Back to basic
New Studio Album Monkey Business Coming January 2027!
After nearly four decades of powerful grooves, soulful vocals, punchy horns and unforgettable live shows, Back To Basic is entering an exciting new chapter. The Rotterdam funk and soul veterans are currently working on their sixth studio album, Monkey Business, scheduled for release in 24 January 2027, accompanied by a special live album launch performance in Metro Walhalla Rotterdam. Tickets will be On Sale Soon!
For longtime fans, it is another milestone in a remarkable musical journey. For newcomers, there has never been a better moment to discover one of the Netherlands’ most enduring and authentic funk and soul bands.
In 2023 it was exactly 30 years since our first album “Give All You Got” saw the light of day. In honor of that, a new album was produced with “Revisited versions” of a selection of existing tracks from the 1st and 2nd albums plus a forgotten B-side. And they sound great! Spread the word & enjoy!
From Rotterdam to the Dutch Charts
Founded in 1988 by drummer Sjoerd van Bommel and guitarist Tjeerd van Zanen, Back To Basic was born out of a shared passion for real musicianship, groove-driven songs and soulful live performances.
What started as a cover band quickly evolved into a creative force with its own distinctive sound: a blend of Funk, Soul, Blues, Rock and Jazz, delivered with energy, craftsmanship and heart. Over the years, a rotating lineup of top-tier Dutch session musicians and performers has contributed to the band’s rich, evolving sound.
Alongside co-founder Sjoerd van Bommel on drums, the rhythm section has been anchored at various points by elite players like Michel van Schie (bass) and Hans Eijkenaar (drums), both bringing world-class groove to the band’s foundation. Fronted by the soulful vocals of Theo Braams, the lineup has also proudly featured exceptional talents such as Leen van Rij, Peter Broekhuizen, Jel Jongen, Tyn Smit, and Remko Deijl.
The breakthrough came with the debut album Give All You Got in 1993, featuring the hit single “Leave Me Alone”, a song that remains a fan favourite to this day. The album received enthusiastic reviews and helped establish the band as one of the most exciting Dutch funk-soul acts of the 1990s. The single became a Dutch radio favourite and remains one of the band’s signature songs.
The band continued its momentum with No Mumbo Jumbo in 1996 and subsequently shared stages with major artists, including an appearance as support act for Joe Cocker in Ahoy Rotterdam in 1997.
A Soulful Return to the Stage
After more than 20 years away, Dutch soul-rock band Back to Basic made a powerful comeback. Performing on AVROTROS’s Muziekcafé—the premier live music radio show on NPO Radio 2 broadcast from De Vorstin—the 10-piece collective treated the audience to a vibrant multi-song setlist. Watch them take the stage to deliver a stellar live rendition of “Leave Me Alone“. Originally released in 1993, this infectious groove originally made the charts and remains a timeless signature track for the band.
DISCOGRAPHY
Studio Album
January 2027 • Monkey Business
Coming Soon
Back To Basic’s sixth studio album promises a fresh collection of original material while staying true to the groove, soul and authenticity that have defined the band from the beginning.
More details, e.g. singles and live dates will be announced in the lead-up to release.
Expected Release: January 2027
Launch Event: Special live performance in Rotterdam, Walhalla
Stay tuned!
Live Album
2025 • Back To Basic Live 1992-2020
In 2025 the band released a unique live retrospective showcasing performances spanning almost three decades. The 9-track collection captures historic recordings from:
- Rotown 1992
- Ahoy Rotterdam 1997
- Countdown Café 2020
The album highlights the raw stage energy that has always set Back To Basic apart.
Featured tracks include:
- What Is Hip (Live in Rotown 1992)
- Viva La Money (Live in Ahoy 1997)
- I Don’t Care About You (Live Countdown Café 2020)
- Leave Me Alone (Live Countdown Café 2020)
2023 • ’93 & ’96 Revisited
To celebrate 30 years since the release of Give All You Got, a carefully selected collection of tracks from this album and No Mumbo Jumbo, the second album, have been remixed to showcase these songs in a brand-new light.
The result is both nostalgic and contemporary: familiar songs with modern production and renewed energy.
Included are revisited versions of fan favourites from both early albums, plus a long-forgotten B-side resurrected for a new generation of listeners.
