Could Heaven Ever Be Like This
Lance Ferguson

Lance Ferguson returns to Tru Thoughts with his latest single, ‘Could Heaven Ever Be Like This’, a vibrant reimagining of Idris Muhammad’s seminal 1977 jazz-funk cut.

“2025 marks two decades since I first signed with Tru Thoughts Records. I was DJing at The Brighton Jazz Rooms in 2000 and got to meet the wonderful Rob Luis, and being a big TT fan, I handed him a CDR with some new recordings from The Bamboos and my Lanu solo project. Rob was into the music, and later he got back to me and we ended up signing both acts to the label”

On this new single, Lance strips back and reconstructs Muhammad’s euphoric groove from the ground up, he explains, “There have been a few cover versions of Idris Muhammad’s Jazz-Funk perennial over the years, but it’s such an incredible song that I couldn’t resist adding it to the RGS list. We have given it a propulsive “Four-on-the-floor” feel with extra percussion elements, and Saxophonist Phil Noy pulls out a really killer Alto solo.” Previously covered by artists Jamie xx and Incognito, Lance’s version brings a fresh energy while honouring the original.

Known for his work with The Bamboos, Menagerie and Lanu, Lance has carved a reputation as one of Australia’s most versatile and visionary musical minds. Across his Rare Groove Spectrum series, released via Freestyle, he delves into a deep crate of Soul, Jazz, Latin and Funk obscurities, re-recording them with a live band to breathe new life into under-appreciated classics. Previous Rare Groove Spectrum volumes have received strong support from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM, Bandcamp and Craig Charles.

‘Could Heaven Ever Be Like This’ is a testament to Lance’s skill as both curator and arranger, paying homage to an era while crafting something entirely his own.