Mamas Gun: Live From KCRW HQ

Few bands make musicianship look as easy as Mamas Gun. Making their welcome return to KCRW, Mamas Gun rolled into the Annenberg Performance Studio with a new batch of songs from their latest album, “Dig!”, and the unmistakable confidence of a band at the top of its game. Their chemistry is undeniable— From the first note, the London outfit effortlessly set the vibe of the night—five world-class musicians playing with infectious joy, impeccable taste, and the kind of telepathic connection that lets Andy Platts' unmistakable voice soar above it all. Opening with the “The Hardest Yard”, Mamas Gun immediately transformed the room into something warmer than just a live studio session. Their blend of vintage soul, modern pop craftsmanship, and understated funk has always resisted easy categorization, but in a live setting that's precisely what makes the band so captivating. Harmonie’s lands with intention and purpose, every rhythm breathes naturally, and the arrangements leave enough space for each player to shine without ever pulling focus from the song itself. While Mamas Gun have built their reputation on serving the song above all else, their extraordinary musicianship never goes unnoticed. Throughout the set, moments of virtuosity emerge naturally, none more electrifying than keyboardist Dave Oliver's showcase on "Phantom Love”. Already pulling double duty with impeccably locked-in harmonies, Oliver steps forward for a keyboard solo that's equal parts finesse and fire, it earned one of the loudest reactions of the night and served as a reminder that Mamas Gun are a band of true heavyweights who never feel the need to show off. What stands out most isn't technical precision—though there's plenty of it—but generosity. Mamas Gun perform with remarkable restraint, allowing every note to serve the song rather than the player. It's a reminder that soul music doesn't have to announce itself loudly; sometimes its greatest strength lies in patience, feel, and genuine connection. For longtime fans, it's another compelling chapter from one of contemporary soul's most consistently rewarding bands. For newcomers, this Live From KCRW session is an ideal introduction: intimate, timeless, and overflowing with the effortless musicianship that's made Mamas Gun a favorite among audiences around the world. 00:00 - Hardest Yards 04:02 - Food For The Flames 09:10 - You Make My Life A Better Place 14:17 - Living On Mercy 18:49 - First Time (In A Long Time) 24:16 - DIG! 31:53 - Phantom Love 39:40 - Joy 45:00 - Golden Days 50:40 - This Is The Day Band Credits: Andy Platts Terry Lewis Cameron Dawson Dave Oliver Chris Boot KCRW Credits Audio Dept. Katie Gilchrest — Lead Audio Engineer & Mix Engineer Hope Brush — Audio Engineer (A2) Kai Usami — Audio Engineer (A3) Video Dept. Beau Delmore — Director, Editor & Camera Operator Luis Peña — Director of Photography & Camera Operator Jack Arthur — Lighting Designer / Assistant Producer Production Dept. Farin Hoover — Producer Enjoy this session? Support KCRW's mission to share music with the world. Our non-profit radio station in Santa Monica, California has supported musicians and DJs for more than 40 years. Help us continue our music programming by donating whatever you can: https://kcrw.com/give http://www.kcrw.com Music | Culture | News | NPR