04 Jan Jacob Banks, Rachel Kerr, Marie Dahlstrom shine at Vocals & Verses, London
Championing emerging lyricists and vocalists from the world of poetry, soul and more with their London live events, Vocals and Verses closed 2012 with The People’s Edition show. Inviting back some of the most popular acts who have performed throughout the year (via an online poll), Great Portland Street’s 229 The Venue was the arena for tomorrow’s potential world beaters to once again perform to a packed crowd. Hosted by comedian Kae Kurd, the night’s lineup of singers and poets was an exceptional mix of underground heroes and potential commercial juggernauts, some of whom provided the brighter musical notes of 2012.
13 Jun Usher 'Unstaged' at Hammersmith Apollo, London | Live Review
Last night (June 12) a modern-day musical icon, with over a decade of selling out arenas under his belt, graced the stage of a 5,000 capacity theatre in West London's Hammersmith for an "intimate" show that was, almost inevitably, being beamed out to millions around the world online. On the day that his latest album Looking 4 Myself (check out our review here) dropped in the UK, Usher returned to the Hammersmith Apollo for a one-off gig that he repeatedly described as "history in the making."
03 Jun Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) at HMV Forum, London | Live Review
Despite the heat and sweat of this prelude to summer in London, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) performed at the HMV Forum in Kentish town on Saturday (May 26) with a show that unfortunately left most people in the audience feeling hotheaded by the end of the night.
25 Apr Young Jeezy at indigO2, London | Live Review
On entrance to the indigO2 on Monday night (April 23), the stage was already graced by Birmingham’s very own rising star Lady Leshurr. Although the room hadn’t even filled to half capacity yet, Leshurr worked the stage as if it was a sold out, ram...
24 Mar Talib Kweli at HMV Forum, London | Live Review
When it comes to a lion of Hip Hop, a revered storyteller and one of raps most well known expressers of truth, you can't help but mention Talib Kweli, amongst the likes of Black Star co-star Mos Def, and Black Thought. On March 20 as part of his ongoing lengthy tour, Kweli brought Brooklyn to Kentish Town’s HMV Forum with support from two of the UK’s most well respected lyricists, Lowkey and Mic Righteous.
02 Jun Supafine at The Smugglers Tavern, London (May 29) | Event Review
Supafine – the monthly showcase night held every last Saturday at the Smuggler’s Tavern, central London - has had some of the capital’s finest live acts grace its stage. The idea behind the gigs, according to promoter DJ Speedy, is for artists to bring their diamond-in-the-rough, unfinished pieces to the attention of an audience who will appreciate the raw talent on display. As the artist feeds off the crowd’s reaction they can later refine the finished product.
Since its inception in 2007, Supafine has been host to the likes of Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Kevin Mark Trail and Heidi Vogel. Last Saturday’s mouth-watering line up included Lyric L, Sarina Leah and Best unsigned act MOBO-winner, Fola Phillips.
First up was poet Lyric L, whose gift for spoken word has seen her share a platform with Omar, Izzi Dunn, Ty and Incognito to name a few. Her confident delivery, naturally humorous manner and witty lyrics are evidence enough of why she is in demand.
30 May The SoulJazz Orchestra – Rising Sun | Album Review
The Souljazz Orchestra is already onto their fourth album release with LP Rising Sun, on Strut Records, carving onto their famous love for Afro, jazz and Latin beats a new bright cast. Concentrating on jazz this album round, SoulJazz carry their militant lyrics only in black and white notes as this album is all instrumental.
SoulJazz is a surprising sextet in that it features no strings: no guitar and no bass. Instead this Ottawa band gives full stage to vocals and a genial saxophone range - with three saxophonists on tenor, baritone and alto - plus three acolites on vintage keyboard, percussion and drums. Transposing renowned melodies into colourful fresh jams
18 Jan UK Soul Jam with CK Gospel Choir (Event Review)
The UK Soul Jam Christmas Special took place at London's Jazz Cafe on December 6th. To tell the truth, I hadn’t heard of this event before and I was looking forward to this experience with excitement and anticipation. I really appreciate the fact that events like this, which proudly promote new and established talent, can happen.
The playful banter of co-hosts Harlano and Adeola Ranson [from the headlining CK Gospel Choir, pictured above] kept the audience’s attention as well as getting them involved in the concert, before getting this soulful showcase off to a cracking start with a tender, laid back rendition of Bill Withers' “Lovely Day”. This set the mood for the entire gig.