Matt Bianco

Formed by ex-members of modern jazz ensemble Blue Rondo À La Turk in 1983, Matt Bianco evolved into one of England's top jazz-pop bands. Their rendition of Georgie Fame's "Yeh Yeh (opens in a new tab)" received a European music award as Best Single of 1985, while their single "Wap Bam Boogie (opens in a new tab)" was the number one European club track of 1988. Matt Bianco has withstood numerous personnel changes. Initially featuring keyboard player Danny White, bassist Kito Poncioni, and vocalists Mark Reilly and Basia, the original group disbanded shortly after releasing their debut album in 1984. The group was resurrected with Reilly and keyboard player Mark Fisher, who recorded the eponymous 1986 album. Released in 2001, Rico, featured a blend of acid jazz and traditional Cuban rhythms. Partly recorded in the Havana Studios where Wim Wenders and Ry Cooder recorded Buena Vista Social Club, the album included "Cha Cha Cuba (opens in a new tab)", which reached the top of the charts in Japan.