1Xtra: Word Sound Power
Sunday 29 October 2006
FREEDM Studio, Roundhouse, London
Photos
See live shots from the night
"Black White or Asian, this is a Much Love Occasion", announced Catch 22's Deadly Hunta to an enthusiastic FREEDM Studio as he kicked off 1Xtra's 'Word, Sound, Power' night. Hunta's positive, conscious lyrics carried an anti-drug, anti-violence, ant-racist message over an infectious, juicy mix of roots reggae, funk and hip-hop which soon had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
Next up were Instrumental, a string quintet who've specialised in working with electronica and dance acts. After a couple of instrumental pieces (including a beautifully hypnotic version of The Orb's "Little Fluffy Clouds"), they were joined on stage by guest vocalist Eva Abraham and then by Rodney P. The resulting eclectic mix of classical strings, jazzy, soulful vocals and rap was a brave one and went down well with the receptive crowd.
Finally it was the turn of the legendary poet Benjamin Zephaniah to take the stage. He opened with three poems that dealt with issues of political awareness, racism, political correctness and personal responsibility and identity. That he could make the audience laugh as well as think while doing so is a testament to his deft wordplay, sharp wit and passionate delivery. Joined by The Landscapers (aka Corin Pennington) bass-soaked, trippy grooves, he went on to tackle the history of Black Music, the dumbing down of the mass media and the perils of celebrity that had the crowd thinking as much as dancing. Brave, positive stuff and the perfect way to finish.
Also at BBC Electric Proms:
What did you think of the gig? If you have a published review online then please tell us the URL.
Your thoughts on 1Xtra performers:
ben
I haven't been so excited about music for years. Since I heard deadly hunta and catch 22 I can't stop listening , especially the first song. if you have more info about the band, deadly hunta, the guy introducing the band, please post them. this is great music, with an incredible positive energy that is needed more than ever in this age of darkness and death.
Virpur
Catch 22 are going places, massive performance from a relatively young band, positive message-just what the world needs-Wake up all and listen to the band and have fun
Johnny5
What a night! Top flight music but this night was all about the LYRICS. inspired idea having the words projected on the walls!! Really hammered home the message! Although I hadn't heard of Catch 22 and frontman Deadly Hunta before, their set was seriously good. Big vibes for sure! Rodney P really came up with the goods too. Only wish more people could have seen it! If you weren't there, my advice is watch is online while you can.
phil
unbelieveable. such an intimate venue, great positive vibes from everyone. the last two songs were perhaps best live performances I´ve seen.
Loretta
The gig was excellent all acts were out of this world. Catch 22 open the gig with a bang getting the crowd jumping. Benjamin was outstanding, his lyrics were thought provocking and sent out such strong and positive messages. The instrumentals were so unique, their use of instruments was so clever. The nite was one not to be missed.