enhanced its appeal for club play, contributing to its commercial success.^[3] The single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 11 weeks in the Top 100.^[19] The band followed with a re-release of "Get Yourself Together" in 1991, originally issued in 1990, which showcased an evolving fusion of jazz-funk and house influences through its layered instrumentation and Anderson's soulful delivery.^[20] This version reached number 65 on the UK Singles Chart, building on the momentum from their initial output.^[21] In 1992, they issued a four-track EP on Talkin' Loud, featuring remixes like "Freedom (Free For All Mix)" and "Move On (Album Mix)," further highlighting their blend of acid jazz grooves and rhythmic experimentation.^[22] Formed amid the burgeoning UK acid jazz scene, Young Disciples signed directly to Talkin' Loud, a label founded by DJ Gilles Peterson after his departure from Acid Jazz Records, which allowed them to tap into a network of like-minded artists and promoters. They promoted their early releases through performances in UK clubs and gained airplay on BBC Radio 1, where Peterson's shows amplified emerging talent in the genre.^[23] The breakthrough from these singles established Young Disciples as key players in the acid jazz movement, earning endorsements from influential DJs like Peterson and aligning them with contemporaries such as Incognito and the Brand New Heavies on the Talkin' Loud roster.^[12] This exposure helped solidify their reputation for innovative, socially conscious music within London's club circuit.^[24]

Debut Album and Peak Activity

Young Disciples released their debut and only album, Road to Freedom, in 1991 on the Talkin' Loud label, a pivotal release in the emerging acid jazz scene that showcased the trio's blend of soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop elements. The album features 10 tracks, including standout singles like "Get Yourself Together" and "Apparently Nothin'," as well as the gospel-infused "As We Come (To Be)" and the instrumental "Freedom Suite." Produced primarily by the core members—Carleen Anderson on vocals and keyboards, Femi Williams on keyboards and drums, and Marco Nelson on bass and guitar—the recording took place at Solid Bond Studio in London during October and November 1990, emphasizing a mix of live instrumentation from session musicians and strategic sampling to create a rich, organic sound. Guest contributions added depth, with rapper Masta Ace appearing on "Talkin' What I Feel" and jazz luminaries such as Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, and Pee Wee Ellis providing horns on several tracks, while Paul Weller lent engineering support.^[25]^[26]^[27] The production process reflected the band's DIY ethos amid limited resources typical of independent UK labels at the time, prioritizing collaborative live takes in the studio over heavy reliance on samples, which allowed for a dynamic, politically charged energy throughout the record. Tracks like the instrumental dub versions of "All I Have" and "Step Right On" (featured on the UK edition) highlight this approach, merging southern American funk grooves with British rare groove influences to form a blueprint for acid jazz and early trip-hop. The album peaked at No. 21 on the UK Albums Chart and garnered strong critical acclaim for its sophisticated arrangements and incisive lyrics addressing social issues, earning praise as an "impressive debut" that uplifted through Anderson's rich vocals and the band's muscular funk. Reviews in outlets like AllMusic and Trouser Press lauded its seamless fusion of genres, positioning it as a genre-defining work in London's club culture.^[23]^[27]^[26]^[21] Following the album's release, Young Disciples entered a period of peak activity in 1991-1992, promoting Road to Freedom through UK radio play, club performances, and appearances in the burgeoning acid jazz circuit, which helped build a dedicated following in London and Europe. The success of singles like "Apparently Nothin'," which peaked at No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart, fueled this momentum and established the band as key players in the scene alongside acts like the Brand New Heavies. However, creative tensions over musical direction and individual ambitions began to surface, leading to reduced output after the initial promotional push and ultimately contributing to the group's dissolution by 1993, as members pursued separate paths.^[27]^[23]

