citizensound went to see Jerry Dammers Spatial AKA at the Barbican this week.
Three reasons to go:
First a chance to listen to Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane tunes
Second, these pieces of music played by some of the best jazz musicians in the UK
Third to see Jerry Dammers do what he does best…be a band leader.
I read a recent article in Word magazine, covering Jerry Dammers point of view of the Specials reunion gigs which will not involve him.What was most interesting was his keenness to create fresh music (led by him of course) rather than just trot out the hits.
There are so many bands reforming to play their back catalogue live and earn a bit of cash from promoters and brands keen to tap into music lovers who want a trip down memory lane. All this makes complete sense. Everyone is happy.
Yet what I witnessed earlier this week at The Barbican was none of this. It was not merely a band doing covers of Sun Ra. This was not just a homage to inspiring figures in music either. This was a night that challenged, befuddled and uplifted many present. Visually and musically it was a spectacle. Sometimes the sound was terrible, sometimes it was perfect. Arguments ensued after about the night. People debated. People hung around and mingled with the musicians. It was a night of achievement for the artists to have been able to play such challenging pieces.
All of this, plus what was a truly magnificent version of Ghost Town that was part other world in its execution. After hearing this, the Specials on tour will just be a disappointment.
Whilst the Brand sponsors might not be wanting to queue up to get behind the Spatial AKA, I know where I will be. Roll on the next one Jerry.
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