Soothsayers
This is a very special night for Axis Festival as we invite a selection of artists to perform as part of our LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM concert for 2008. This is a night where Stoke on Trent can celebrate its multiculturism. Two of our heavy weight local acts Morning Sparks and Model Radio kick off the night, followed by a performance from acclaimed poet Lemn Sissay. The night is topped off by the high energy beats from Soothsayers.
We are able to offer an exceptionally low ticket price because of sponsorship from the Stoke on Trent City Council who are one of the Festival's partners this year.
So please, enjoy the evening and lets all celebrate our diversity through music
SOOTHSAYERS
Now and again an album comes out of nowhere that hits you straight between the ears.’ The Times.
Soothsayers are a London-based collective that reach far beyond the restrictive clichés of ‘World Music.’ Blending the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeat with the sonic adventurousness of dub reggae and urban jazz, Soothsayers shook up the jaded music scene with their acclaimed debut album, Lost City. Now the band is back with Tangled Roots, an exceptional release that defies standard classifications: the West African root that drove Fela Kuti’s rebellion is filtered through the deeply seductive dub experimentation of Lee Perry, King Tubby and Augustus Pablo, while funk, hip hop and other contemporary elements yield a complex sound firmly lodged in London’s broader musical experience.
The powerful vocals from the elder statesman of Afrobeat, Adesose Wallace summon the sprit of Africa '70 to the stage. Add to this a slice of chunky horns and back up vocals from co-writers and producers Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft and a rhythm section that'll rock you till sunrise featuring musicians working on the cutting edge of the UK music scene as well as performing with many of the big names from Africa and the Caribbean.
Soothsayers have been building a reputation as an exciting and inspirational live act. This is how one promoter described a gig from the recent UK Tour.
'WOW! By any criterion - sheer musicianship, danceability, value-for-money, charisma - this seven-man outfit were a revelation ... with their intoxicating blend of Afro beat-funk grooves and dub, Soothsayers, in the opinion of all at HQ and the delighted punters alike, tower head and shoulders above almost any equivalent band we've hosted in recent times.'
The heart of the band is tenor saxophonist Idris Rahman and trumpeter Robin Hopcraft, co-writers and producers of the band’s material. The pair have played with a range of African artists and reggae stars like Junior Delgado, Rico Rodriguez, Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks, Earl 16 and Realworld’s Ayub Ogada, as well as pop acts such as Stereo MCs and Dodgy, and cutting edge jazz groups such as The Zoe Rahman Quartet and Seb Rochford’s Polar Bear.
Along with a handful of fellow band members, including guitarist Phil Dawson, who is a regular sideman with ex-Fela collaborator Dele Sosimi and numerous others, a range of special guests keep the music broadly challenging: Nigerian ‘blu funk’ advocate Keziah Jones sings the compelling ‘Freedom,’ Maxi Jazz of soulful dance troupe Faithless crosses the afro-jazz/hip hop border with ‘Instant Hit,’ which reworks an Osibisa classic, Roots Manuva’s reggae singer Rikki Rankin spices up the superb ‘Never Give Up’ while the 419ers’ mix of ‘Follow Your Path’ breaks new ground.
Firming up links with Africa are several tracks led by Nigerian vocalist/percussionist Adesose Wallace, a veteran of AfroCelt Sound System, as well as contributions from renowned South African guitarist Lucky Ranku, kora player Mosi Condi and upcoming ‘Chimurunga Soul’ singer Netsayi Chigwendere, while Julia Biel’s guitarist and F-IRE Collective member Jonny Phillips ensures the music has extra melodic texture.
Tangled Roots - an extraordinary album by a highly talented and multifaceted band.
Praise for Tangled Roots
‘A heady sonic brew, crafted in the best jazz tradition by drawing respectfully from disparate elements…the album is full of irresistibly funky grooves, intricate percussion, virtuoso vocals, elaborate guitar lines and swinging horns, with meaningful lyrics and uncommon vocal arrangements raising the overall musical standard one level higher.’ Mojo (four stars)
‘Thrilling harmonies…seriously infectious dance floor grooves…goose bump inducing vocals.’ The Guardian
‘An impressive mosaic of Afrobeat, dub and funky fusion…dynamic volleys of call and response…cascading horn riffs and melodies.’ Echoes
‘Tangled Roots shows how exciting and diverse things get when you hold a mirror up to London’s musical melting pot.’ Jazzwise (four stars)
‘The eclectic blend works perfectly with the sound being organic and unique. It reflects the diverse cultural influences in modern urban Britain and you can imagine the music fitting in on dance floors in South London, Kingston, Lagos or Accra. Infectious, funky and great fun!’ BBC Radio 3
‘African rhythms filtered through the prism of dub…accomplished musicianship…highly compelling.’ XLR8R
‘The whole disc constitutes a major step forward for one of the hardest working and most creative groups on the scene.’ Straight No Chaser
http://www.soothsayers.net/
www.myspace.com/soothsayers
Saturday 3 May, Victoria Hall, 7:00pm, Gig
Tickets: £5.00, call 01782 206 000 or browse to www.musicmaniauk.com to order tickets!
