Shabaka Hutchings & Sons of Kemet
Headed by Shabaka Hutchings, a ‘musically adventurous instrumentalist’ and classical clarinetist major, Sons of Kemet are a new Jazz ensemble; also comprising of Seb Roachford and Tom Skinner – on drums, and Oren Marshall – on tuba.
Referring to the spiritual belief system, Kemetism; founded in Ancient Egyptian culture but serving African Diaspora, the four piece ensemble use music to explore Hutchings’ Caribbean roots; having been raised on the island of Barbados after being born in the UK.
Hutchings joined the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2003; then Courtney Pine’s Jazz Warriors in 2008.
Hutchings is part of the new generation of Jazz musicians, and has played alongside contemporary artists including; Kit Downes, Jay Phelps, Arun Ghosh and Soweto Kinch. He has also performed with Jazz stalwarts such as Julian Joseph, Jack DeJohnette and founding Blue Notes member, Louis Moholo.
Sons of Kemet have been described by John Fordham, in The Guardian, as ‘one of the hippest new UK bands’ and ‘certain to dominate the best of 2012 lists’.
Shabaka Hutchings & Sons of Kemet release their debut album later in 2012.
For more info visit http://www.shabakahutchings.com/
David Grey’s Greyish Quartet
Brainchild of local composer and pianist, David Austin Grey, the Greyish Quartet was formed in 2008.
With strong links the Birmingham Conservatoire, and established as young talents of the Birmingham Jazz scene, the Greyish Quartet includes; David Austin Grey – composition & piano, Sam Wooster – trumpet, Nick Jurd – double bass, and Jim Bashford – drums.
Greyish Quartet live performances can also feature the award winning saxophonist, Soweto Kinch, local vocalist, Jason McDougal, and New York emcees, iLLspokinn and Why G?
Earlier in 2012, Greyish Quartet’s released its debut album; ‘The Dark Red Room’.
A ‘set of contemporary compositions’ by David Austin Grey, this fourteen track project uses music to reflect ‘on a concept of film making, or an emotional response to a particular piece of film’. The album also features guest artists; Soweto Kinch, Jason McDougall and Why G?
Exploring a range ‘creative possibilities where music attempts to reflect photography, film and cinematography’, the album’s title track is an homage to the ‘quietly, intense mood of the photography dark room’; whereas the track ‘You’re Like Kryptonite To Me’ is in reference to the world’s most famous speeding bullet.
For more on David Austin Grey and Greyish Quartet, including samples of ‘The Dark Red Room’, visit www.davidaustingrey.com
Shabaka Hutchings & Sons of Kemet and Greyish Quartet play the Hare & Hounds on June 6th. Rumour has it, Soweto Kinch will be appearing with Greyish Quartet.
For tickets & info, about this and other gigs at the venue, visit www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk