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Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.
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Tuesday, 24 April 2018 01:58

Sons Of Kemet - Your Queen Is A Reptile

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Shabaka Hutchings tells us how it is with his new album on Impulse Records.

Sons Of Kemet appeared on the London music scene back in 2011 like a splash of ink overflowing into other genres of music. This melodic fusion of different continents has not quite hit the psychedelic level yet, however, the fans crave for their music like the addictive drugs of goodness, thought and reason.

These imaginative musicians are the masters of sociological prose. Who else takes jazz, adds drum and bass topped with a rambunctious tuba played by Oren Marshall, mad-stereo drumming delivered Tom Skinner and Seb Rochford? The answer is no one.

The album also features guest dub legend Congo Natty and poet Joshua Idehen, which in itself cast the musical net to a wider audience and fan base. 

Chronologically speaking, this is Sons Of Kemet's third album which is to be released on 30th March 2018 on the Impulse! label.

As part of Verve label family, it is already synonymous with Jazz giants that include Pharoah Saunders, Milt Jackson and Roy Haynes. The release follows the previous two albums: Burn (2013) and Lest We Forget What We Came Here To Do (2015) on the Naim Jazz Label.

The Mobo Jazz award winners have received great reviews in the past by music journalist John Fordham  - "Two years ago, Sons of Kemet were already blowing live audiences away and fascinating listeners on record – they do it even better now." ; and Simon Spreyer "the conviction of their collective sound, not to mention their popularity amongst fans not typically interested in jazz, suggests further exploration of this path could yield even more exciting results."

This review reinforces past praise as Sons of Kemet continue to provide a revealing insight into the deep ancestry thoughts of Shabaka Hutchings and his collective. The music is compelling and its influences include the New Orleans Mardi Gras and the London underground dub scene. 

This is some heavy 'tunage' as the album's message rejects the very idea that the British Monarchy is our Queen; celebrating that alternative Queens are born better; not into money, wealth and privilege, but leading by example. Wow!

The last paragraph of the liner notes reads "And we see ourselves as human, We judge our worth, not be Christmas speeches or golden jubilees, but by deeds. Our Queens walked among us. Our Queens led by action, by example, our Queens listened. Our Queens Made bright futures out of cruel and unfair pasts. Our Queens cried and laughed with us. Our Queens knew they were just like us form the beginning, not just when if suited them. Our Queen are just like us, and we are human. We need new royalty. Your Queen is a Reptile!"

Again…Wow! With the optional Pow!

What do I feel when listening to the tunes? I feel a mixed sentiment of emotions. One minute I'm in a party mood as the drums kick-off with the first track My Queen is Ada Eastman. This bass timbre produced by Marshall's tuba is heavy and could not be replicated any other bass instrument. It works with the spoken word. The heavy dub sounds played in My Queen is Mamie Phipps Clark even has the added feedback you would occasionally hear in a reggae sound clash. Mixing this with an undercurrent of jazz is a 'checkmate' move. It will be only a matter of time before other artist play this musical chess game at this level.  

My Queen is Harriet Tubman is in full party mode. The calypso vibes swing with Hutchings blowing as if there is no tomorrow. I can't wait for this to drop at the world-famous Notting Hill carnival. It will send the crowd into a frenzy.  My Queen is Angela Davis has her name written all over it.... literally. It's as though this American political activist, academic scholar, and author wrote this tune. Full of statements and my favourite of the album that throws itself frenzy crescendo.

Deep meditative music plays tribute to Nanny of the Maroons with the heavy Afro- bassline; all the way from Ghana. 

The pièce de résistance for the alum is My Queen is Doreen Laurence. I recall memories a life taken so soon, yet My Queen persisted until the truth was told; for all to see.

This is an amazing piece of work.

 Wow!

 

 

Credits:

Shabaka Hutchings - Saxophone

Oren Marshall - Tuba

Tom Skinner - Drums

Seb Rochford - Drums

Congo Natty - Vocals

Joshua Idehen - Vocals

 

 

Label: Impulse! Records

 

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