Monthly Archives: August 2011

SHOTTSMAN comes with ‘TWO BIG SOUND: 7 Nights a Week!

Not too long ago I couldn’t resist the temptation to swing by a rare sound system clash at Brixton Town Hall featuring Sir Coxsone Outernational and Saxon Studio. As a one time ardent follower of Coxsone sound I stepped into … Continue reading

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DRC Music in Kinshasa: Rumble In The Jungle

If you’ve been diggin’ the Owiny Sigoma collaboration that Gilles P released via his Brownswood imprint you’ll be up for checking Damon Albarn’s latest project. Recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo with XL Recordings boss Richard Russell, Dan the … Continue reading

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CARNIVAL 2011… It’s on… & it’s HOT HOT HOT!

The first big question that went through my mind the day the riots kicked off in Hackney and around the country was, “Carnival… what about Notting Hill Carnival?” That was back on August 8th and as the debates swirled and … Continue reading

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What’s the Word: ACID Jazz… LIVE at Dingwalls… Rescued from the vaults!

Here’s a rough & ready little gem of a movie that film editor Paul Bates found in his archive. Acid Jazz… the word! It’s 30 minutes long and 21 years old. This brought back a few memories. According to Paul, … Continue reading

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Flip The Script… Q Tip… A comp!

OK people… just got this from fellow cultural activist and indie publisher, Kingsley Davis: “Q~tip appears in the new book ‘Flip the Script ~ A Photographers Music Diary’ and returns to London for a gig on Fri 26 August. As … Continue reading

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Meet The Interrupters! Redemption & Intervention

THE AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR OF HOOP DREAMS TAKE US ONTO THE WAR TORN STREETS OF THE WINDY CITY WITH CEASEFIRE. Last Tuesday evening, after spending two hours immersed in of Steve James’ latest award winning documentary, The Interrupters, I staggered … Continue reading

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INNER CITY INSIGHT: Words, Sound & Power – MC Akala’s Life Of Rhyme & Life in Grime!

A blazing beacon of cultural enlightenment emerged from beneath the post-riot smokescreen in the form of UK MC, Akala’s ‘Life Of Rhyme’ on Channel 4. Following on from Saturday night’s well publicized but low budget and lame ‘How Hip Hop … Continue reading

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APOLOGIES… bit of a reflection comin’ on… steppin’ back to north London in the mid 80’s… then jumping to now… time to ‘Get Up, Get Into It Get Involved’…

It’s been a vexing time. The lame speeches, the frustrating TV debates, David Starkey…. I’ve even had recurring images of the intro to Shameless… the burning car, the estate… and philosophical Frank ‘avin’ a “Paaaaarty!” I’m tired of them all. … Continue reading

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Soul Jazz, Brownswood, Ninja Tune, Rough Trade… their future threatened by rioting & looters!

Ohhhh maaan… I was distressed to hear about the fire at Sony’s DADC distribution centre in Enfield which was burnt to the ground during the riots. This is a tragedy… a tragedy that will seriously impact on the most creative … Continue reading

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WOMAD 2011: Global Visions & New Dimensions

Words: Paul Brad / Photography: David Corio WOMAD is 30 in 2012 and while other festivals have gone to the wall this summer WOMAD has succeed in growing! WOMAD is a mind expanding but relaxed affair that delivers an amazing … Continue reading

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