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Rachid Taha With Brian Eno + Nitin Sawhney + Imogen Heap + Eclectic Method - 27 November 2005
It's a cold and foggy end of November Sunday evening as I make my way to the Astoria to see Brian Eno and others perform for the benefit of the stop the war coalition. I'll pin my colours to the mast and say that I'm very cynical in all matters political, so I'm going for the music. For me a chance to see Eno on stage is worth the money alone. And if that goes to a good cause so much the better.I'm in early, and full of anticipation. The atmosphere is quite muted in the crowd, even though the Eclectic Method VDJ's are mashing it up on the big screens crossing over hip hop with mainstream fodder in a way that shouldn't really work but does. I've found a whole new way to look at Christina Aguilera. And the revelations keep coming...
Imogen Heap takes to the stage, who previously I thought was a one woman and a guitar, turns out to be one woman, a bank of technology and the most incredible voice I've maybe ever heard. She's mainly playing tracks off her latest LP 'Speak for yourself' and delivers them with such clarity and gusto that the crowd in the (now very much more full) Astoria are standing with their mouths open.
'Goodnight and Go' comes close to cracking my cynical exterior and when she delivers 'Hide and seek', you could have heard a pin drop. Amazing - and it's not even 8.30pm yet.
Next up we have some words from two of the key organisers of tonight : Chris Nineham and Brian Eno. Informing us all of why tonight had been organised. Eno was particularly effective, although obviously a little uncomfortable with speaking to such a receptive crowd.
Did you know for example, that the war in Iraq has so far cost $200bn? What could we have done with that money? Well, we could have supplied the entire planet clean drinking water and supplied anyone infected with HIV retro viral drugs. These are only some of points made and although a few members of the audience want Brian to run for parliament, he politely demurs. He has business on stage to get on with.
Nitin Sawhney now joins the stage with a percussionist and bassist, to launch into three tracks that they have composed with Brian only the day before - the first time they'd all met. Rhythmic vocalisations from Sawhney with atmospheres and building chords from Eno, it's experimental but accessible and I was so glad I was there.
And then we get to the main event. Brian remains on stage as we are joined by the Rachid Taha band, The musicians take their positions building the atmosphere until Rachid is ready to take to the stage. And here he comes swaggering and lithe, there's not many people who can take to the stage in a leather trilby and make it look cool.
We now receive a good hour and a half of some of the best live music I've been fortunate to see. I'm unfamiliar with most of the songs but the effect on the crowd is clear. What at first might have been seen as quite a lot of well meaning folk are quickly losing it (in a good way ) to this fantastic live band. I'm reliably informed they performed 'Shuf' , 'H'asbu-Hum', and a host of others all reacting to the crowd and building the atmosphere. They finish their set but we all want more and we get it..three encores including Mick Jones (of the Clash) on bass for 'Rock the Casbah'. At this point everyone and i mean everyone was dancing. Even eno.
The night has come to a close on a high, the performers take their well deserved bows and as the crowd dissipate - all smiling - I'm sure I'm not the only one left with questions in my head.
stop the war recorded the event, and I would heartily encourage you to get the DVD when it comes out.
John Heery
Written: 5th Dec, 05
Read: 2688 times
