Renell Shaw's latest jazz trilogy is a game-changer – a sonic masterpiece that delves deep into the rich tapestry of Black British life, beyond the often-oversimplified narrative surrounding the Windrush generation. This isn't just music; it's a deeply personal journey through family history, told with unflinching honesty and infused with love.
Shaw's 2020 Ivor Novello-winning 'The Windrush Suite' is set to be joined by its eagerly anticipated sequel, 'Echo in the Bones', as part of this month's live performances at Kings Place. The former composition already boasts a stunning blend of jazz-infused horns and classical strings, interwoven with the infectious energy of funk – but the real magic lies in the way Shaw weaves his family's recorded voices into the fabric of these tracks.
The 12-piece group set to take the stage features an incredible generational mix, with seasoned musicians like Orphy Robinson (65 and still bringing the heat on marimba) alongside younger talent like Romarna Campbell (30), pounding out rhythms that showcase lived experience, inherited memory, and a future perspective all at once.
But it's 'Echo in the Bones' that truly gets to grips with the tougher truths – tackling police brutality under the discredited 'sus' laws of the 1980s, for example. Shaw's message is clear: by sharing these inconvenient truths, we can start to build a more complete picture of Black British history.
Originally performed virtually during lockdown, these compositions are now set to shine in their live, in-person glory – and it's not just the musicians who stand to gain from this shift. With AI posing an ever-growing threat to artistic authenticity, the move towards live performances is a crucial one – fostering that all-important connection between artist and audience.