When I saw Salif Keita at the Union Chapel, Islington the venue was more intimate than the cavernous Barbican last night. However such is the power of Keita that he was still able to fully engage with his enthusiastic audience.
After a somewhat oddball supporting act from Adriano Adewale, Keita made the Barbican come alive with some great singing; great backing singers; and a fabulous band. The traditional dancing was enthralling and with the nice touch getting audience on the stage at the end!
This clip shows the event’s energy – might be worth buying his new album La Difference.
Circa gave a very acrobatic, perfectly choreographed, circus based performance today at the Barbican.
The high quality balancing, tumbling, throws and leaps were also mixed with a good sense of humour which kept the audience fully entertained. The strong point was that, despite all the action, it was in a very well integrated and in a consistent visual style with well chosen (often French) music.
Watch out for the woman walking over a man in high heels, the multiple hula hoops spinning and the very nonchalant throws which are made to look deceptively easy. Highly recommended as this clip shows.
A Prophet by Jacques Audiard has been compared to the Godfather which might explain why the Barbican was packed with eager viewers.
The story of how a very young Malik (Tahar Rahim) enters a very tough French prison and by the time he leaves has becomes a gangster kingpin is certainly unusual. In the meantime we learn a bit about prison life, Corsican gangsters and how being a human chameleon can aid survival.
However I was strangely unmoved by the end of it though others have found it a great film: I prefer The Beat That My Heart Skipped.
Well done Angelique Kidjo for hosting this tribute to Miriam Makeba at the Barbican on Saturday.
It was a fitting tribute to Mama Africa by some of the biggest starts of African music: Vieux Farka Toure, Baaba Maal, Asa, Vusi Mahlasela, Sayon Bamba, Dobet Gnahore & the South African chorus – Makeba’s backing group.
The quality of the singing and music was outstanding, Kidjo confirmed that she is a great singer (and dancer). As importantly she and others paid tribute to Makeba for her stand against racism and as an inspiration for so many African women.
A great and moving event.
The Blind Boys of Alabama really sang up a storm at the Barbican last night.
If you have not heard of them before they really are blind, come from Alabama but are not boys. Can they sing soul gospel, oh yes, as their five Grammys show.
Show stopping songs included Amazing Grace, Spirit in the sky, Keep the Devil down in the hole. Its worth adding Billy Bowers voice has impact of a thunder strike, when the big man gets up to sing watch out!
Allen Toussaint the legendary New Orleans singer/songwriter was the perfect first half compliment.
Shame on the promoters of this Barbican concert as it was not a sell out for Juan Martin a master of the flamenco guitar. Having seen him before I expected both superb guitar playing and a true ensemble atmosphere: I was not disappointed.
The quality of playing was outstanding across a wide range of styles and tempos. As usual Martin helpfully explains the background to the styles of flamenco being played. Equally charming is that the other members of his group are always given a chance to shine. His own compositions were stunning particularly the arabic themed tune. Great concert!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Martin
What an amazing evening of pulsating Cuban music from Eliades Ochoa at the Barbican. The staid Barbican was transformed into a storm of tropical music with an audience of swaying bodies. It was a true priviledge to be there to hear this veteran of the Buena Vista Social Club.
As well as his own unique guitar style and singing he was complemented by a band of stunning quality who kept up a dynamic beat the whole evening. Listing to the album of Buena Vista takes on whole new meaning when you have heard the songs played live and been part of his grande familia!
A taster of what you missed is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZmLS0i0eMs
