Music Mashup
Hello Scenesters and welcome to a whole new year of music madness, led by myself DJ Michelle. This month I review Manu Chao at the Forum, check out music showcase OneTaste and tell you what I’ll be listening to in February!
Story Highlights
- Manu Chao at The Forum
- OneTaste in Holborn
- February 2009
Manu Chao at The Forum
I knew relatively little about Manu Chao apart from a few tracks, however when I was offered free tickets to his gig at the Forum, I couldn’t resist. The French born musician sings in nearly every language under the sun ‐ about political consciousness, love and life. Very popular with our European cousins, Manu sings caressingly to the audience before the music hits mosh pit level, again and again, and again! This is music to dance to, not to stand around to.
Those of you familiar with the Africa Express gig will have heard of Amadou and Mariam, but what you might not know is that Manu has produced their second album, Welcome to Mali. It was with great delight that the crowd witnessed them come on stage where they provided some impromptu tunes, a pot of jamming and African drumming.
OneTaste in Holborn
It is rare for me to declare that I have discovered an artist or group that has restored my faith in new music ‐ but I have to say that at music showcase OneTaste, this is what happened. I heard the heartfelt croonings of Jamie Woon, the madness and rhyming capabilities of David J and the fun and flamboyant lyrics of Brighton band The Hat. However the jewel in the crown was a band called The Sound of Rum and their vocalist ‐ the poetess, Excentral Tempest. I was so impressed with this artist I went and bought their album straight away ‐ that very night! Excentral Tempest’s lyrical style is pithy, full of classical allusions and her passion for music and words makes for a performance that is simply electrifying to watch. This young looking, 22‐year‐old is the future of UK Hip Hop and it’s definitely worth checking her out her MySpace page: myspace.com/excentraltempest, where you can listen to her unique analysis of young London. You simply can’t fail to be impressed.
February 2009
February 1, 2009, UK Soul Jam at the Jazz Café, Camden: I was enticed by a friend who told me that Elizabeth Troy, who sang the MJ Cole produced tracks Crazy Love and Sincere, would be performing. I’ll report back next month if I discover any more jems.
February 2, 2009, Iluvlive ‐ Favela Chic, Old Street:: I am an Iluvlive convert and I’m looking forward to seeing Ava Leigh perform, as well as one of my Grime favourites, Ghetto. Old hand Tor will also be performing, as well as Kyla who sang the summer smash ‐ Do you Mind. Together they’ll be bringing some rather funky beats to Shoreditch.
February 5, 2009, Magic House ‐ Vibe Bar, Brick Lane:: Speaking of Funky House, I seem to be picking up the bug and so with heavy weight House and Garage DJ Norris (The Boss) Windross spinning the tunes in the Vibe Bar, and his sister Rose Windross performing live, how could I possibly refuse. See you there?
February 25, 2009, Amadou and Mariam ‐ Koko, Camden:: This will be the tour that introduces Amadou and Mariam’s second album ‐ Welcome to Mali. After catching their performance at the Manu Chao, I’m looking forward to hearing more of their catchy songs.
February 26, 2009, Nitin Sawnhey ‐ Shepherd’s Bush:: Nitin Sawnhey has been entertaining London crowds for years now and this will be his first London gig to celebrate the album, London Undersound. The album features Natty (another one to watch), Paul McCartney and Imogen Heap.
‐ DJ Michelle
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