Afro-Picks was the world premiere of a unique show created by musical visionary Questlove, the Roots’ drummer and producer. Here is a selection of photographic impressions and the show’s music as a stream.
Drummer/producer Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson is a Quincy Jones for our times: a living link between the digital science of modern hip-hop and the flesh-and-blood textures of vintage R 'n' B. Besides a pivotal role in the Soulquarians, not to mention the broader Philly scene, Questlove co-founded the Roots, who rejuvenated hip-hop in an instrumental flurry that flits effortlessly between jazz, funk, rock and reggae – even disco.
Meanwhile Questlove's collaborations with such artists as D'Angelo, Jay Z, and Common have reasserted the importance of real-time playing in a style dominated by sampling and programming.
He's also a mastermind behind crucial heads' website okayplayer.com. And he keeps a lot of this up even while the Roots are the house band for Jimmy Fallon. This Philadelphian moves feet and minds with vital rhythm.
Performing at revered Parisienne venue La Grande Halle De La Villette, this outspoken taste-maker offers a contemporary tribute to African musical history through a selection of tracks played by the Afro-Picks Big Band. Questlove’s Afro-Picks is a unique proposition, straddling tradition and modernity, struggle and liberation, music and politics.
The band featured Fela Kuti’s drummer, the influencial Tony Allen himself on drums, Macy Gray, Black Thought, Mamani Keita, and Amp Fiddler, as well as members of Antibalas, the David Murray Big Band, the Roots, the Tony Allen Band, and Fela! the Broadway musical.
The Afro-Pick Full Band: Black Thought, Questlove, Tony Allen, David Murray, Rujeko, Shakira Marshall, Afi McLendon, Maiya Sikes, Amp Fiddler, Kologbo, Chico Mann, Cesar Anot, Martin Perna, Bob Stewart, Lakecia Benjamin, Jordan Mc Lean, Shareef Clayton, Terry Green II, Damon Bryson, Jonathan Crayford.
The recording (see below) comes straight from the show's premiere during the Jazz a la Villette festival as part of the Paris stop of the Red Bull Music Academy World Tour 2011.
Photos © Mr Mass for Red Bull Content Pool
Enjoy this unforgettable Afro-night’s music in two parts:
Comments
Add a comment