Nows The Time is much more then a regular radio programme, we also have the priviledge of hosting a monthly night of live music at London's best contemporary jazz venue The Vortex in Dalston(pictured).On Thursday 7th December we host a solo performance by the hugely talented Cleveland Watkiss. Cleveland is often billed as the UK's answer to Bobby McFerrin but even though Cleveland himself would recognise this influence the comparison does no justice to Cleveland's compositional and technical abilities. Cleveland's music is a unique hybrid of jazz, gospel, electronic, soul and African-Carribean musical forms that, more then any musician I can think off, sums up London's contribution to contemporary jazz.
Cleveland began his vocal career working with Reggae greats such as Carroll Thomson and Sugar Minott in the early eighties but his music grew beyond Reggea to incorporate jazz, acid-jazz and electronic music. His contribution to London's rich jazz culture is enourmous. Along with Courtney Pine he founded the Jazz Warriors in 1985 a group that was to form the bed rock of the British jazz revival in the eighties and nineties.
He's performed with and alongside the two great female jazz vocalists of our time Cassandra Wilson and Abbey Lincoln.
Some time after the release of two critically acclaimed albums for Polydor Records, "Green Chimneys" and "Blessing in Disguise", Cleveland formed the drum'n'bass trio "Project 23" with American drummer extraordinaire Marque Gilmore and UK garage pioneer DJ Le Rouge. Their album, "23" was released on the Dorado record label to critical acclaim. His CV as a session voclist reads like a who's who, from Pete Townsend to Stevie Wonder.
The Vortex gig is also special as it's a musical homecoming of sorts. The Vortex is very much part of the cultural life of the borough of Hackney in East London and this is where Cleveland grew up. So the vibe as my beloved girlfriend is want to say, will be perfect.
For more info on Cleveland Watkiss check out his myspace site - www.myspace.com/clevelandwatkiss
As actions speak louder then words it's well worth checking out Cleveland's performance on Angel 22 TV - you can see the video here - http://www.angel22.tv/ (bypass the ridiculous intro and ignore the horrendous presenting at the start of the clip and you will be rewareded)
Alongside a rare solo performance Kevin and my good self will be spinning tunes between and after sets. Save to say the Vortex is a great venue to listen to live jazz, hear fantastic DJ sets and you can even order in a pizza to have with your beer and wine.
Go to the Vortex website for full prices and start times etc. - www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Hope to see you there !
J
