As the curtain falls on a remarkable year marked by critical acclaim for his debut solo album, “Black Classical Music,” multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Yussef Dayes leaves an indelible mark with a captivating performance on A Colors Show. The show features Dayes showcasing “Chasing the Drum,” a standout track from his acclaimed album.
“Black Classical Music,” released via Brownswood Recordings, Warner Music, and Cashmere Thoughts Recordings, and in the US on Nonesuch Records, has garnered widespread recognition and secured a place on numerous year-end best lists. Dayes’ mastery of the drums, coupled with Rocco Palladino’s compelling bass lines, serves as the rhythmic foundation, further enriched by the talents of Charlie Stacey on keys/synths, Venna on saxophone, Alexander Bourt on percussion, and a stellar lineup of featured artists.
The album boasts a diverse array of collaborations, featuring the likes of Chronixx, Masego, Jamilah Barry, Tom Misch, Elijah Fox, Shabaka Hutchings, Miles James, Sheila Maurice Grey, Nathaniel Cross, Theon Cross, and the groundbreaking Chineke! Orchestra. Notably, the Chineke! Orchestra holds the distinction of being the first professional orchestra in Europe comprised predominantly of Black and ethnically diverse musicians.
In the Colors Show performance of “Chasing the Drum,” Dayes unfolds a mesmerizing display of his musical prowess, bringing to life the intricate rhythms and sonic textures that define his distinctive style. The Colors Show serves as a fitting platform for Dayes to showcase the depth and innovation that characterize his work, leaving audiences enthralled by the fusion of genres and the immersive musical journey that “Chasing the Drum” offers.
As Yussef Dayes concludes a year of triumphs and musical exploration, his performance on A Colors Show solidifies his status as a visionary artist and underscores the enduring impact of “Black Classical Music” on the contemporary music landscape.