Novo Band

Dutch funkband from Utrecht, the Netherlands, formed in 1977 by brothers Bas & Ernst Teule and Johannes Blanksma. They play a mix of Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. As the band expands they release some singles, none of them actually being hits. In 1989 the two last singles are released, again without succes, so the band decides to stop. Members: Bas Teule (Bass) Eric Thuis (Vocals) Ernst Teule (Keyboards & Vocals) Ester Teule (Vocals) Johannes Blanksma (Drums) Ruud Voerman (Guitar) 1977 The Novo Band originated from the Novo Cabaret, a cabaret group of the Utrecht Herman Jordanlyceum, consisting of the brothers Bas and Ernst Teule and Johannes Blanksma. As the Novo Band they register for an amateur festival in the Utrecht cultural center 't Hoogt. The funky style was initially influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire, George Duke and Stevie Wonder. 1983 The group now operates in the above line-up and in June will release the debut single, produced by American Gypsy singer Steve Clisby: Funk Will Come To You. 1984 The song did not become a hit, despite reasonable airplay and a television debut in the Netherlands Music Country. A second single is recorded (Slow Dancing), which is pressed but not released. The Novo Band does grow into a much sought-after live act. A performance in the Utrecht Free Floor is broadcast by the AVRO radio. 1985 The next single Let's Go Dancing is self-recorded and released by Ariola. The song reached 31st place in April. 1986 The single You're Gonna Be Mine reached 19th place in May. The next single Straight From The Heart does nothing. 1987 Meanwhile, the group has built up a loyal following (De Novo Band Fanclub) and they record the songs mostly written by the brothers Teule and Ruud Voerman in their own studio. There is talk of a debut album to be produced by Jaap Eggermont. For the time being, the single Feeling Good is not a hit. 1989 The singles Take It To The Street (in March at number 28) and Dance Non-Stop (a tip listing in June) are the last signs of life of the Novo Band. 1991 Singer Esther Teule releases a solo album under the name Esther Tuely. It earns her a Silver Harp.