Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band

Trinidadian poet, and musician Anthony Joseph with The Spasm Band

Anthony Joseph is a Trinidadian born poet, novelist, academic and musician who has been described as ‘the leader of the black avant-garde in Britain’, fusing calypso rhythms with a post-modern sensibility. In 2004 he was chosen by the Arts Council as one of 50 black and Asian writers who have made major contributions to contemporary British literature, appearing in the historic ‘Great Day’ photograph taken at the British Library. He performs internationally solo and with his Jazz quartet The Spasm Band

The band's musical influences include Free Jazz, Afro-Caribbean funk, spoken word, soca,rapso, Calypso, Rock and the hypnotic Spiritual Baptist rhythms that were prominent in Joseph's childhood in Trinidad. The most recent Spasm Band album "Bird Head Son" was released in February 2009 by Naive/Heavenly Sweetness. As with their previous album, this album is also accompanied by a new literary work; Joseph's 3rd collection of poetry, also entitled Bird Head Son which is published by Salt Publishing in February 2009 to coincide with the UK release of the album. It includes lyrics from the album. The Bird Head Son Tour commenced in December 2008 at Rennes, France and will continue throughout 2009.

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Aquino-Casarano “Strike”

Aquino, trumpeter from Benevento, and Casarano, sax player from Salento

STRIKE is the Mediterranean sound chasing North-European horizons, it is Oslo kissed by Italian sun, it is the union between Sannio and Salento, it is the idea of jumping right into Scandinavian hues repainted with Italian brushes, dipping in an admirable tradition. Aquino, trumpeter from Benevento, and Casarano, sax player from Salento, blend their original, personal and already mature instrument voice with electronic equipments such as loop stations, multi-effects and rhythm loops. The duet, inspired by the late Miles’ teaching, gives life to original pieces full of pathos and tenderness, but not lacking unpredictable impetuous peaks of volcanic energy, thus creating a music style far from conventional patterns.

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Ayanna

The amazing Ayanna Witter-Johnson Ayanna a vocalist and cellist who leading the way in Black folk music. She is the first non-American to win the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem – and one of only a handful of people to win with an original composition. Her solo performances are intimate journeys that express her experience as a 21st century woman, drawing upon the stories of Sojourner Truth, hope and human relationships as inspiration. Photography by Bumi Thomas

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Basil Gabiddon

Reggae Rockz

Basil Gabbidon  is a guitarist / vocalist, and a founding member of the reggae band Steel Pulse. A Birmingham legend, he has played reggae music at venues and festivals all around the world. The band recently played the Glade Festival, Irie Vibes Festival, Flyover Show^[3]

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Chima Anya

The Doctor Who Raps

Rapper Chima Anya is tearing up the UK scene at the moment with his new collaboration ‘It’s The Manner’ that features the legendary Jehst and his new track ‘New Day’ featuring Soweto Kinch. He is a talented MC and talent belongs on Rago, so Tricksta done the right thing.

Chima Says;

"A massive big up to each and every DJ who has played my shit in ANY medium and that includes showing their mate, not because radio 1 played it, not cause the video looks banging, not cause some other DJ played it, not cause it's popular at the moment, not because they thought hudson mohawke produced it, but because they heard it and recognised the quality."

And would you believe that by day Chima’s really is a the medical doctor? Hol’ tight Doc, pimp nurses and push that penicillin.

 

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Ciyo Brown

World Music Acoustic Trio

Ciyo Brown, the internationally acclaimed guitarist, comes to the Hare and Hounds to perform with his World Music Acoustic Trio, featuring Colin McNeish on double bass and Lenny Edwards on percussion. Ciyo has worked with Ronnie Davis, Jean Toussant, Suggs, Carleen Anderson, Roachford, Steel Pulse and Andy Hamilton among others. He incorporates a large range of influences into his music including jazz, reggae, soul and latin. The 26th September promises to be an enthralling night as one of London's best acoustic trios put on a powerful, moving performance at The Hare and Hounds.

