The Flying Hats – The Return Of

Built on decades of shared history, The Return Of the Flying Hats lands in the sweet spot between New Orleans funk and instrumental rocksteady. Drummer Sam Hobbs and bassist Neil Innes lead the charge, joined by Hammond ace Bob Birch and veteran reggae guitarist Chris Dawkins, fusing deep Caribbean rhythms with greasy R&B swing. Tracks like “Grafter” and “Bust Up” feel like Kingston sessions cut with a Meters-state-of-mind, while “An Autumn Sun” and “Strong Fish” lean fully into soulful Jamaican warmth. It’s seasoned, intuitive music, rooted in tradition, but loose, playful, and alive in the moment.