By Bethany Marris, Online Music Editor
'A dazzling example of talent, passion and diligence', Online Music Editor Bethany Marris reviews Sons Of Kemet at The Fleece
Political, organic and immersive. Through fierce rhythms and masterly instrumentation, tribal jazz band Sons of Kemet put on a unique show at The Fleece earlier this week. Despite forming over half a decade ago, the booming success of the group’s most recent release, Your Queen Is A Reptile, has resulted in an excited wave of critical acclamation and numerous sell-out shows. Furthermore, being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in september has no-doubt expanded the platform of the London-based quartet, with saxophonist and frontman Shabaka Hutchings acknowledging to NME that a swelled following has allowed their ‘message’ to have ‘increased reach’.
Over the years, there’s been much talk of the ‘token jazz band’ as a developing trend amongst Mercury-prize contestants. Despite the inherently jazzy current that flows through their music, it was acknowledged that the group’s dynamic tribal infusions, and potent political agenda set them far apart from this stereotype. So, what exactly is this ‘message’?
YQIAR’s opening track ‘My Queen Is Ada Eastman’, kicked off the show with vigour. An hour and a half of relentless, abstract musicianship ensued before Sons Of Kemet took a well-deserved breather, as Hutchings took to the mic to enlighten the crowd on the significance of the LP’s song titles. ‘We sat down and thought about ten great female leaders, and decided that they need to articulate what values we want our female leaders to have’. From Angela Davis to Doreen Lawrence, each track is loaded with historical and sentimental value. Shabaka proceeded to express that ‘the past is always being nuanced to account for voices that are not always heard’, asking that we ‘be vulnerable’ to the fact that the history we understand is not always objective. This is communicated through the powerful spoken-word that tops select instrumentals on record, yet there was nothing detrimental about the live absence of this.
The mutual respect between band members both as musicians and performers truly manifests on stage. In moments of zealous drumming, Hutchings and Cross (tuba) stepped back to reveal their percussive counterparts. Similarly, as Cross performed solo interludes, Tom Skinner and Eddie Hick (drums) rose from their stools to appreciate his rich, decadent melodies. A dazzling example of talent, passion and diligence: may Sons of Kemet continue to ride their thoroughly deserved wave of success.
Featured Image: Sons of Kemet/ Impulse Records
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