Shabaka Hutchings

Last updated

Shabaka Hutchings
Shabaka Hutchings Sons of Kemet Oslo Jazzfestival 2018 (223102).jpg
Hutchings performing in 2018
Background information
Birth nameShabaka Akua Lumumba Kamau Iyapo Hutchings
Born1984 (age 39–40)
London, England
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)
Years active2013–present
Labels
Formerly of
Website shabakahutchings.com

Shabaka Hutchings (born 1984) is a British jazz musician, composer and bandleader. He leads the band Shabaka and the Ancestors, and used to lead Sons of Kemet before its dissolution in 2022. [1] He was also a member of The Comet Is Coming, performing under the stage name King Shabaka. Hutchings has played saxophone and other wind instruments with the Sun Ra Arkestra, Andre 3000, Floating Points, Mulatu Astatke, Polar Bear, Melt Yourself Down, Heliocentrics, London Brew and Zed-U.

Contents

Background and early years

Hutchings was born in 1984 in London, England, [2] but moved to Birmingham at the age of two. [3] From the age of six, he was raised in his parents' native Barbados. There, as a nine-year-old, he picked up the clarinet and practised along to the hip hop verses of Nas, Notorious BIG and Tupac, as well as the rhythms of Crop Over. Hutchings' father, Anum Iyapo, is a graphic designer who worked on albums by artists including King Tubby and Jah Shaka, and recorded a reggae poetry album called Song of the Motherland in 1985. [4]

Returning to England, at the age of 19 he went to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he received a classical-music degree on the clarinet. [5] In London, he joined the Tomorrow's Warriors programme, [6] [7] a blues workshop led by British bassist Gary Crosby, Janine Irons and expat New Orleans trumpeter Abram Wilson, where Hutchings met many of his future collaborators in the burgeoning South East London jazz scene.

Hutchings was a BBC New Generation Artist from 2010 to 2012. [8] [5] [9] He has also spent time in South Africa. [10] [9]

Career

Hutchings and many of his contemporaries shrug off the "jazz" label, eschewing the restriction especially as the many groups reflect influences ranging from acid house and drum & bass, to hiphop and soca, with less of a blues influence than jazz, which reviewers have noted marks a distinction between the London scene as represented by Hutchings and American jazz music. [11]

Hutchings with The Comet Is Coming, Glastonbury Festival, 2019 The Comet is Coming 2019 Glastonbury Festival 06.jpg
Hutchings with The Comet Is Coming, Glastonbury Festival, 2019

Shabaka and the Ancestors debuted in 2016 with the album Wisdom of Elders on Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings label. The Comet Is Coming, a trio with keyboardist Dan Leavers and drummer Max Hallett, received a Mercury Prize nomination for their debut album Channel the Spirits , released on The Leaf Label in April 2016. [12] Sons of Kemet, a quartet of saxophone, tuba and two drummers, launched with the album Burn in 2013, followed up with Lest We Forget What We Came Here to Do in 2015, both on the Naim Jazz label, before moving to Impulse! for Your Queen Is a Reptile in 2018, which coincided with a breakout into wider public consciousness of the UK jazz scene, captured by the attention on the Hutchings-directed compilation We Out Here on Brownswood. [11]

In November 2018, Hutchings curated part of the programme for the Dutch Le Guess Who? festival. [13]

In March 2020, Shabaka and the Ancestors released We Are Sent Here by History under Impulse! Records.

In May 2022, Hutchings released his debut solo EP, Afrikan Culture, under the mononym Shabaka. [14]

In December 2020, Hutchings joined a band of British jazz musicians to play on the Bitches Brew -inspired, self-titled album London Brew , which was released on 31 March 2023 by Concord Jazz.

On New Year's Day in 2023, Hutchings issued a statement on his Instagram page, that he would take a hiatus from playing the saxophone from the end of 2023. [15] He later clarified his reasons for doing so, citing the physical and emotional strain that comes from performing on the saxophone on tour. [16] His final live saxophone performance took place on 7 December 2023, where he played John Coltrane's A Love Supreme at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. [4]

On 28 February 2024, Hutchings announced his solo debut album, Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace , was set for release on 12 April by Impulse! [17]

Awards and honours

Hutchings has won a MOBO Award for best jazz act with the Sons of Kemet in 2013, [18] the Paul Hamlyn Composer Award in 2014, [19] and Jazz Innovation awards from Jazz FM. [20]

Discography

Studio albums

As leader and co-leader

with Sons of Kemet

with Melt Yourself Down

with The Comet Is Coming

with Shabaka & the Ancestors

with others

As sideman

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilles Peterson</span> French-born British broadcaster and DJ