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Corey Mwamba

Unassumingly virtuosic performer

 Mwamba, himself an unassumingly virtuosic performer with one of the subtlest touches imaginable, has remarked on his partner's underrated status, '

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David Grey

Greyish Quartet

David Grey musical influences ranges through Hip-Hop, Electronica, classical and Jazz.  Live Box regulars would have seen him on Keyboards as part of the Live Box Crew for Battle in The Box as well as backing many of the international artists.  You now have a second chance to catch him at the Live Box with his own group.

Greyish Quartet was formed in Birmingham during early 2008. The group along with David Grey (piano), comprises some of the most gifted young musicians in Birmingham, Amy Fletcher (woodwind), Nick Jurd (double bass) & Jim Bashford (drums).The band have just recorded of their debut album, "Hummingbird Hill" and is now working on their latest project entitled 'The Dark Red Room', which incorporates visual media, new compositional techniques and instrumentation.

Tonight You can expect to hear twisted, heavy grooves, beautiful harmonies and dazzling solo improvisation.

 

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David Grey

Big Wave. Small Giant This collective of superb Birmingham based musicians bring you big music, full of life and from the heart. Brainchild of pianist/composer David Austin Grey, 'Big Wave.Small Giant' came together with the aim of making beautiful heart-felt music not restricted to any one genre. David Austin Grey: Piano/Keyboard Chris Mapp: Electric Bass/Double Bass Tymek Jozwiak: Drum Kit Mark 'Magoo' Robertson: Percussion Gareth Fowler: Guitar Chris Young: Alto Saxophone Tom Dunnett: Trombone Nick Rundle: Tenor Saxophone

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David Grey and Jason McDougal

Jazz Pianist and Haunting Vocalist Combine

Jason McDougal performed tremendously as the lead male voice in the musical play Not Quite Gospel, and returns to Live Box to showcase his vocal talents. He is inspired by jazz, soul and gospel music and the strands come together in his haunting vocal performances. Pianist David Grey is influenced by hip hop, electronica, classical and jazz, and has recorded an album Hummingbird Hill with his band, the Greyish Quartet. They perform original jazz and hip hop tracks, written by David. Together their performance is going to be electric as the strengths of each artist combine at The Drum on the 12th December.

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Deodata Siquir

A drummer and a vocalist from Mozambique

Deodato Siquir is a leading light in African Jazz. A drummer and a vocalist from Mozambique, Deodato moved to Scandinavia at the age of 26 and established himself on the jazz and world music scene.

Through Siquirs swinging compositions, with lyrics in a mix of Portuguese, English and Ronga, you will be taken on a musical journey around the world. Mozambican rhythms are mixed with cool Scandinavian Jazz, played expertly by the band leader and Danish guitarist Preben Carlsen and Polish bass player Andrzej Krejniuk (both are educated from the Copenhagen Rhythm Conservatory).

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Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley

Acclaimed Canadian Blues

Canadian blues singer Diana Braithwaite and guitarist Chris Whiteley come to perform at Live Box with the highest acclaim from critics and with multiple awards, including several Maple Blues Awards. Diana has an incredible blues voice, taking audiences back in time to blues' heyday with her wonderful performances and Chris is a multi-talented instrumentalist, being able to play the guitar, trumpet, harmonica and pedal steel and who has appeared in over 200 recordings both as a leader and session musician. Together, they form an excellent partnership that brings the highest quality blues to the Drum on the 18th September.

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Empirical

Jazz group

Live Box Presentation – Empirical’s “Walk Tall” (Jazz)

Walk Tall is a special presentation with jazz group Empirical and journalist Kevin Le Gendre which celebrates the life of stunning saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. Cannonball was an individual jazz musician who created a sound with a hard swinging groove and blues influences that attracted the attention of Miles Davis. He was also an activist for Black Rights in 1960’s America who collaborated with Jesse Jackson. Empirical reprise a selection of Adderley’s masterpieces which will appeal to jazz fans of all stripes while Kevin Le Gendre presents images and archival audio. This event will take place at the Drum on the 31^st October so come along and enjoy the high-quality jazz music on offer.

