Forwards Review 2023
Giving a powerhouse performance with his commanding presence, Gabriel stepped onto the satge radiating confidence and poise. As he started singing my favourite song ‘Angels & Queens’ his voice, a fusion of velvet and gravel, resonated through the place like a force of nature. His soulfulness and gospel-esque truly elevated his performance to legendary status. I very much enjoyed the praise break we had during his set. Knowing about the apostolic background from my parents and grandparents I stomped my feet accordingly allowing the spirit to flow through me. Gabriel, eyes sparkling with gratitude, left gracefully, acknowledging the fervent love and appreciation that surrounded him.
The fusion electronic sounds filled the air as Bonobo came on to energise us into the sunset. The electrifying beats echo through carefully curated mix of pulsating electronic melodies as he turned the festival into party mode. He had transported the audience to a realm where music and nature harmoniously coexisted, reminding them of the delicate balance between the artificial and the primal. Bonobo skillfully blended live instrumentation with pre-recorded samples, layering the music to create a rich and immersive soundscape. I especially enjoyed my hearing my favourites live ‘Shadows’ and ‘Otomo’.
From the very first note, Ezra Collective captivated the room with their seamless fusion of jazz, Afrobeat, and hip-hop. The tight-knit rhythm section, anchored by the pulsating basslines and the grooving drums, laid a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon. The spirited percussions added an extra layer of complexity, creating a rhythmic tapestry that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The band's leader and pianist, Femi Koleoso, showcased his remarkable musicianship throughout the performance. Shared a speech about unity, the importance of togetherness and happiness it was a beautiful and wholesome moment. Ezra Collective's horn section was nothing short of sensational. The powerful trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi and soulful saxophonist James Mollison interplay engaged in a musical conversation that spoke straight to the heart. Their improvisation skills were awe-inspiring, effortlessly maneuvering through intricate melodies and delivering soul-stirring solos that ignited the crowd. Joe Armon-Jones his nimble fingers danced across the keys, producing a mesmerizing fusion of jazz harmonies and infectious Afrobeat rhythms. They played my favourite track ‘Victory Dance’ and each note reverberated with passion and conviction, leaving an indelible mark on the ears and souls of the listeners. Whether it was the spirited and uptempo tunes that had the crowd dancing, or the introspective and soulful ballads that had them reflecting, Ezra Collective captivated every moment with their unwavering commitment to musical excellence. The dynamic jazz-fusion ensemble, delivered an electrifying performance. Setting the stage ablaze with their undeniable talent and infectious energy, the band left the audience craving for more.
The connection between the band members was palpable, as they seamlessly communicated through their instruments. It was evident that they shared a deep musical bond, effortlessly feeding off each other's energy and driving the performance to thrilling heights. Their synergy was contagious, spreading like wildfire among the audience, who found themselves unable to resist the urge to tap their feet and sway to the music.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of originals and reinterpretations of jazz classics. Each composition offered a different facet of the band's artistry, showcasing their versatility and genre-bending prowess. Whether it was the spirited and uptempo tunes that had the crowd dancing, or the introspective and soulful ballads that had them reflecting, Ezra Collective captivated every moment with their unwavering commitment to musical excellence.
As the night drew to a close, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, unwilling to let Ezra Collective leave the stage. The band obliged, treating the audience to an exhilarating encore that left everyone at the brink of musical euphoria.
Ezra Collective's energetic performance was a testament to their undeniable talent and musicianship. Their seamless fusion of jazz, Afrobeat, and hip-hop, coupled with their infectious energy, left a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness their musical prowess. As we left the Jazz Club that night, the melodies continued to linger in our minds, a testament to the transcendent power of live music.
RAYE took the stage with an unparalleled energy that captivated the audience from the very beginning. The impact of her message lingered, reminding everyone in attendance that they were capable of greatness, that their voices mattered, and that they had the power to overcome any obstacles that stood in their way. In between songs, RAYE shared personal anecdotes, opening up about her own struggles and triumphs. Her vulnerability resonated deeply, reminding everyone that even the strongest among us have faced battles and emerged stronger on the other side. As the music surged through the speakers, RAYE's magnetic presence filled the place. She sang my two favourite tracks ‘Hard Out Here’ and ‘Flip A Switch’ and it was amazing. My heart went out to her when she sang ‘Ice Cream Man’ for people that are unaware it’s about the mental and emotional impact of sexual assault. I felt every word as she poured out her heart it was as if she was healing right before our eyes, it was powerful and brave. It was clear that this was not just another performance; it was a heartfelt expression of her journey and a testament to her resilience. Her lyrics evoked emotions, weaving a narrative of strength, self-love, and the power of overcoming adversity.
The performance unfolded in a tapestry of musical layers, each meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of connection to nature's innate spirit Erykah Badu. She treated our ears to track like ‘Otherside Of The Game’, ‘Appletree’, ‘Bag Lady’ and ‘Next Lifetime’. Her friend came on stage near the end of her set to showcase her talent and she made almost chanting and tribal sounds as it became spiritual. A figure came on stage head bowed and making bird sounds, I was trying to figure out who it was. As the figure stepped into the night before I he took his hat off I started shouting and jumping ‘It’s Yasiin Bey OH MY GOD’ as I believed it’s the only way you should react when you see a rap legend right before your eyes. I turned to my partner hitting his chest and kept frantically repeating Yasiin’s name in disbelief as I was shock, my partner kept saying Mos Def back in agreement as he was in just as much shock as me. He treated us to ‘UMI Says’ a moment that I will treasure for a very long time. As the audience dispersed into the night, hearts full of wonder and awe, the echoes of the Erykah’s melodies lingered, reminding us that there is magic to be found when we allow music to guide us back to the wild within ourselves. It reminds us that music has the extraordinary power to transcend barriers and spark joy, no matter the environment in which it is experienced.
