Carl Hudson (born 22 October 1983 in Boston, Lincolnshire, England) is a British pianist and keyboardist [1] who has performed with numerous acts including Leroy Hutson, [2] Leon Ware, Professor Green, Emeli Sande, Beth Rowley, Jocelyn Brown, Tina Arena and Boy George / Culture Club [3]
Since April 2015, Hudson has been playing keyboards for Boy George and Culture Club, Joining them on keyboards for three world tours. [4]
Since 2010, he has also played keyboards for soul artists Omar Lye-Fook, Leon Ware, The Jones Girls and Jean Carne at venues around London and the UK. [5]
Hudson works closely in the studio with producer SoulPersona, recording and playing alongside veteran Jamiroquai drummer Nick Van Gelder. [6]
He released his first album, entitled Zoology For Martians in May 2013. [7] It features musicians such as Nick Van Gelder (drums), Andy Tolman (bass), Terry Lewis (guitar), Bob Dowell (trombone), and Neil Waters (trumpet). Zoology For Martians is a concept album, depicting the evolution of life on earth using a jazz-funk soundtrack. It features the use of many analog synthesizers, such as the Prophet '08 and Oberheim Matrix 6. The album also features extensive liner notes written in a style similar to British TV naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
Hudson's second album, Pixel Planet was released in February 2016. [8] Another concept album, the album depicts a visit by alien explorers to an Earth in the distant future, long after humans have since departed. The music is a mix of Funk, Hip-Hop and ambient Electronica, and features a large cast of London musicians, including Level 42's Pete Ray Biggin on drums. It was distributed on Splash Records, a UK based independent label specialising in Brit funk, and co-run by Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick, who is also the leader of the band Incognito.