Les Gammas

by Jason BirchmeierThe Bavarian duo of Mark Frank and Jochen Helfert comprise Les Gammas, who catapulted to critical success on the Munich, Germany-based Compost label, where their jazz-funk-disco fit perfectly alongside the labels other premier artists such as Minus 8 and Beanfield. Frank functions as the duos DJ, percussionist, and vocalist, while Helfert specializes on the keys, resulting in a perfect synthesis of rhythm and melody. Their first production from late 1997, Servus Mr. Bond, didnt hit shelves until early 1999 — as the B-side to the duos first Compost release, Chasin the Double Six — but benefited from substantial spins as a white label. Following this release, the duo found themselves in demand as producers, remixers, and performers. Next came a split 7 with Beanfield, followed by their acclaimed debut album, Exercices de Styles. Compost quickly issued two remix EPs — Guauanco and All of Me/Love Unlimited — featuring producers with similar styles, such as Recloose and Kyoto Jazz Massive.