The Edinburgh based groove trio Gecko 3 (artists formerly known as Gecko) were formed in the Spring of 2000 by:
Marty Philip: vocals/guitar
Paul Gilbody: double bass
Hugh Martin: drums
After several years of collaboration in the Edinburgh music scene they set out as a three-piece to write fresh grooves based on a new mix of jazz, hip-hop, latin, funk and reggae.
Since releasing their debut EP ‘A Walk Across the Ceiling’ in 2002, gecko 3 have performed in the US and mainland Europe, in addition to regular UK gigs in venues from London to Skye. Highlights include the legendary Ronnie Scott’s in Soho (with Brit Award Winner KT Tunstall as a guest vocalist) and London’s Kashmir Klub (as KT’s backing band – Marty and Paul sang backing vocals on KT’s Mercury nominated album ‘Eye to the Telescope’), headlining the multi-media Fiasco.tv event, headlining the Music Marquee and the Main Stage at the Edinburgh Festival’s Fringe Sunday. They have also performed a live televised gig in Princes Street Gardens and headlines at Acoustic Edinburgh’s Festival every year since 2003.
The second EP ‘Mentum’ was released in 2005 to critical acclaim and an extensive presence on podcast playlists. To promote the release of their third EP ‘Momentum’ in 2007, the band undertook a European tour including dates in Amsterdam, Paris, the South of France and the ‘Ca Jazz a Huy’ festival in Belgium, culminating in an appearance on the M1 stage at the Redbourn Festival, alongside Sandy Thom and the Ordinary Boys. In the last eighteen months gecko 3 have also played the Skye Festival and the Leith Festival in addition to support slots for Roy Ayers, the Quantic Soul Orchestra and Spanky Wilson. Other dates include London’s 12Bar, the Red Rooms and Mr Lynch in Newcastle, Inverness’ Ironworks (as support for The Cuban Brothers), Edinburgh’s ‘Departure Lounge’, ‘Motherfunk’ and Parisian venues L’Olympic and La Fleche D’Or.
Gecko 3 are currently hard at work on their first full length album, due for independent release in Summer 2008.
"The Edinburgh-based band led by singer / guitarist Marty Philip are clever - and they know it. But this is still easy listening gold" Daily Record
"’MENTUM’ really got the juices flowing ... a raft of sounds and styles rolled into a well rounded and pleasurable offering. Gecko sound and feel right for the moment with their quirky lyrics and retro sound. This band definitely have something ... we can see them creating a great deal of interest." Scot Campus Newspaper
"seriously catchy ... firmly implanted as one of my favorite CDs at the moment." indielaunchpad.com
"unbelievably difficult to describe without feeling like you are not doing them justice" 5/5 - edinburghguide.com
"sumptuous" The Evening News
"The band could be on to a winner with this sound. Funk with a smile is the best way to describe it." eatthismusic.com
"Double bass and terrific, inventive vocals - one of the most enjoyable bands around at present. Go see." baby-tiger.net