Tongues on Fire

Tongues on Fire: A tribute to the Black Panthers

Directed by David Murray with The Roots, The Last Poets, Doctor L and the visuals of Emory Douglas. Special multi-artform evening inspired by the revolutionary art of 1960s African-American radicals the Black Panthers cultural guru Emory Douglas. Featuring live music by members of hip-hop legends The Roots, free jazz, tenor saxophonist David Murray and the lyrical wizardry and politically-charged raps of the Last Poets.

A unique musical tribute to the cultural influence of 1960s African-American radicals the Black Panthers, whose publications and artefacts were often characterised by the unforgettable vernacular artwork of Emory Douglas, who worked as the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from 1967 until the Party disbanded in the 1980s.

The Last Poets, originally formed in 1968, are now widely seen as one of the earliest influences on what would become hip-hop.


Their politically-charged raps, taut rhythms, and dedication to raising African-American consciousness almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for the emergence of political hip-hop a couple of decades later in groups like The Roots, formed in 1987 by Tariq 'Black Thought' Trotter and Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson in Philadelphia.

The Roots have continued to provide a left-field, politically conscious and jazz-influenced take on the genre of Hip-Hop. Don't miss...  

From Philly street corner buskers to hip-hop pioneers to perpetually touring live act to late-night television house band, legendary hip-hop group The Roots have never been one to rest on their laurels. After more than 15 years, the critically acclaimed, award-winning band continues to reinvent themselves and remains one of music’s most enduring and forward-thinking groups.

David Murray now in his fifties, has 130 albums to his name and contributions to around a hundred other recordings as a guest artist behind him. Over 25 years into his career, his music still expresses the verve and inspiration of youth, throughout a career which is prolific as much in terms of output as in terms of musical orientation (from the World Saxophone Quartet, of which he is one of the founders, to his octet, not forgetting his big band and the encounter with the Gwo Ka from Guadeloupe, amongst many other groups and creations).

 

DATE: Sat 11 September 2010
VENUE: Barbican Hall

TICKETS: £15/20/25/30 subject to availability
NEAREST TUBE: Barbican
More info @
http://www.barbican.org.uk/music