A remarkable evening of music took place at Clapton’s Church of Sound, transforming the venue into a sanctuary of both sound and spirit. The atmosphere was as inviting as it was aromatic, with an unexpected blend of frankincense and curry infusing warmth into the space.
This performance marked the final of three dedicated to Alice Coltrane, a collaboration between BBE Music’s artists: Brian Jackson, Tony Kofi, and Alina Bzhezhinska. Those fortunate enough to attend were treated to an unforgettable experience.
The evening kicked off with a majestic intro featuring Pharoah Sanders’ The Creator has a Master Plan, a dreamy harp solo from Wisdom Eye, and Alice Coltrane’s iconic Blue Nile.
In these opening pieces, Alina demonstrated her remarkable command over the harp, navigating through various styles with effortless grace. Her leadership and dexterity in guiding the band set the tone for a night of exceptional artistry.
Brian Jackson’s performance of Path to Macondo, from his latest album, resonated deeply with the audience. The mythical theme served as a poignant metaphor for the evening’s message. Watching Brian perform live, it was clear that he still possessed the magic that made his earlier works with Gil Scott-Heron so influential over 50 years ago.
The theme of myth, journey, and return continued with Tony Kofi’s Sankofa, dedicated to the innocent victims of war. Kofi’s composition, along with the solos by Jackson and himself, created an enchanting atmosphere that shifted seamlessly from spiritual jazz to bebop, anchored by a commanding bass solo from Menelik Claffey that emphasized their message of peace.
A standout moment of the night was when Alina’s ensemble, the Hip Harp Collective, was awarded Jazz Ensemble of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. This recognition was a testament to Alina’s bold leadership and innovative approach to jazz. It underscored why she is so special—a fearless, boundary-pushing bandleader and harpist who leads her group with a level of precision and vision that even a football manager like Pep Guardiola would admire.
The tribute to Pharoah Sanders with Altera Vita featured a stunning duo performance by Bzhezhinska and Kofi, channeling the late saxophonist’s spirit through every note. This serene and spiritual composition set the tone for the second half of the show.
The full ensemble then joined in—Joel Prime on percussion, Matt Holmes on drums, Menelik Claffey on bass, and Brian Jackson on piano—for a powerful rendition of Something About John Coltrane. This tribute served as a reminder of the evening’s purpose: celebrating the Coltranes’ legacy of transcending boundaries and speaking truth to power.
Tony Kofi’s Dear Alice, written and performed specifically for this trio of performances, honored Alice Coltrane’s life and musical contributions.
The evening concluded with Alice Coltrane’s signature composition, Journey to Satchidananda, a fitting end that shifted from the modal to the meditative. The piece left the audience with a lasting impression of using spiritual power for both personal and collective growth. As the final notes faded, the audience gave the musicians an extended standing ovation—an accolade well-deserved as everyone left the church with their spirits uplifted, carrying the night’s message of transcendence and hope.
This performance exemplified the essence of London’s vibrant jazz scene, showcasing the brilliance and diversity of the city’s music community. It was a night where legends shared the stage with younger contemporaries, all united in their commitment to advancing the culture forward.
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