Tag Archives: Let Freedom Ring

Listen again: Robert Elms interviews Denys Baptiste on BBC London

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BBC Robert Elms-Denys Baptiste interview

Great interview with Denys Baptiste by the wonderful Robert Elms on BBC Radio London last week ahead of his show at Harrow Arts Centre. Lovely to hear Robert acclaim Denys’ album, Let Freedom Ring! (Dune Records, DUNECD010) as ‘one of the most eloquent statements to have come out of British jazz in years’. We agree! It is an extraordinary, very special piece of music that has become a modern-day jazz classic.

Just a couple more days left to catch the interview on the BBC iPlayer. Click here, then scroll through to 02:34:22. Enjoy!

A brand new teaser with exclusive clips of poetry by Lemn Sissay and music by the amazing Denys Baptiste…

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We can’t wait to hit Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton this Friday! Then its down to the London Southbank Centre for Saturdays concert as a part of The Rest is Noise festival.

See You There!

Exclusive teaser from Now Is The Time… Let Freedom Ring!

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Watch exclusive clips of poet Lemn Sissay’s ‘Civilize You’ and live music from Denys Baptiste’s touring jazz performance Now Is The Time…Let Freedom Ring! in SOUTHAMPTON Friday 25th, then coming to London 26th and to Harrow in November!

Click HERE for festival dates.

Edinburgh review: ‘Ambitious, heart-rending, spine-tingling, exquisite, moving…powerful stuff indeed’

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Another review just in of Now Is The Time…Let Freedom Ring!, this time from Rhythmaning who saw the concert at Usher Hall in bonny Edinburgh.  Clearly, this show is having a real impact on audiences ‘Ambitious…heart-rending…spine-tingling…exquisite…moving…powerful stuff indeed’. This is a MUST-SEE show!!

Read the full review here…

Hear the phenomenal Love Music Community Choir singing with the orchestra:

We can’t wait to be at Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton on the 25th!

A Concert of Deep Social Significance

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“This was a concert of deep social significance…a masterful merge of composition and soloists which may ultimately be comparable with the extended works of Ellington, Mingus or Gil Evans.” – Lance at bebop spoken here

A wonderful review by Bepop Spoken Here of Denys Baptiste’s wonderful Now Is The Time…Let Freedom Ring! concert at Sage Gateshead –  click for the full interview. Four generations of Tomorrow’s Warriors appear in this fabulous band – testament to its impact and significant legacy over the past 22 years. After kicking-off the tour in Gateshead we’re moving to Usher Hall in Edinburgh – Tickets still available so don’t miss out! See you there tonight!

Dr Martin Luther King

Denys Baptiste & Lemn Sissay discuss ‘Now Is the Time’

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Our roving Lively Up! Festival photographer tuned into a conversation between saxophonist/composer, Denys Baptiste and poet/author, Lemn Sissay as they discussed Denys’ new work ‘NOW IS THE TIME’ for which Lemn has contributed his poetry.

Says Lemn:

‘We have to search through our past for inspiration that can take us through the traumas of the present’.

‘[Martin Luther King] is our hero, and he’s a hero to everybody’.

What do you think?

Want more info about the live show?

MARTIN LUTHER KING & THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON

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Excellent post by our friend, Paul Bradshaw…

MARTIN LUTHER KING & THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON is another magical film from the Hackney based Smoking Dogs. Directed by Jon Akomfrah this evocative and historically illuminating documentary celebrates the pivotal moment in modern history when the the Civil Rights movement descended on Washington DC to pressurise a vulnerable but sympathetic President John F Kennedy to go forward with his Civil Rights Bill.

As with all Smoking Dogs films it’s beautifully constructed and while the story is imbued with an intense urgency it’s punctuated by a monochrome, dream like quality that’s graced, at one point,  by Miles Davis’ muted horn.

The rigorous nature of Jon Akomfrah’s directorship ensures that Dr King’s role was not elevated in importance above others who played a crucial role in making the march happen. At the heart of the organisation was the so called ‘Big Six’ led by the charismatic Philip Randolph – president of…

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BOOK NOW: Great trailer by Denys Baptiste and Lemn Sissay for NOW IS THE TIME

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Great little trailer for Denys Baptiste’s new project, Now Is The Time that goes on tour next Saturday. Please share with your friends!

Denys is working for the very first time with the award-winning poet, Lemn Sissay whose projected video narration of specially commissioned poetry is integral to the live music performance. Take a look, let us know if you like it, and get booking! We think you’re going to enjoy this show! 

Video produced by Franklyn Lane Films

VIDEO: New Denys Baptiste project – NOW IS THE TIME – tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr

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We popped into Denys Baptiste’s rehearsal to get a sneak preview of his new music for Now Is The Time. As you might expect, there are a lot of great, memorable tunes and the band sounds GRRRRREAT!!