Orii Weekender: Benjy Appiah + Blue Lab Beats @ The Purcell Room

If you know, you know. Such an elitist phrase which I normally have no time for but in this case it's true and the elitism is inverse. Although the jazz emanating from South and East London, largely of African diasporic heritage, is the lifeblood driving innovation in the scene, it's largely been ignored by the commercial powers. With some notable exceptions of course, like seeing Ezra Collective on national Saturday night TV or Blue Lab Beats getting their flowers in the form of a Grammy. Whether the scene wants or needs the commercial input is another conversation. The point is that for Orii to take over The Purcell Room at the Southbank for the weekend was an unusual quirk in a normally underground scene. Was the formal, seated setting appropriate for a genre where the battle cry is 'Joy As A Form of Rebellion!', perhaps not. But the music was as exquisite, nuanced, joyful and playful as you'd expect from these groups of devastatingly talented musicians.

Dummer extraordinaire Benjy Appiah headed up the first night with Benjy showcasing his Anime inspired tracks. His band consisted of long time friends and collaborators and artists in their own right Doom Cannon, Wonky Logic, James Akers and Christopher Rahman who worked together on his creation to bring us moving soundscapes, epic sonic adventures and what can only be described as an absolute banger to close. The crowd rewarded this musical journey with a standing ovation, and quite right too. The show was so musically rich I look forward to seeing it again, it needs multiple listens to take it in.

Blue Lab Beats took the wheel with their band after and introduced a change of pace, where Benjy had been cinematic Blue Lab were playful. They showcased some popular classics like 'Pineapple' and exciting new releases (check out their new tracks on Spotify, hot off the press). The place was up and dancing in no time, encouraged by NKOK's trademark grin and drum machine badassery and Mr DM's more tranquil, dignified demeanour. He comes, he delivers his multi-instrumental wizardry and he doesn't make a fuss about it. Luckily, we all do. It's a killer combo of skills between the two of them.

The last part of the show was the Orii Collective Jam raising the roof. Not only was it their own band but every other musician who had been on stage that night came up to create a completely unique composition that comes of improvisation. If I had to sum up the night in 1 word it would be 'joyful'. I left feeling truly elevated.

If you want your own slice of joy check out Orii in Hackney with every Monday or in Peckham on Tuesday.

Words + Pictures: Kate Vice