Disbandment and Aftermath

Young Disciples effectively disbanded by 1993 following the release of their debut album Road to Freedom and 1992 EP, with no official announcement; the group simply faded from the music scene amid challenges at their label Talkin' Loud, which created difficulties for several signings including the band.^[28] Internal factors such as personal burnout from intense touring and production schedules, combined with differing artistic visions among members, contributed to the end of their collaborative efforts, though these were never publicly detailed.^[27] In the immediate aftermath, the members pursued individual paths within the UK soul and acid jazz landscapes. Carleen Anderson transitioned to a solo career, releasing her debut album True Spirit in 1994 on Circa Records, which extended the band's fusion of soul, jazz, and house elements through tracks like "Mama Said" and "Nervous," achieving commercial success with four UK Top 40 singles.^[29] Marco Nelson focused on session work, contributing bass and production to projects by prominent UK soul and rock artists, including Paul Weller's Wild Wood (1993) and Primal Scream recordings, leveraging his experience from the band's groove-oriented sound.^[30] Femi Williams (aka Femi Fem) maintained his presence in the acid jazz community through DJing and residencies, such as his MOBO Award-winning Rotation nights at Subterranea in 1998 and ongoing radio shows on Mi-Soul, preserving the genre's rare groove and breakbeat ethos.^[9] Archival interest in the band's material persisted, leading to repackaged releases that highlighted their influence; for instance, a 2006 expanded edition of Road to Freedom included bonus tracks and remixes, reintroducing their work to new audiences via Universal Music.^[25]

Musical Style and Impact

Genre and Sound Characteristics

Young Disciples are recognized as pioneers in the acid jazz genre, blending improvisational jazz elements with funky and hip-hop grooves, soulful vocals, and funk rhythms to create a vibrant, danceable sound that emerged from London's early-1990s club scene.^[4]^[14] Their music fused muscular funk rhythms with R&B flourishes, hip-hop influences, and subtle electronic textures, distinguishing them within the acid jazz movement.^[23]^[31] The band's signature sound centered on layered percussion provided by Femi Williams, which added rhythmic depth and propulsion, underpinning Marco Nelson's groovy, prominent basslines that drove the tracks' funky undercurrents.^[27] Carleen Anderson's low, smoky, and emotive vocal phrasing delivered soulful, gospel-inflected performances, often evoking comparisons to artists like Chaka Khan, while exploring themes of spirituality through gospel organs and social justice in their fiercely political lyrics.^[23]^[31] This interplay created an understated yet dynamic soul aesthetic, with airy guitars and surging hip-hop rhythms enhancing the improvisational feel.^[31]^[27] In production, Young Disciples employed clever sampling techniques, drawing from classic funk records such as James Brown's "Make It Funky" for tracks like "Funky Yeh Funki (Mek It)," which were seamlessly integrated with live instrumentation including horns from guest saxophonist Maceo Parker and keyboards handled by Anderson.^[32]^[23] These elements resulted in unpredictable transitions and a blueprint for acid jazz's fusion of samplers and studio musicians, balancing club energy with introspective depth.^[27] Their sound evolved from the club-oriented, beat-driven singles like "Get Yourself Together" in 1990, which emphasized danceable acid house and hip-hop grooves, to the more album-focused introspection of Road to Freedom (1991), where broader arrangements allowed for nuanced explorations of political and spiritual motifs.^[14]^[31] This shift highlighted a maturation toward layered, narrative-driven compositions while retaining the genre's core improvisational spirit.^[27]

Influences and Legacy

Young Disciples drew heavily from the 1970s funk tradition, particularly through vocalist Carleen Anderson's familial connections to the genre's pioneers; as the daughter of funk singer Vicki Anderson and goddaughter of James Brown, she was immersed in that era's soulful grooves from an early age.^[33]^[27] The band's sound was also shaped by the UK's rare groove movement of the 1980s, which revived obscure American funk, soul, and reggae records in London clubs, influencing their DJ-driven approach to blending live instrumentation with archival sounds.^[27]^[10] Additionally, New York hip-hop's sampling techniques informed their production, evident in collaborations like their remix of A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario," reflecting mutual admiration within the transatlantic scene.^[23]^[2]^[34] In the acid jazz landscape, Young Disciples played a pivotal role in defining the UK's strand of the genre during the early 1990s, serving as a blueprint for fusing hip-hop rhythms, jazz improvisation, and soul vocals in a club-oriented format.^[27]^[23] Their debut album Road to Freedom (1991) epitomized this emerging sound, influencing contemporaries like The Brand New Heavies, who later covered the band's track "Apparently Nothin'" with Anderson on vocals, and Jamiroquai, part of the same Talkin' Loud label ecosystem that propelled the movement.^[23]^[35] The band's cultural footprint extended through sampling and revivals; "Apparently Nothin'" was sampled in UNKLE's "Intro (Optional)" from their 1998 album Psyence Fiction, bridging acid jazz to trip-hop and electronic genres.^[36]^[37] Renewed interest surged in the 2000s via reissues, such as the 2006 expanded edition of Road to Freedom on Mercury Records, and the advent of streaming platforms, which introduced their work to new audiences on services like Spotify and TIDAL.^[38]^[39] Post-disbandment, the members' individual paths reinforced the band's foundational impact on soul, jazz, and production. Anderson pursued a solo career, releasing True Spirit (1994), which earned a Brit Award nomination for Best International Newcomer and highlighted her gospel-infused songwriting rooted in Young Disciples' ethos. Marco Nelson continued as a bassist and producer, contributing to hip-hop and soul projects that echoed the band's sampling innovations. Femi Williams expanded into remixing and production for artists like Ultra Naté, maintaining ties to the dance-soul continuum the group helped pioneer.^[9]

