Tomás Doncker shares new live EP ‘Alive In Paris’, recorded at Paris’ legendary New Morning featuring Fun Lovin’ Criminals
Words: Press
“Wild, plunging into the night sky and shattering the darkness with each performance." - Essentially Pop
"A true force in the world of Global Soul - a genre the creation of Doncker himself." - Vinyl Me Please
“His masterful ability to craft intricate, multi-layered arrangements.” - Wonderland Magazine
"A true force in the world of Global Soul - a genre the creation of Doncker himself." - Vinyl Me Please
“His masterful ability to craft intricate, multi-layered arrangements.” - Wonderland Magazine
NYC-born, UK-based alternative-R&B singer/songwriter and producer Tomás Doncker has recently released his live EP ‘Alive In Paris’, available now via his label True Groove Records.
Recorded at the iconic New Morning in Paris while touring with Fun Lovin’ Criminals, ‘Alive In Paris’ captures Doncker and his band ‘The True Groove All Stars’ at their most electrifying, highlighting the energy, spontaneity, emotional depth and level of musicianship that have made him one of contemporary music’s most compelling live performers for decades.
A prime mover within New York’s music, arts and cultural landscape for over four decades, Doncker first emerged in the early 1980s as part of the groundbreaking No Wave and Punk-Funk movements through his work with The Contortions and Defunkt. Since then, he has built an extraordinary career spanning international touring, songwriting and recording collaborations with artists including Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and the legendary Patti Smith, whilst simultaneously helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars; truly establishing himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.
Doncker’s previous works have seen widespread critical acclaim from the likes of BBC, CNN, Huff Post, MOJO, Spin, Brooklyn Vegan, NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered’, Guitar World, Wonderland Magazine, All About Jazz, Paste and Rolling Stone Magazine. Recent cover features in both Blues Matters and Blues & Soul magazines further cement his reputation as one of modern music’s most distinctive voices.
‘Alive In Paris’ follows the release of February’s vibrant single ‘¡2 BEAUCOUP!’, which was written and recorded in Paris, during a particularly memorable visit to the French capital. The trip saw Doncker not only support Fun Lovin’ Criminals, but also join Patti Smith on stage at the historic L’Olympia to perform a powerful rendition of ‘People Have The Power’ just days after recording his live EP.
‘Alive In Paris’ sees Doncker deliver a truly genre-defying performance, seamlessly weaving together elements of soul, blues, funk, rock and jazz. The recording showcases Doncker’s ability to move an audience, connecting deeply and transforming songs that explore themes of social justice, racial inequality, resilience and hope into communal celebrations of unity and human connection.
On the inspiration to release a live EP, Doncker says, “Paris… A magical city, filled with such beautiful, vibrant, culturally diverse and aware people. It had always been a dream of mine to record in Paris, and capture that vibe. When Fun Lovin’ Criminals invited us to support them at the legendary New Morning, we jumped at the chance. We’ve decided to pair the release of the EP with the release of a live set filmed with Version TV, recorded at Yellow Bean Studios in Leicester. We’re excited to share the energy of this warm analog recording of our night in the city of light.”
To accompany the live EP, Doncker collaborated with London-based video production company Version Music TV to bring several of these tracks to life through a series of intimate live sessions. Filmed at Yellow Bean Studios in Leicester, Tomás filmed both Hard Is Hard and Some Ol’ Dolls, which is also available right now.
Recorded at the iconic New Morning in Paris while touring with Fun Lovin’ Criminals, ‘Alive In Paris’ captures Doncker and his band ‘The True Groove All Stars’ at their most electrifying, highlighting the energy, spontaneity, emotional depth and level of musicianship that have made him one of contemporary music’s most compelling live performers for decades.
A prime mover within New York’s music, arts and cultural landscape for over four decades, Doncker first emerged in the early 1980s as part of the groundbreaking No Wave and Punk-Funk movements through his work with The Contortions and Defunkt. Since then, he has built an extraordinary career spanning international touring, songwriting and recording collaborations with artists including Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and the legendary Patti Smith, whilst simultaneously helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars; truly establishing himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.
Doncker’s previous works have seen widespread critical acclaim from the likes of BBC, CNN, Huff Post, MOJO, Spin, Brooklyn Vegan, NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered’, Guitar World, Wonderland Magazine, All About Jazz, Paste and Rolling Stone Magazine. Recent cover features in both Blues Matters and Blues & Soul magazines further cement his reputation as one of modern music’s most distinctive voices.
‘Alive In Paris’ follows the release of February’s vibrant single ‘¡2 BEAUCOUP!’, which was written and recorded in Paris, during a particularly memorable visit to the French capital. The trip saw Doncker not only support Fun Lovin’ Criminals, but also join Patti Smith on stage at the historic L’Olympia to perform a powerful rendition of ‘People Have The Power’ just days after recording his live EP.
‘Alive In Paris’ sees Doncker deliver a truly genre-defying performance, seamlessly weaving together elements of soul, blues, funk, rock and jazz. The recording showcases Doncker’s ability to move an audience, connecting deeply and transforming songs that explore themes of social justice, racial inequality, resilience and hope into communal celebrations of unity and human connection.
On the inspiration to release a live EP, Doncker says, “Paris… A magical city, filled with such beautiful, vibrant, culturally diverse and aware people. It had always been a dream of mine to record in Paris, and capture that vibe. When Fun Lovin’ Criminals invited us to support them at the legendary New Morning, we jumped at the chance. We’ve decided to pair the release of the EP with the release of a live set filmed with Version TV, recorded at Yellow Bean Studios in Leicester. We’re excited to share the energy of this warm analog recording of our night in the city of light.”
To accompany the live EP, Doncker collaborated with London-based video production company Version Music TV to bring several of these tracks to life through a series of intimate live sessions. Filmed at Yellow Bean Studios in Leicester, Tomás filmed both Hard Is Hard and Some Ol’ Dolls, which is also available right now.
WATCH A LIVE SESSION OF 'HARD IS HARD' HERE, FILMED BY VERSION MUSIC TV