Redtenbacher’s Funkestra Release ‘The What Factor?’ — A Studio Session with Groove, Subtle Fire & Guitar Dialogue
Out now on RSB Records | From the upcoming album FUNKOPIA (out Oct 3)
🎧 Watch / Listen / Download:
👉 https://artists.landr.com/the-what-factor-vinyl-cut
📀 Pre-order the vinyl:
👉 https://funkifylife.com/collections/vinyl-lps
Redtenbacher’s Funkestra now unveil “The What Factor?” — a slow-burning funk-jazz instrumental. It features two of London’s most respected guitarists: Tony Rémy and Nigel Price.
The track was recorded live at Masterlink Productions. It’s part of the Masterlink Sessions live-in-the-studio video series. It will also appear on Funkestra’s upcoming album FUNKOPIA, releasing October 3 on RSB Records.
A First-Time Guitar Collaboration
Although Tony Rémy and Nigel Price have worked in overlapping circles for years, they had never met or played together until this session. Their relaxed yet fiery interplay unfolds in real time. Each brings a distinct voice to the table. Tony’s funk-fusion background with a rock’n’roll edge and Nigel’s jazz vocabulary create a rich, conversational dialogue.
Meanwhile, the rhythm section — Mike Sturgis (drums), Karl Vanden Bossche (percussion), Joe Glossop (Hammond organ), and Stefan Redtenbacher (bass) — provides a deep and chilled groove. This allows the guitarists room to explore. Mike and Karl, longtime collaborators in the Funkestra rhythm section, lock in to form a groove that leans into the pocket that always feels great.
Furthermore, Joe Glossop, known for his work across blues and soul genres, blends seamlessly into the ensemble. His Hammond organ adds warm textures and understated soul.
Holding it all down is bandleader Stefan Redtenbacher, playing his trusty Höfner bass (aka “Princess I”), which famously took a fall during a 2016 concert at the RNCM. Read the backstory here.
Though the tune’s tempo and feel seem steady and measured, the musical complexity beneath is profound. There’s restraint, groove, and a shared commitment to feel over flash. All this creates a powerful musical undercurrent.
The Writing Partnership
“The What Factor?” was co-written by Tony Rémy and Stefan Redtenbacher. They first met when Stefan joined THE STAKS BAND, founded by pianist David Fitzsimons. Since then, they have developed a close working relationship. They’ve written many instrumental tunes together, including “Code 12,” “Mr W Chills,” and “Jonky,” all recorded by Redtenbacher’s Funkestra.
Their partnership also extends to arranging vocal tunes, such as “Little Green” (Joni Mitchell) for Sarah Jane Morris and “Cloudy” (Average White Band) for Jo Harman. Their process is relaxed and organic, often developing ideas over meals and conversation. This creative environment clearly influences their sound.
The Masterlink Sessions
The Masterlink Sessions began in December 2018, founded by Stefan Redtenbacher, James Welch, and Leo Mansell. Their goal was to capture live-in-the-studio performances. Based near London, Masterlink Studio creates high-quality, single-take video recordings and livestream sessions.
Over the past five years, Redtenbacher’s Funkestra has been the house band for the Masterlink Sessions. They’ve recorded hundreds of songs across many genres — from psychedelic rock to Americana, soul, and singer-songwriter folk. The sessions featured artists such as Mike Farris, Phil Lassiter, Daisy Chute, Mutya Buena, Rosie Frater-Taylor, and Sarah Jane Morris, including Grammy Award winners and nominees.
Importantly, the Masterlink Sessions team focuses on capturing real-time, in-the-room performances. They prioritize feel and spontaneity over post-production polish. The core band blends soul and jazz-funk, creating a stylistic thread even as artists change.
The model is inspired by classic session collectives like The Funk Brothers, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Wrecking Crew, and The Swampers. These groups supported great artists with great musicianship. That tradition remains alive at Masterlink Sessions.
Musicians
- Tony Rémy – guitar
- Nigel Price – guitar
- Stefan Redtenbacher – bass
- Mike Sturgis – drums
- Karl Vanden Bossche – percussion
- Joe Glossop – Hammond organ
Production Credits
- Written by Tony Rémy & Stefan Redtenbacher
- Arranged & produced by Tony Rémy & Stefan Redtenbacher
- Recorded & mixed by James Welch at Masterlink Studio
- Mastered by Tim Debney at Fluid Mastering
- Video by Leo Mansell (Shoot and Splice Films)
- Graphic design by Neil J Hart
- Photography by Rob Blackham (Blackham Images)
- RSB Records catalogue no. RSBRSB29005