 

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Eska Mtungwazi

This lady is no canary

Eska’s earliest memory of participating in music is the recorder group her elder sister was in at primary school. Eska was never asked to join it herself, but taught herself to read enough music from the recorder books lying about the house to play the recorder at home, then move to violin, cello and eventually piano.

For me there is no sound comparable to choral singing

Eska Mtungwazi

Acting was more important than singing when Eska was younger. She says that she was never nervous in school performances when she was acting ? pretending to be someone else ? but when she sang in public there was no character to hide behind, she had to be herself. And so although it took longer to build up her confidence as a singer, developing her ear and her awareness of how music worked gave a solid technique to build that confidence on.

Eska believes that understanding intonation and pitch on an instrument without frets or fixed notes ? in her case the violin and the cello ? helped her become more sensitive to how to pitch a note and stay in tune as a vocalist. And when she was 18, and the family returned for a visit to her birthplace, Zimbabwe, she realised that family history was another crucial part of her identity as a singer.

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Family Reggae Disco

Good Reggae Vibes in a Relaxed Atmosphere

A great event for all ages, Family Reggae Disco provides reggae DJs, live music and entertainment. This is a perfect event for children to attend as activities, arts and crafts and face painting will be provided. An interesting and diverse set of stalls will be present for perusal and food and drink will also be available. Come along and spend quality time with your family and feel the good reggae vibes in a relaxed atmosphere at The Drum on the 19th September.

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Frutloka

The Tropical Sounds of Frutaloka FRUTALOKA is a collective of talented musicians from different cultural and musical backgrounds. They bring a fruitful edge to covers as well as incorporating their own originals that eclectically infuse a big variety of genres: latin, jazz, funk, soul, reggae and more.

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Gemma Weeks

Singer-Poet and musician

Singer-Poet and musician Gemma Weekes reads from her recently released, incredibly successful first novel, ‘Love Me’. 

Born in the East End of London in 1978, Gemma Weekes has lived in England and St Lucia. Gemma has featured on BBC Radio 3’s the Verb, has read her poetry on ITV, and has performed live with Cody Chesnutt (playing his guitar)

supporting the Black Eyed Peas at the Jazz Café.

 

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Gilad Atzmon

Israeli Jazz Musician

Nu Century Arts and The Drum present a Live Box Special
 
Gilad Atzmon and the Orient House Ensemble
 
Jazz
 
Gilad Atzmon was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at
the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz). As a
multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes,
Clarinet and Flutes. His album Exile was the BBC jazz album of the year in
2003. He has been described by John Lewis on the Guardian as the
"hardest-gigging man in British jazz". His albums, of which he has
recorded
nine to date, often explore political themes and the music of the Middle
East.
 
Coming to the UK in 1994, Atzmon recovered a childhood interest in playing
the music of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe that had
been
in the back of his mind for years. In 2000 he founded the Orient House
Ensemble in London and started re-defining his own roots in the light of
his emerging political awareness. Since then the Orient House Ensemble has
toured all over the world. The Ensemble includes Eddie Hick on Drums,
Yaron
Stavi on Bass and Frank Harrison on piano & electronics.
 
The autumn 2010 tour is Gilad's biggest yet - don't miss this chance to
see his most fluent band's renditions of music from throughout the
different periods of his career!
 
A prolific writer, Atzmon's essays are widely published. His novels 'Guide
to the perplexed' and 'My One And Only Love' have been translated into 24
languages.
 
