Two acclaimed Highland band leaders join forces for their most ambitious project yet
The Highland music scene sees a notable collaboration as two of the North’s established funk and soul artists unite creatively. Oxbow Standing & the Invisible Hands represents the long-awaited collaboration between Anthony Standing and Andy ‘Oxbow’ Clucas, both stalwarts of the Scottish funk scene with impressive national radio credentials.
Anthony Standing, known for his work with Leonard Jones Potential and Lost in Rio, brings serious BBC Radio 6 Music pedigree to the partnership. Craig Charles has previously championed Leonard Jones Potential on his show , whilst his Lost in Rio project earned the coveted “Funking!” endorsement from Craig Charles on BBC6 Music Funk and Soul show .
Meanwhile, Andy ‘Oxbow’ Clucas has carved out his own impressive reputation through the Oxbow Lake Band, earning praise from legendary broadcaster Paul Jones who declared their work “Very very good indeed” on BBC radio 2 , alongside another “A banger! And it’s great!” from Craig Charles BBC6 Music Funk and Soul show .
The collaboration emerged from a meeting of minds between two seasoned musicians who understand the unique challenges of creating nationally recognised music from Scotland’s northern reaches. Andy “Oxbow” Clucas explains the genesis of their partnership:
“I approached Anthony (Standing) as I thought 2 songwriters would be better than one (!?), but also as we both have a long history of receiving U.K. wide radio and media coverage, as band leaders, even though we were based in the wilds of the far north and it’s been a revelation to share those challenges.”
Rather than rushing into the spotlight, the duo took a methodical approach to establishing their sound.
“To get the ball rolling, we then quietly released 4 singles, which give a good cross section of styles; funky pop, classic soul, reggae tinged grooves and a wild jazzy number. It felt good, and by then we’d brought the band together “The Invisible Hands”, who took the tracks to another level.”
The project showcases remarkable versatility, with their catalogue spanning from funky pop through classic soul to reggae-influenced grooves and adventurous jazz territories. All tracks are available across major digital platforms and through their dedicated website,
The band’s Scottish-wide approach reflects their regional pride whilst maintaining national ambitions. “Although we’re spread over Scotland, all have some links to the north and hence why we’ve set up rehearsing in Inverness and our first gigs are up north, but the plan is to focus on festivals and shows all over Scotland,” Standing continues.
With their creative momentum building, the duo are already looking towards a more substantial release. “We’re working through tunes and now have enough tracks together to release an album, hopefully next year.”
For those eager to witness this Highland funk fusion firsthand, the band have crafted a perfect introduction. They’re warming up with an intimate show at the Bandstand, Nairn on Saturday 26th July, before taking their sound to Belladrum festival’s Ice House Stage on Saturday 2nd August at 6:30pm. Festival-goers can extend the experience at their Sunday Session back at the Bandstand, Nairn on Sunday 3rd August.
This collaboration represents more than just two musicians joining forces—it’s a celebration of the Highland music scene’s ability to punch above its weight on the national stage. With their combined radio pedigree, songwriting prowess, and The Invisible Hands bringing their vision to life, Oxbow Standing looks set to make 2025 a landmark year for Northern Scottish funk.
Ready to experience Highland funk at its finest? Catch Oxbow Standing & the Invisible Hands at Belladrum Festival’s Ice House Stage, Saturday 2nd August at 6:30pm, with warm-up and after-party sessions at Nairn’s Bandstand 26th of July and 3rd of August respectively.