Gilles Jérôme Moehrle MBE, better known as Gilles Peterson, is a French broadcaster, DJ, and record label owner. He founded the influential labels Acid Jazz and Talkin' Loud, and started his current label Brownswood Recordings in 2006. He was awarded an honorary MBE in 2004, the AIM Award for Indie Champion and the Mixmag Award for Outstanding Contribution To Dance Music in 2013, the PRS for Music Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Radio in 2014, and The A&R Award from the Music Producers Guild in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polar Bear (British band)</span> British experimental jazz band

Polar Bear is a British experimental jazz band led by drummer Seb Rochford with Pete Wareham and Mark Lockheart on tenor saxophone, Tom Herbert on double bass and Leafcutter John on electronics and occasionally guitar or mandolin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seb Rochford</span> British musician

Sebastian Rochford is a British drummer and composer. He has recorded and released music as leader of the British band Polar Bear, as Kutcha Butcha and as part of numerous collaborations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sons of Kemet</span> British jazz band

Sons of Kemet was a British jazz group formed by Shabaka Hutchings, Oren Marshall, Seb Rochford, and Tom Skinner. Theon Cross replaced Marshall on tuba after the first album, and Eddie Hick replaced Rochford on drums after the third. The band disbanded in 2022.

<i>Burn</i> (Sons of Kemet album) 2013 studio album by Sons of Kemet

Burn is a debut studio album by British jazz band Sons of Kemet released on 9 September 2013 by Naim Records label. This album, and their running series of critically acclaimed performances, led to them winning the 'Best Jazz Act' in the 2013 MOBO Awards.

Zara McFarlane is a British jazz/soul singer and songwriter, based in East London, England. In October 2014, McFarlane was awarded the title of "Best Jazz Act" at the MOBO Awards. She has had four albums released by Brownswood Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nduduzo Makhathini</span> Musical artist

Nduduzo Makhathini is a South African jazz musician from Umgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Comet Is Coming</span> British jazz-rock band

The Comet Is Coming was a London-based band who incorporate elements of jazz, electronica, funk and psychedelic rock.

<i>Your Queen Is a Reptile</i> 2018 studio album by Sons of Kemet

Your Queen Is a Reptile is the third album by British jazz group Sons of Kemet, released in March 2018 on Impulse! Records. Band leader Shabaka Hutchings wrote and plays saxophone on all tracks, Theon Cross plays tuba, and Seb Rochford and Tom Skinner play drums. It also features toaster Congo Natty and performance poet Josh Idehen.

<i>Black Focus</i> 2016 studio album by Yussef Kamaal

Black Focus is the only studio album by English duo Yussef Kamaal, composed of drummer Yussef Dayes and keyboardist Kamaal Williams. It was released on 4 November 2016 under Brownswood Recordings. Characterised by its "spontaneity and flow", the album draws influence from electronic music of British origin. It received universal acclaim from music critics, being described as having a culturally diverse palette.

Sarathy Korwar is a US-born, Indian-raised, London-based drummer, percussionist, composer and bandleader. He works predominantly in a jazz and Indo jazz field but also incorporates elements of hip-hop, and other fusions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Skinner (drummer)</span> English drummer (born 1980)

Tom Skinner is an English drummer, percussionist and record producer. He co-founded the jazz band Sons of Kemet and the rock band the Smile. He has released two albums under the name Hello Skinny. His first album under his own name, Voices of Bishara, was released in November 2022.

<i>More Arriving</i> 2019 studio album by Sarathy Korwar

More Arriving is the second studio album by US-born, Indian-raised, London-based drummer, percussionist, composer and bandleader Sarathy Korwar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nubya Garcia</span> English jazz musician (born 1991)

Nubya Nyasha Garcia is an English jazz musician, saxophonist, composer and bandleader.

<i>Lest We Forget What We Came Here to Do</i> 2015 studio album by Sons of Kemet

Lest We Forget What We Came Here to Do is the second studio album by British jazz band Sons of Kemet. The album was released on 25 September 2015 by Naim label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 in jazz</span> Overview of the events of 2021 in jazz

This is a timeline documenting events of jazz in the year 2021.

<i>Black to the Future</i> (Sons of Kemet album) 2021 studio album by Sons of Kemet

Black to the Future is the fourth and final studio album by British jazz group Sons of Kemet. It was released via Impulse! Records on 14 May 2021 to widespread critical acclaim from music critics.

<i>Voices of Bishara</i>

Voices of Bishara is a studio album by the English drummer Tom Skinner, released on 4 November 2022 by via Nonesuch Records, International Anthem Recording Company, and Brownswood Recordings. It was ranked among the best jazz albums of 2022 by multiple critics.