"Atzmon's fluid lyricism is in full flow on songbook classics and worldly
originals. But as sweet romance morphs to modernist uncertainty, the
bittersweet balance and rich emotional palette equally impress." 
Financial
Times ***** 
 
"Gilad Atzmon, the expat Israeli saxophonist/clarinetist, combines
thrilling jazz musicianship with a maverick political intelligence"  The
Guardian ****

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Homecut

A dynamic seven piece touring band

A dynamic seven piece touring band, Homecut bring a fresh blend of critically acclaimed hip-hop, soul, jazz and sonic experimentation. The brainchild of emcee and producer Testament, the Homecut sound breaks the stereotypes that surround rap, and navigates a social and spiritual commentary on everyday British life. “A stand-alone classic that deserves celebration” 

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

- Metro

 

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Jason McDougal

The youngest cut from the oldest cloth

The man behind the haunting lead male voice in Not Quite Gospel takes centre stage with a group of local musicians. Jason is an eclectic artist whose inspiration range from Ray Charles, to Chet Baker to John Legend.. He is also a scat artist taking notes from the books of Ella Fitzgerald and Bobby McFerrin.  His funky jazzy soul style is an ever -evolving sound that continues to seduce audiences

 

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Jay Phelps

“Jay Phelps' debt to the "speaking" quality of Wynton Marsalis's trumpet playing is evident….”

Jay Phelps:

 

Jay Phelps is a Vancouver-born Canadian.  He performed for two years with the award-winning Surrey Youth Symphony Orchestra where he picked up a best soloist award.  He became the youngest artist to lead his own band at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, a feat he repeated the following year amidst much media attention.  At 17 Jay moved to London determined to immerse himself in the London jazz scene and immediately attracted the notice of Gary Crosby who offered him work with Jazz Jamaica, Nu Troop and, in 2002, the opportunity to be a Tomorrow’s Warrior. 

Citing Louis Armstrong, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis as his main influences, Jay, a student at Trinity College of Music, Formally Co-leader of the new hit jazz sensation Empirical and a featured member of Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co, has performed with Andrew Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Brown, John Hendricks, Nasheet Waits, George Benson, Jamie Cullum, Sir John Dankworth, Guy Barker, Amy Winehouse, Charlotte Church, Hugh Masakela and Jazz Jamaica..  In recent months Jay has recorded and toured with the sensational SkaCubano which features Cuba’s finest exports, and has put together an outfit under his own name. 

The Jay Phelps Quintet.  The band is dedicated to swinging in any climate from the more contemporary to the traditional.

The members include:

Shabaka Hutchins- Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Bass clarinet

Jonathan Gee- Piano

Karl Rasheed-Abel- Double Bass

Gene Calderazzo- Drums

 

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Jay Phelps' Quintet

Jazz Quintet Led by Talented Trumpeter

Jay Phelps is a young, creative and gifted jazz trumpeter. Originally from Vancouver, Jay attracted the attention of Gary Crosby when he moved to London at age 17. Jay went on to lead the jazz sensation Empirical, with whom he toured several major festivals. He has performed with a range of jazz artists and he intends to educate the next generation of Jazz musicians through his project Jazz Youth. He has his own quintet, made up of Shabaka Hutchings on Tenor Sax, Jonathan Gee on piano, Karl Rasheed-Abel on bass, Gene Calderazzo on drums and Michael Mwenso on vocals. Jay also has a new album, Jay Walkin’, which will be released in November 2010. It captures the traditional spirit of Jazz music, with Mwenso’s playful vocals underpinned by Jay’s composing and arrangements. The Quintet come to the Drum to perform on the 24^th October.

 

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Jazz Alive

Nurturing Raw talent

Jazz Alive features London's rising Jazz stars.  This project created by Clive Powell nurtures the raw talent of its young members by placing them under the tutorship of established and experienced musicians and teachers. This programme was developed and led by Soweto Kinch and Orphy Robinson, two of Britain's musical giants

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Jonzi D

Creator of Hip Hop Theatre

Jonzi D is a hip hop artist who produces his own works of hip hop theatre. He is the creator and host of Breakin' Convention, a Hip Hop Dance Theatre Festival, and runs his own organisation, Jonzi D Productions, who create and tour original works of hip hop theatre and run workshops to inspire artists and audiences. Jonzi D has also created work as an MC and poet, and in this capacity has worked with The Roots, Steve Williamson, Mannafest, MC Mell 'O' and toured with Gangstarr. He has also appeared on television programs on Channel 4. He comes to The Public on the 10th October.

