Music Review 15 Dec: Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement
Article published: Saturday, December 19th 2009
The intimate, dimly lit Music Box was the perfect setting for a night of Jazz-based performances complimented by a talk from seasoned author and activist Martin Smith. He offered a thought-provoking insight into the genre, its connection to the black civil rights movement and its cultural legacy in shaping politics today.
Hosted by Cultures of Resistance with the acclaimed campaign LoveMusicHateRacism, the night has been touring the country in aid of the Socialist Worker appeal. The Manchester audience was however treated to a different line-up than usual after headline act Omar Puente pulled out due to an emergency.
Opening the night with a 45 minute jamming session was Look Pancake, a recently formed four-piece ensemble of Northwest musicians. Their freshness was reflected in the energy of their set, which was skillfully filled with impromptu solos that drew a warm reception from the crowd.
Next the guest speaker took to the stage. Bringing the two themes of Jazz and Civil Rights together, Smith began with a Langston Hughes’ jazz styled poem ‘Seeing Red’. This was to be the cornerstone of his talk. Refreshingly it wasn’t a standard seminar, his words interspersing with samples of the artists’ music. It proved to be a compelling way to draw the themes together. Covering key artists Art Blakey, Max Roach, Duke Ellington and Charlie Hayden, Smith argued that, although all didn’t identify as “red”, they certainly saw red when it came the injustices surrounding them.
His delivery was passionate, highlighting the influences of gospel music in jazz, its unifying nature and the importance of articulating the feel of the Civil Rights Movement, much of which still resonates today. It could have benefited from being more interactive but the main let down was the visuals. The projected stream of emotive photos were sadly diluted by an excessive use of effects.
Drawing the night to a close the six-piece Cuban Jazz Band comprised of professional artists and was the highlight of the night. Their upbeat and fast-paced set lifted the crowd off their seats to fill the dance floor. Clearly enthusiastic after their set they remarked: “With music being de-radicalised of late, it’s good to see the reinvigoration of social awareness amongst musicians.”
The night received a decent turnout and organiser Sophie Smith told MULE it had been “a successful night, raising awareness of the appeal and importance of the relationship between Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement”. Her sentiment was shared by everyone in attendance. Those who missed out should keep an eye on future Cultures of Resistance events.
Emily Randall
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