References

[1]
Radio 2 - Trevor Nelson - Album of the Week - BBC
Wednesday 13 August. Young Disciples' 'Road To Freedom' encompasses many of the sounds that epitomised the emerging acid-jazz scene of the early ninties ...
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Young Disciples
### Young Disciples Summary
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Old music: Young Disciples – Apparently Nothin' (Soul River Mix)
Feb 14, 2013 · This offering from Young Disciples represents the early 90s acid jazz wave, which became part of the soundtrack to my childhood. Young Disciples ...Missing: band | Show results with:band
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Young Disciples Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & ... - AllMusic
One of the finer groups of the early-'90s acid jazz scene, the short-lived Young Disciples featured Carleen Anderson (vocals, keyboards), Marc Nelson (bass, ...
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Britfunk: 20 UK Acts That Defined A Unique UK Dancefloor Sound
Oct 31, 2021 · Though their time in the spotlight was brief, one-album-wonder Young Disciples reflected the vibrant zeitgeist of London's early 1990s acid jazz ...<|separator|>
[6]
Young Disciples Artist Profile | AAE Music
A British / USA acid jazz band, formed in London in 1990, by Carleen Anderson (vocals, keyboards - aka Mardou Fox, the daughter of James Brown's protegé ...
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young disciples | artists | acidjazz.ru
One of the finer groups of the early-'90s acid jazz scene, the short-lived Young Disciples featured Carleen Anderson (vocals, keyboards), Marc Nelson (bass, ...
[8]
Vicki Anderson, Revered Member Of James Brown's Revue, Dies At ...
Jul 7, 2023 · Anderson was the wife of Bobby Byrd, another longtime collaborator of Brown's, and the mother of another successful soul vocalist, Carleen ...
[9]
Young Disciples - Trouser Press
The Young Disciples consisted at its core of club DJs Femi Williams, bassist Marc O. Nelson and singer Carleen Anderson, the deep-voiced young daughter of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[10]
Femi Fem | Mi-Soul
Femi Williams (aka Femi Fem) kicked off his career running the Family Funktion/ Shake & Fingerpop warehouse parties in the 1980's with Norman Jay & Judge Jules.
[11]
In Conversation With a Young Disciple: Femi Williams - HuffPost UK
Jan 14, 2013 · "We were London guys enjoying the soul from an African American golden era", says Femi, "and so looking back, Marco and I didn't really have a ...
[12]
Femi Fem · Upcoming Events, Tickets & News - Resident Advisor
... Young Disciples with Marco Nelson featuring Carleen Anderson . This is the band which set the tone for the acid jazz movement in London, incorporating funk ...
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Popscene – Acid Jazz - Classic Pop Magazine
Mar 27, 2025 · Acid Jazz – the essential albums. Young Disciples Road To Freedom (1991). An early signing to Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud label, Young ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
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Carleen Anderson | Jazz | The Guardian
Jan 14, 2010 · Carleen Anderson was the hip diva of the moment. As the ferociously soulful frontwoman of first the Young Disciples and later, briefly, the Brand New Heavies.Missing: contributions | Show results with:contributions
[15]
https://www.whosampled.com/Young-Disciples/
[16]
Young Disciples - Samples, Covers and Remixes - WhoSampled
Marco Nelson, Carleen Anderson, Dill Harris, Femi Williams ; Talkin' What I Feel (1991) ; All I Have (In Dub) (1991) ; All I Have in Me (Original Musiquarium Mix) ...
[17]
Young Disciples - Road to Freedom Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