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Judy's House

Mixing jazz, soul and gospel, local band

Mixing jazz, soul and gospel, local band judyshouse brings to The Live Box a unique and stunning set of original and inspirational songs. Formed this year, by the talented composer and performer Laura Douglas and her band, and building on a growing local following and reputation, judyshouse brings you some of the very best up-and-coming musical talent in Birmingham. Expect a vocal and keyboard based sound, driving rhythm and faith-inspired lyrics. Above all else, expect a great time!"

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Julie Dexter

Vocalist, composer and producer

Born and raised in Birmingham, England, of Jamaican parents, Julie Dexter is a world-renowned singer / songwriter who has won numerous international awards. A classically trained musician who writes, arranges, composes and produces, Julie is considered by many to be one of the most important female vocalists of her generation. Deeply influenced by legends such as Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson, as well as popular icons such as Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of artistry.

For the past five years Julie Dexter has spent the millenium sharing the stage with this generation's cutting-edge soul artists, including Jill Scott, Bilal, Amel Larrieux, Donnie, Omar, Jaguar, Rachelle Ferrell, and Fertile Ground, to name a few. While Julie Dexter is more than able to hold up against her peers, her music has also been praised by them. In time the world will hold Julie Dexter in the same regards as those stellar artists who regard her well.

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Martin Speake

Improvisor, Saxophonist, Composer and Educator

“Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent.” – Thomas Conrad, Jazz Times.   Martin cites Lee Konitz, Charlie Parker, Warne Marsh, Bill Evans, Ornette Coleman, Steve Coleman, Rabi Abou Khalil, and Paul Motian as major influences. Martin formerly of the Itchy Fingers quartet  was born in Barnet, North London in 1958. He was inspired to take up the saxophone at the age of 16. From 1977-81, he studied Classical Saxophone at Trinity College of Music, where he was awarded the prestigious Dame Ruth Railton prize for woodwind playing.

 

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Michael Olatuja

British/Nigerian bassist

British/Nigerian bassist Michael Olatuja debuts his vision as producer, composer, arranger and performer on Speak. The album features musical influences and guests from each spot Olatuja has hit around the globe, including his childhood in London and Lagos, Nigeria, and professional years in London and New York  

 

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Michael Olatuja

Diverse Bass Player with Jazz and Soul Influences

Bass player Michael Olatuja comes to Live Box with a diverse musical set featuring influences as far flung as traditional Nigerian Yoruba music as well as jazz, soul, R&B and Gospel. Michael has played for a wide range of artists including Terence Blanchard, Patti Austin, Lisa Stansfield, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Chair, and Gretchen Parlato as well as creating his own music embodied in his album Speak. His powerful music, based on his strong Christian roots, is designed to uplift and brings a great sense of positivity, and he is sure to put on a fantastic set at the Drum on the 28th November.

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Michelle Lawerence

Energetic performance from Michelle Lawerence Michelle totally enjoys singing, song writing and performing and she is totally inspired by the music of 'ARETHA' Franklin, Melissa Morgan, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Babyface, Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight, James Brown, Keane, Guns and Roses - the old tracks.. 'Sweet Child O' Mine and Paradise City' and last but not least Norah Jones... Michelle has written dance tracks with Juno Award music producer Ian Nieman in Toronto, Canada and has also worked with established music producers Laurence Hobbs and Stuart Epps.

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MORLeY HAYDeN HAINeS

Dynamic Spoken Word

Morely Hayden Haines is a collaboration between three local artists who will provide a dynamic spoken word set at the Hare and Hounds on the 5th December. They exhibit award winning poetry over a backdrop of jazz, drum and bass and funk. Jonathan Morley, an Eric Gregory winning poet provides the backarapping over Si Hayden's double bass and Ben Haines' drums. Their album BACKRA MeN has been praised by critics, including the well-known poet Benjamin Zephaniah and the BBC's John Butler.