2019 • Not Over Yet
More than twenty years after the previous studio album, Back To Basic returned with a statement of intent: they’re still here, still evolving, and certainly Not Over Yet.
The album, with its already iconic cover, received praise for its songwriting, musicianship and infectious grooves, with standout tracks:
- Cold Sweat
- I Don’t Care About You
- Get With Me
- Heaven In Your Eyes
- In My Arms
The album combines mature songwriting with the band’s unmistakable funk and soul DNA. Music reviewer O’Cor summed it up perfectly:
“For me this is no doubt the best album Back To Basic has ever released. And that’s saying a lot.” [ocor61.blogspot.com]
According to O’Cor’s review, the album showcases the band at its creative peak and demonstrates how decades of experience can still sound fresh, energetic and inspired.
1996 • No Mumbo Jumbo
The difficult second album? Not for Back To Basic.
The band expanded its sound with bigger arrangements, stronger songwriting and an even tighter rhythm section, further cementing its reputation as a live powerhouse.
Highlights
- Fly Like An Eagle
- I’ll Give You The Moon
- Love You Too Much
1993 • Give All You Got
The album that started it all. This debut introduced Back To Basic’s trademark sound: soulful vocals, tight grooves, powerful horns and irresistible hooks. Not only did it get raving reviews in the US it also produced a hit single with “Leave Me Alone” which reached nr 24 in the Dutch Top 40.
Highlights
- Leave Me Alone
- Tomorrow Is Another Day
- Key To Your Heart
Singles & EPs
2020 • Love Don’t Make No Sense at All
Following up on their successful return to the studio, this standalone single continues the band’s tradition of rich arrangements and deep emotion. Delivering a perfect balance of contemporary rock and classic rhythm, it stands out as an instant favorite with undeniable radio crossover appeal.
1996 • I Got My Eye On You
Released as a powerful companion single alongside their second studio effort, this track shows off the tighter rhythm section and expansive arrangements that defined the era. The release boasts infectious hooks and a bold aesthetic that cemented the band’s status as functional funk mainstays.
1996 • I’ll Give You The Moon
A standout romantic single from the band’s prolific mid-90s sessions, blending classic soulful melodies with driving, horn-driven production. The release showcases front-and-center songwriting alongside the signature groove foundation that fans have loved since the debut.
1994 • Watching The River Flow
Keeping momentum high right after their debut, this single emphasizes the band’s rich stage chemistry and rhythmic roots. Blending crisp percussion accents with steady bassline grooves, it delivers a refreshing dose of high-energy, soulful music built for live spaces.
The Sound of Back To Basic
If comparisons must be made, think of the groove of Tower of Power, the soul of classic rhythm & blues, the energy of a great rock band and the musicianship of seasoned jazz players.
But ultimately Back To Basic sounds like only one band: and that’s… Back To Basic.
We bring:
- Soulful vocals
- Tight rhythm sections
- Powerful horn arrangements
- Memorable melodies
- Authentic live energy
Current Line-up (2026 onwards)
Back To Basic are:
- Theo Braams – Lead Vocals
- Tyn Smit – Wurlitzer, Hammond & Piano
- Boudewijn Lucas – Bass
- Lean Robbemont – Drums
- Leen van Rij – Percussion
- Peter Broekhuizen – Tenor & Baritone Saxophone
- Cees Trappenburg – Trumpet
- Tjeerd van Zanen – Guitars
- Chrissy Punselie – Backing Vocals
- Inge Bonthond – Backing Vocals
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Get the exclusive CDs
Because these albums deserve a hardcopy, we have produced great-looking, exclusive CDs for various Back To Basic albums, including “Not Over Yet”, “Live 93-96”, and the new “Monkey Business” album.
Each release features a full-color CD, complete cover artwork, and an included 4-page booklet. These exclusive CDs are not available in any online shop and can only be obtained directly through STM Records.
Exclusive Back To Basic CDs
- Not Over Yet
- Live 93-96
- Monkey Business (Coming Soon)
Pricing & Ordering
- Price: €15 per CD (Includes shipping costs within the EU. Shipping costs outside the EU depend on the destination).
- How to Order: Send your order along with your shipping address directly to info@shootthemoonmusic.nl.