<i>London Brew</i> 2023 studio album by London Brew

London Brew is the debut album by London Brew, a band consisting of a dozen British jazz musicians including Nubya Garcia, BBC Radio 1 presenter Benji B, and multiple members of Sons of Kemet and the Invisible. The album was released on 31 March 2023.

<i>Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace</i> 2024 studio album by Shabaka

Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace is the solo debut studio album of London jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings, working under the name Shabaka. It was released by Impulse! Records on 12 April 2024. The album was preceded by two singles, "End of Innocence" and "I'll Do Whatever You Want".

References

  1. ↑ Bllom, Madison. "Sons of Kemet Breaking Up After Final Shows". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  2. ↑ Kahn, Ashley (13 May 2020). "Shabaka Hutchings: Before & After". JazzTimes. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  3. ↑ [ dead link ]
  4. 1 2 Mulvey, John (23 March 2024). "Every breath you take". Mojo . p. 80. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  5. 1 2 Ghadiali, Ashish (17 June 2021). "Transcript: In conversation with Shabaka Hutchings". Sarah Parker Remond Centre. University College London. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  6. ↑ Orlov, Pyotr (2 March 2018). "Jazz's New British Invasion". Rolling Stone . Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  7. ↑ Edwards, Tina (5 December 2021). "A Great Day in London, review: a dizzying array of talent proves the UK jazz scene is alive and well". Daily Telegraph .
  8. ↑ "Shabaka Hutchings- BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist". London Jazz News. 8 September 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Shabaka Hutchings | London's jazz visionary on recording his album Wisdom on Elders in Johannesburg with the Ancestors". Nataal.com. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  10. ↑ Coldwell, Will (23 September 2016). "'Small pockets of cool all around': jazz star Shabaka Hutchings on Johannesburg". The Guardian .
  11. 1 2 Russonello, Giovanni (28 March 2018). "With Sons of Kemet, Shabaka Hutchings Brings London Jazz Into the Spotlight". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  12. ↑ Whitfield, Robert (14 September 2016). "Mercury Surprise: An Unlikely Award Nomination for Jazz Act The Comet Is Coming". Bandcamp Daily. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  13. ↑ "Revealing the curators & initial line-up for Le Guess Who? 2018". Leguesswho.nl. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  14. ↑ Helfand, Raphael (20 May 2022). "Listen to Shabaka's major label debut, Afrikan Culture". The Fader . Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  15. ↑ "Instagram". Instagram.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  16. ↑ Malt, Andy. "Shabaka Hutchings explains decision to stop playing saxophone at the end of 2023". Archive.completemusicupdate.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  17. ↑ DeVille, Chris (28 February 2024). "Shabaka Hutchings Announces Debut Solo Album Feat. André 3000, Moses Sumney, Floating Points, & More". Stereogum . Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  18. ↑ "Winners 2013 | MOBO Awards". Mobo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  19. ↑ Doble, Stephen (17 November 2014). "Shabaka Hutchings & Pat Thomas Win 2014 Paul Hamlyn Awards". Jazz Line News. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  20. ↑ "2018 Jazz FM Award winners revealed". M-magazine.co.uk. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  21. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/2881366-Shabaka-Afrikan-Culture
  22. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/649381-Sons-Of-Kemet-Burn
  23. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1643843-The-Comet-Is-Coming-The-Afterlife
  24. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1062513-Shabaka-And-The-Ancestors-Wisdom-Of-Elders
  25. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/release/8192238-Zed-U-Night-Time-On-The-Middle-Passage
  26. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/release/7631094-SFS-The-Ragging-Of-Time
  27. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1908699-Hieroglyphic-Being-Sarathy-Korwar-Shabaka-Hutchings-Association-For-Research-Enlightenment-Project
  28. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1908699-Hieroglyphic-Being-Sarathy-Korwar-Shabaka-Hutchings-Association-For-Research-Enlightenment-Project
  29. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1199185-Yazz-Ahmed-La-Saboteuse
  30. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1732514-Alexander-Hawkins-Unite
  31. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/2993909-The-Heliocentrics-The-Sunshine-Makers-Original-Soundtrack
  32. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/2147260-Anthony-Joseph-The-Rich-Are-Only-Defeated-When-Running-For-Their-Lives
  33. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/release/21936895-Alexander-Hawkins-Mirror-Canon-Break-A-Vase
  34. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/release/12004046-Shez-Raja-Collective-Soho-Live-
  35. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1444351-Makaya-McCraven-Universal-Beings
  36. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1571605-Angelique-Kidjo-Celia
  37. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/master/1214572-Vels-Trio-Yellow-Ochre-
  38. ↑ https://www.allmusic.com/album/shout-out%21-to-freedom-mw0003576625
  39. ↑ https://www.discogs.com/release/10175861-Afriquoi-Starship-Can-I-Know-You
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.