Federation of the Disco Pimp: ‘Gratuitous’

Marco Cafolla is a truly energetic and focussed musical dynamo: his latest release is out on Acid Jazz Records with Federation of the Disco Pimp. ‘Gratuitous’ is a truly epic piece of funk.

From the title track (which you will have heard if you listen to Jazz FM, where it’s been a staple for several weeks) right through to the genius Is Daddy Okay?, this is an album that grooves and funks all the way, with a decisive rhythm section led by Marco’s piano and outstanding horns.

It was a delight to interview Marco Cafolla, for a forthcoming episode of Harmonious World. You can listen to that conversation here.

Although this is their first album since the pandemic, it’s also the first on the highly-prestigious Acid Jazz label. Previous cuts are available on Bandcamp.

The ten new tunes build on the previous outings and Marco has brought in some impressive guest appearances: Billy Valentine (vocals), Fred Wesley (trombone) and Kenni Holmen (sax).

If you like to dance and want tunes with more than a touch of soul, this is the 2025 album for you. Fred Wesley blasts it out on The Pieces That Remain after some horn lines and sparse vocals that establish the groove nicely, with Wesley’s simple but effective trombone lines made for the funk.

Similarly, Freak features Kenni Holmen’s sax, previously heard with, among others, Janet Jackson, Prince and Gladys Knight.

These guys add a touch of class and Billy Valentine’s vocals on Gratuitous are an awesome soul/jazz/funk melee. The title track proves Marco Cafolla’s status as pianist, composer and arranger and I’m looking forward to the next release in spring 2026, where Mama Terra’s Inner Space is promised.