Writers Carleen Anderson, Dill Harris, Femi Fem, IG Culture, Marc Nelson, Marco Nelson, Masta Ace, M.C. Bellow, Mc Mell'O' & Michael Talbot. Show 12 More.
[18]
https://www.discogs.com/master/140625-Young-Disciples-Apparently-Nothin
[19]
APPARENTLY NOTHIN' – YOUNG DISCIPLES - Official Charts
Feb 23, 1991 · Latest chart stats about APPARENTLY NOTHIN' - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
[20]
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[21]
YOUNG DISCIPLES songs and albums | full Official Chart history
GET YOURSELF TOGETHER {1991} cover art. GET YOURSELF TOGETHER {1991} YOUNG DISCIPLES. Peak: 65,; Weeks: 2. Read more icon ...
[22]
https://www.discogs.com/master/140632-Young-Disciples-EP
[23]
Music - Review of Young Disciples - Road To Freedom - BBC
Aug 14, 2006 · After signing to Talking Loud records in 1991, the group released the singles Get Yourself Together and Apparently Nothin, the latter of which ...
[24]
Gilles Peterson: The Jazz Tastemaker - JazzTimes
Nov 1, 2017 · As a label owner, talk about the transition from Talkin' Loud Records [1990-2003] to your current label, Brownswood. [In 1986] I started an ...
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Young Disciples - Road To Freedom
### Summary of https://www.discogs.com/master/140629-Young-Disciples-Road-To-Freedom
[26]
Road to Freedom - Young Disciples | Album - AllMusic
Rating 8.2/10 (23) Road to Freedom by Young Disciples released in 1991. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
[27]
Femi Fem, one third of The Young Disciples
Aug 6, 2015 · Femi Williams (aka Femi Fem) kicked off his career in 1990 as a member of groundbreaking three-piece The Young Disciples with Carleen Anderson and Marco Nelson.
[28]
https://www.hedonistmagazine.co.uk/femi-fem-one-third-of-the-young-disciples
[29]
IF YOU AINT LIVIN' YOU'RE A DEAD MAN - Damaged Goods
... Marco Nelson's all analogue Studio 65 in Brixton Hill throughout 2014. Known for his work with Primal Scream, Paul Weller and Young Disciples, Marco brought ...<|separator|>
[30]
Young Disciples [Album Details] - Dave Gott
Road to Freedom : Allmusic album Review : On their impressive debut Road to Freedom, the fiercely political Young Disciples offer muscular funk garnished with ...
[31]
Young Disciples's 'Funky Yeh Funki (Mek It)' sample of James ...
"Funky Yeh Funki (Mek It)" by Young Disciples sampled James Brown's "Make It Funky". Listen to both songs on WhoSampled.Missing: production techniques horns keyboards
[32]
Carleen Anderson: The disciple of soul | The Independent
Sep 17, 2004 · Carleen Anderson was raised in the Church and on the music of her godfather James Brown. Rahul Verma meets her.Missing: background | Show results with:background
[33]
‎Scenario (Young Nation Mix) - Song by A Tribe Called Quest - Apple ...
Listen to Scenario (Young Nation Mix) by A Tribe Called Quest on Apple Music. 1991. Duration: 5 ... A Tribe Called Quest ... Young Disciples. Mixing Engineer. Demus ...
[34]
The Return Of The Space Cowboy: CDs & Vinyl - Amazon.com
30-day returns... acid jazz scene had been firmly established by numerous club DJs and bands like Soul II Soul, Brand New Heavies, Incognito, and Young Disciples. Jamiroquai ...
[35]
Apparently Nothin' (12" Mix) - YouTube
May 10, 2023 · Provided to YouTube by PIAS Apparently Nothin' (12" Mix) · Young ... Apparently Nothin' (Soul River). Young Disciples - Topic•20K views · 6 ...
[36]
Young Disciples - Spotify
Listen to Young Disciples on Spotify. Artist · 44.4K monthly listeners.
[37]
Young Disciples on TIDAL
TIDAL is an artist-first, fan-centered music streaming platform that delivers over 110 million songs in HiFi sound quality to the global music community.
[38]
Episode 169: Carleen Anderson - Singer, Songwriter, Composer ...
Oct 24, 2023 · Carleen was the Head of the Vocal Department at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music where she taught vocal performance from 2002 to 2007.