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Patrick Neate

Novelist, critic, scriptwriter and poet

Patrick Neate is a respected novelist, critic, scriptwriter and poet. His work has been published in most major UK newspapers and magazines, widely anthologised and broadcast on radio and television.

He is the author of four novels and one book of non-fiction. His novels are: Musungu Jim and the Great Chief Tuloko (2000), winner of a Betty Trask Award; Twelve Bar Blues (2001), winner of the 2001 Whitbread Novel Award; The London Pigeon Wars (2003); and City of Tiny Lights (2005), shortlisted for a 2007 Edgar Award. His non-fiction book, an analysis of hip-hop, is Where You’re At: Notes from the Frontline of a Hip-Hop Planet (2003), winner of the 2004 National Book Critics' Circle Award (USA).

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Patsy Fuller

Pay back gig Patsy Fuller is one of the UK’s most exciting and versatile jazz and blues vocalists. Patsy is now also creating a stir on the house music scene with her recent release of a soulful interpretation of ‘Undecided’ (produced by Jeremy Sylvester).

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Robert Mitchell

One of the best pianists in Britain today

Pianist Robert Mitchell in duo mode is always rewarding; his particular gift – a breathtaking delicacy and precision allied with one of the most fecund musical imaginations you'll ever hear in action – shines in the collaboration with vibes player Corey Mwamba. Mwamba, himself an unassumingly virtuosic performer with one of the subtlest touches imaginable, has remarked on his partner's underrated status, 'Robert Mitchell is one of the best pianists in Britain today.' Amen to that.

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Robert Mitchell's Panacea

Talented Jazz Octet

Robert Mitchell's Panacea are a diverse, award winning Jazz octet featuring musicians from Cuba and Australia. Robert Mitchell is a prolific artist, who as well as working with Panacea has worked in a trio, in duos and also recorded work as a solo artist. His trio's album The Greater Good won Best Jazz Album 2009 from Gilles Peterson Worldwide. The Panacea features eight highly talented musicians: Robert Mitchell on piano and keys, Deborah Jordan on vocals, Tom Mason on bass and violin, Shaney Forbes on drums, Julian Ferraretto on violin, Ben Davis on Cello, Mandy Drummond on viola, and Hammadi Valdez on percussion. These multitalented artists perform at The Hare and Hounds on the 7th November.

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Robert Mitchell's Panacea

Robert Mitchell Returns 'Robert Mitchell's Panacea return to The Drum after a great UK tour in 2010/11. The group have produced 3 albums, and featured guests such as : Norma Winstone MBE (Grammy nominated vocalist), Steve Williamson (saxophonist) , Omar Puente (great Cuban violinist) and recently took part in a documentary for Mezzo (French Arts Tv Station) featuring guest Iain Ballamy on saxes.

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Soweto Kinch

Rising star of UK jazz Born in London, England in 1978 to a Barbadian father and British-Jamaican mother, multi award winning Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians to hit the British jazz scene in recent years. Kinch has succesfully woven post-bop jazz and rap to near universal acclaim. He twice won the MOBO award for best jazz act plus a hosts of other plaudits including a mercury prize nomination for his debut album Conversations With The Unseen. Kinch is a rare beast in British Jazz- a fervent disciple of Hip-Hop who, at the same time, is a master of the Jazz idiom- both disciplines that he appears determined to bridge. On stage and on he is a confident, electrifying modern day hipster. Off stage and on record the Oxford University graduate brings intellectual heft to his musical passions, refusing to seperate the music from the social realities that gave it birth. his second album A Life In The Day of B19-Tales Of The Tower Block examines the lived experiences of three Birmingham men. This extremeely gifted artist and cohort of Jazz Royalty Wynton Marsalis and Courtney Pine is also the Creative Director and Host of the Live Box.

