Music Reviews

Aisha has performed twice now at Kebele events, both times demonstrating herself to be a genuine artist who conveys total passion for her rich tradition:  African-American music.  Because of this, Aisha can perform with just her keyboard, encompassing jazz, soul and blues, etc.  It’s her singing that’s the real power, though: sweet and clear and at the same time deep and powerful.  The audience didn’t expect anything like this, but everyone appreciated the sincere art of this political activist.  Among the songs ere allusions to her and her partner’s (Bankole) personal experiences.  My favourite was Aisha’s interpretation of John Coltrane’s *’Omawale’s Return’, a jazz masterpiece with African resemblances, changes of rhythm and melody, and her composition for Malcolm X. As she said, she’s been ignored as an artist because of her political (human) stand.  African-Americans have been subject of brutal repression that is reflected in the ostracism and exile of many activists and artists.  We hope things change for Aisha and that she one day manages to release her work.  Still, you can get her CDs from their (web-page).

Gig: Aisha A Taylor
Kebele - 30^th Nov
Easton Community Centre - 8^th Dec

Review by:  M. Mantxo

*[correction-’Omawale’s Return’ was written by Aisha ]