A Treat for the Ears

Heard the London Gay Symphony Winds Orchestra (LGSW) in the park at Hampstead Heath last week. A great day for a picnic and wonderful sounds to listen to. They have a range of events all around London. Worth catching.

Ayoka Gig

A very different evening from yesterday's post. At the charity shop Ayoka, see my previous post about this worthwhile charity, last nights guest was the incredibly talented Josienne Clark, accompanied by Ben Walker.
She describes her music as folk dipping into blues. I found her hauntingly beautiful voice reminded me of the great Celtic singers. Mary Black comes to mind.
However she is described this duo is one to watch.
Her new album One Light is Gone an absolute must buy.
To see other songs check this youtube.

Ayoka Gigs

Ayoka is a vintage boutique store in Bethnal Green, selling clothing, books, records and CD's.
On the last Thursday of every month they hold in-store gigs with both established and up and coming artists.
The store and the funds from the gigs is to raise money for the African Women's Welfare Association (AWWA). This organisatoion aims to raise awareness of sickle cell and Thalassaemia, both are inherited blood disorders.

The very talented Rhiannon Eglin is playing hauntingly beautiful instrument called a Hammered Dulcimer.

Ayoka opened in July 2010, they need more good quality goods to sell in their store, so Londoners time to cull your wardrobes and donate those clothes that are very glam but you no longer wear.

Ice Music and Norwegian Lullabies

Freezing hands occurred bringing this image to you.
Norwegian artist Terje Isungset first carves and sculpts musical instruments from his native lakes, rivers and ancient glaciers. He then plays these fragile instruments and is accompanied by the voice of Lena Nymark singing traditional lullabies.

The sound is hauntingly beautiful.

Playing in a temporary igloo on the terrace of Somerset House this weekend. Although the few concerts are sold out, you can buy one of their CD's.

I was able to get a quick shot of a couple of the instruments (left) before they were whisked into the freezer for protection until the next concert. The small instrument above, I suspect a broken piece, was the prize for this lad who missed out on tickets to the show.

Music

A student on her way to the Royal College of Music.
Founded by royal charter in 1882. This building was paid for by the industrialist Samson Fox and the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). The school continues its links with the royal family. Charles took over presidency from Queen Elizabeth in 1993.






For those of you who requested a glimpse of my piece in the
L.I.P. exhibition here is a thumbnail.


Lots of great work so if you are in London do go and visit.

Zuby - Rapper

International rapper and hip hop artist Zuby is headlining a tour in the UK this month. He has three albums, the latest one, "How I Feel" was released earlier this year. He has gigged the UK, Saudi Arabia, Germany and the USA.
He was in London on Saturday and I spoke to him and photographed him at Waterloo station.

Mo - Can you tell me what the difference is between hip hop, rap and underground?

Zuby - Hip hop is the culture, rap is a part of hip hop. Rap is hip hop in music form. Hip hop has different elements, hip hop is rap music, hip hop is graffiti, hip hop is break dancing and hip hop is also dj-ing. Underground just means it hasn't reached mainstream yet.

Mo - Rap, hip hop is from the street and you're not. Banksie the street artist gets challenged on his street cred for the same (assumed) reason. What do you think about that?

Zuby - You know what in 2010 anyone can be a rapper, the truth and reality is that what matters is that it's not where you're from or whatever, it's that you're good at it or not, and if you are real to yourself then people will accept that. If you come out talking about what you know and you do it well then people will respect that.

Mo - many people think the messages from rappers are misogynist and violent, what is your take on that?

Zuby - I can't think of any rappers who are misogynist. Violent, people ask me that a lot actually, so two points on that. First, it's entertainment and to some degree in the same category as a violent movie or a violent video game. I think it's interesting that human beings find violence entertaining and if we are truthful the vast majority of us do. Second, is that music is a reflection of what is going on in society. Unfortunately violence is part of society, sex is part of society and the world is positive and negative. I think it would be unrealistic for someone to expect that another human being living in the same world to expect to only and always talk about everything in a positive light.

Mo - The genre of rap music is generally about delivering messages. What messages do you want to deliver with your songs.

Zuby - You know what, all my songs are different but I think the underlying theme in my songs is about striving to reach your goals, regardless of your setbacks that you endure and living for your goals and living for your dreams - trying to achieve that. I think that's probably the underlying theme in a lot of my songs. Not all my songs are deep. Steppin' 2 me, that was just about proving to people that I could rap.


Don't miss Zuby in "Hip Hop Lives the tour".

This hot talented artist is one to keep an eye on! Join him on facebook.

And Then Some

Remember Luke Jackson the British-Canadian singer/song writer whose animated "Goodbye London" music video I blogged a couple of years back? Yeah.. well Luke has a new album he's back visiting in good old London town for a couple of gigs. Sunday afternoon (yes tomorrow) he and a few others will perform as a memorial concert for friend Robert Kirby at Cecil Sharp House.

Luke will also perform as part of the legendary Catweazle club's performance space at the North London Tavern next Tuesday Oct 5. Go along and you'll be treated to songs from his new album (here's a review)

To win a copy of Luke's new album all you have to do is tell me the name of the new album. All correct entries go into the red hat for selection as usual.

Eclectic

As eclectic as ever Nigel Kennedy's new album has it all. Recorded in Wales, guest appearance by Boy George and Polish musicians. To be released on 10 May.

If you want to catch him live pencil in the bank holiday weekend 29-31 May. Jazz to classic Kennedy's Polish musicians and music is not to be missed.

Here on a glimpseoflondon you can win a copy of his new album Shhh.

To go into the draw all you have to do is answer the following question:

What country is Nigel Kennedy bringing to the Southbank Centre May bank holiday weekend?

You can leave your answer in a comment on this post or email to:

aglimpseoflondon@gmail.com. together with your contact details.

You have until midnight Thursday 29th (UK time) to enter. The winner will be announced on Friday's post.

Good Luck!