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Sparlha Swa

A singer-songwriter born in Kingston

Sparlha Swa, a singer-songwriter born in Kingston, Jamaica, is making incredible strides in her career in music.  A life-long vocalist and flourishing composer, Sparlha scored the multi-award-winning short Pariah (Offical Sundance Selection 2008), has had her music licensed to both TV and Film (Girlfriends 2006, Motives 2, 2007). She has released three albums, landing a distribution deal in Japan in 2006 for her debut album In The Distance, and has toured independently with just her guitar to cities as far reaching as Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Paris, Honolulu, and to cities across the US. Last summer and fall Sparlha played a lead role in Fela!, an Off Broadway musical directed and choreographed by world renowned choreographer Bill T. Jones. She is currently living and working on a new album in Brooklyn, NY.

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Speech Debelle

(Mercury Music Award winner 2009)

Speech Debelle raps with complete intimacy, as if only addressing one person. Her debut album Speech Therapy, produced by regular Roots Manuva collaborator Wayne Lotek, is both intimate and epic, moving back and forth between the personal and political, the mundane and the spiritual. At the age of twenty-five her fragile voice can make her sound like a teenager, but she’s packed in enough experience to last most people forever: from reflections on hostel life and the hustles involved in getting by on the South London streets, to funny incidents and sharp observations. “Daddy’s Little Girl” is a scathing attack on an absent father held together by organ and dub bass. “Bad Boy” looks unflinchingly but also non-judgementally at the attitudes and outlooks of the yout’s Speech grew up knowing. “Buddy Love” is a funny, bouncing look at what happens when you start shagging your mate. 
“Sensational” – Sunday Times 
“Potent, precious, poignant. The artist Lily Allen could only dream of being” – DJ 
“A superstar in the making” – Update [single of the week] 
“Like no hip hop record you’ve ever heard” – Dazed & Confused 
“Urban decay recast as a brooding short film, flooded with poetry and honest emotional toil” – iDJ 

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TAN

Tan and The Government

 TAN who will make her first UK appearance performing with 'The Government' an eclectic live Swedish band and 'Confidence Soulful' a well known jazzy MC from Stockholm city. Tan is the MTV award winning director of F.T.C.'s music video 'CarToon Characters' She toured Europe with M.O.P., Terminology and Rex in Autum 2009 and is scheduled to rock the bells of Europe promoting her album 'Show Me The World' in 2010.  Tan is also a scriptwriter whose play “Carnival” will be performed at the drum Arts Centre in April as part of a collaboration between Nu century Arts and the Drum’s Young Gifted and Brum project.  Her  musical output drifts between a fusion of reggae roots, indie, rock and refreshing hip hop styles. A vibe that you can't help but smile and nod your head to.

 

 

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Under Kontrol

Original French Beatbox Quatour

Under Kontrol are a French beatbox quatuor, made up of four of the best French beatboxers, Micflow, Mr Lips, Fayabraz, and Tiko. They are the 2009 world champions of beatbox, and can create a diverse range of musical sounds - just using their mouths. They produce their own original material in order to become genuine musicians and not just beatboxers. They are highly skilled at the art of beatbox and are bound to please any fan with their original style at the Drum on the 3rd October.

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Why G

Prolific American Emcee

Why G is a prolific American emcee who has worked with Afrika Bambaataa as well as Professor KB and Alan Palmer. Passionate about the arts, Why G? creates his own original material with a positive vibe. He lives and creates his music by the motto “Live your life knowing life is limitless until you strive to limit it" and he will perform his set at The Public on the 14th November.

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Zara McFarlane

Sassy, Sensual Jazz Singer

Zara McFarlane is a sassy, sensual jazz vocalist who brings a Caribbean flavour to traditional jazz music and original tracks. She draws influences from several styles including soul, reggae and R&B. She has performed and/or recorded with Denys Baptiste, Gary Crosby, Soweto Kinch, Omar Puente, Hugh Masekela, Abram Wilson, Orphy Robinson, Ernest Ranglin and Guy Barker. With her refreshing take on the classics and terrific original songs, Zara is bound to impress at the Public on the 12th September.

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