Soothsayers (Friday)

Soothsayers from Brixton play Dub & horns at Hideaway Streatham
Friday, 2nd May 2014

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed album collaboration with Jamaican legend Cornel Campbel – the Brixton based outfit with the world class horns section bring their jazz influenced mix of dub vibes and Afro beat grooves back to Hideaway.

Click here for the exclusive Soothsayers download track

If you're after tickets for their Saturday gig instead, click here instead!

 

Robin Hopcraft Trumpet / Vocals
Idris Rahman - Tenor Saxophone / Vocals
Harry Brown - Trombone
Westley Joseph - Drums
Kodjovi Kush - Bass / Vocals
Phil Dawson - Guitar
Pat Hatchett - Guitar
Kishon Khan - Keyboards

Known for their powerful live performances and groundbreaking recordings, Soothsayers blend vital and disparate sonic elements into an organic groove that reflects their wide ranging influences that include Fela Kuti, Sun Ra, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Radiohead, The Gladiators, Gill Scott Heron, Cymande, Miles Davis and Massive Attack. The message in the music is essential and heartfelt and lyrically the songs represent global consciousness and, above all, honesty.

Idris and Robin of Soothsayers.Led by dynamic horn players/vocalists Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft, Soothsayers' show takes their audience on a mystical journey characterised by compelling horn breaks, big vocal choruses and deep rhythms. Added to this are vital and beautiful vocals from Julia Biel and charismatic, Togolese bassist Kush that are crucial to the musical recipe.

Over recent years the band have also performed and recorded with an impressive array of guest vocalists such as Jamaican reggae great Johnny Clarke, Maxi Jazz (Faithless) and Nigerian Afro soul star Keziah Jones as well as Jamaican singers Lutan Fyah and most recently Cornell Campbell who they released an album with in July this year.

Mojo: **** “A heady sonic brew, crafted in the best jazz tradition by drawing respectfully from disparate elements…the album is full of irresistibly funky grooves, intricate percussion, virtuoso vocals, elaborate guitar lines and swinging horns, with meaningful lyrics and uncommon vocal arrangements raising the overall musical standard one level higher.”
Uncut: **** “One of the finest slices of a Anglo-Caribbean fusion since The Specials in their prime...artfully mixing in funk and Afrobeat to their deep dub.”
Clash Magazine: “A truly intoxicating dub experience...featuring a galaxy of reggae and dub stars...like the best jambalaya it’s hot and spicy and will leave you grinning from ear to ear.”
Echoes: “An impressive mosaic of Afrobeat, dub and funky fusion…dynamic volleys of call and response…cascading horn riffs and melodies.”
Jazzwise: **** “Tangled Roots shows how exciting and diverse things get when you hold a mirror up to London’s musical melting pot.”
Straight No Chaser: “The whole disc constitutes a major step forward for one of the hardest working and most creative groups on the scene.”
Froots: “Uniquely representing how pan-African music has influenced modern Britain.”
XLR8R: “African rhythms filtered through the prism of dub…accomplished musicianship…highly compelling.”
BBC Radio 3: “The eclectic blend works perfectly with the sound being organic and unique. It reflects the diverse cultural influences in modern urban Britain.”
Last.fm: “Soothsayers played this at Paradise Gardens in Victoria Park, June 2009. To say their live performances are 'blistering' is an understatement. This is absolutely one of the best live performances I've seen, comparable only to bands like De La Soul or AWB in their ability to whip up a crowd and get them feeling awesome…go and see them!”
Daily Star – Dhaka, Bangladesh: “Soothsayers took the audience on an exciting and mystical journey harmonised by a mix of reggae, Afro-funk and urban jazz…blending pulsating rhythms with soothing ones, creating a whole a new adventure…one of the best acts in this festival.”
Soundblab.com: “a timeless appeal relevant for multiple peoples or places”
United Reggae.com: “With the passing of time, they just seem to get better and better, the appeal widening as they continue to forge a unique sound by harnessing the diverse elements at their command………This concert was one of the best I have seen in a long time.”