Lurking amongst the gauntlet of music venues and gridlocked drinking spots of London’s Camden Town, the iconic Jazz Café marks its Silver Jubilee. 25 years of an incredible programme of live music from an abundant wealth of backgrounds.
Beyond the neon blue lit arches, lies a modest stage elevated high enough for clear visibility, but close enough for an intimate experience. A place designed for music heads, epitomised by the brash “STFU” sign that until recently emblazoned the stage pillar, cheekily reminding punters not to chat during performances. From my first encounter back in 2000, lounging to a Sunday afternoon jamming session, my gigging adventures have staggeringly clocked up to 100 shows here; such is the immense roster of Soul, Hip Hop and Jazz artists that have passed through.
Soul music has thrived at Jazz Café, especially during the 2000 – 2005 era when many classic albums were being realised. The charismatic duo Floetry, encapsulated a pivotal moment in time for Homegrown talent with a series of shows following their breakthrough ‘Floetic’ album. From the States, Dwele serenading the crowd with a buzzing performance of his anthem ‘Angel’. Anthony Hamilton evangelising the masses with animated, blues drenched soul. His feverish enthusiasm culminated towards a stunning moment as he launched himself onto the stage floor, singing to every individual.
Recently Teedra Moses played a graceful retrospective of her timeless ‘Complex Simplicity’ album, proving what an authority she is on soulful vocals.
One momentous occasion was the UK Soul scene coming out in force for the Lynden David Hall fundraiser concert during the autumn of 2005. The likes of Terri Walker, Omar, Shola Ama, Roachford, showing support to one of their own, who was seriously ill, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphona disease.
The fundraiser sparked an intrinsically raw scene as Jazz musician Courtney Pine, conducted a heartening rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’, matching the melancholic intent of the night. Commanding the venue, Beverley Knight affectionately sang the ballad ‘Gold’ to an emotive piano piece. At the end, Ms Dynamite invited Lynden’s wife on stage to make a surprise phone call to Lynden who was too ill to attend, inviting him to listen to the show. As the call was patched through, the loudest cheers I’ve ever heard in my whole life erupted, the crowd rising to send out masses of positive energy to Lynden. This remains a heartening memory, made all the more intense as Lynden sadly passed away from his illness a few months later.
Jazz Café has been a strong home for Hip Hop. Hailing from the vintage era, legendary DJ Premier from the illustrious Gangstarr partnership, honoured his colossal discography of signature productions. The acoustics amplified his firebrand hosting skills, as he dealt with a random heckler with gladiatorial ferocity. Hip Hop founding figure, KRS One, often performs here, blessing us with his pure freestyles. Masta Ace, Little Brother, Black Milk have also added to the roll call over the years, bringing their craft of soulful Hip Hop.
Jay Electronica’s appearance in 2010, transformed the whole atmosphere with his effortless ability to bond with his fans through inspirational narrative. Reciting a range of deep acapellas, an impressive testament to Jay was seeing the packed out crowds rhyming along to every single lyric.
In a spellbinding feature, Jay invited a fan on stage to spit some bars over the haunting J Dilla ‘Waves’ beat. The audience member fluently seized the solemn track and dropped an intense delivery that hypnotised the entire gathering and Jay himself.
UK Hip Hop developed roots here with concerts from scene champions Blak Twang and Jehst, whose gig sparked off a bruising moshpit that I just about survived. Ty also found a natural home in this cherished musical hangout. The showcase for his outstanding, Mercury nominated album ‘Upwards’, built up towards a stirring rendition of acclaimed song ‘Dreams’, the personally blunt lyrics transfixing all those in attendance.
The halogenic lights breaking through the moody backdrop has made Jazz Café a renowned spot for Jazz musicians. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble with their multitude of frontmen, sporting an array of musical instruments, striking such creative genius on stage.
Soil & Pimp Sessions hailing from Japan, with their outlandish gear and insane energy, formidably performing their seminal track ‘The Wheel’.
The absorbing xylophone melodies of Roy Ayers with his countless residencies here. Trilok Gurtu, bringing Indian inspired heritage through an intricate arrangement of spiralling cymbals, tabla and violin melodies.
Anoushka Shankar, daughter of accomplished sitarist Ravi Shankar, ferociously engineering sitar chords was such an impressive sight. Raghu Dixit’s performance, charted a showcase of South Asian folk music interspersed with a magnetic, amusing personality. And important in demonstrating the broader reach that Jazz Café offered for artists from different musical crafts.
That included Turntablism culture with the pioneer Grandmaster Flash and ambidextrous DMC warrior Q-Bert doing shows.
But this side has always been represented at its finest by the ultimate turntablist Jazzy Jeff. His unofficial residency has proved an essential Calendar highlight over the last 12 years.
Having first seen him play at Jazz Café back in August 2003, the incredibly knowledgeable selection of music and fearlessly precise DJ tricks, including his epic LL Cool J ‘Rock The Bells’ routine, was so mighty and powerful, his show ironically coincided with a major London wide power cut that evening!
London has been developing successfully as a city but more money has meant more problems, with an increasing commercialisation of music venues with character or even being swallowed up by the latest luxury apartment developments. Jazz Café is not immune from that unforgiving environment. Maintaining the balance of commercially viable clubnights and promoting artists that are respectful of your legacy, is a difficult challenge to negotiate. But having passed through this historic institution close to 100 times, Jazz Café earns my appreciation for persistently being part of the tapestry of London’s music culture for 25 years.
Words by Kishmeister
Twitter: @BrokenSoulBoy
Instagram: @Kishmeister