SHABAKA at Strange Brew
Headfirst Editor's Pick

"Sell out warning! Watching, hearing and feeling the greatest British jazzer of a generation climb creative peak after peak has been one of the true honours of 2020s existence. On Earth is something else from Shabaka; his fresh mastery of flutes flirts with raps, beats and a prodigal return to the sax. ‘Unmissable’ just doesn’t cut it – this is a supreme fusion of musical history and a tantalising map for what lies ahead."

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A gig held at Strange Brew on Wednesday 8th April. The event starts at 19:00.


Pre-sale link above is now open to all! Once these have run out 'General Release' goes on sale Friday 10am. Please don’t snooze!

A rare chance to see a titan of the UK Jazz and wider international scene in a small venue.

Shabaka has just releaseed a spell-binding new album, with new experiments, new live show plus a return to the Sax.

Following a hiatus from the Saxophone to focus on his mastery of the ancient Japanese shakuhachi flute on 2024’s album Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace, Shabaka now returns with another left turn: an entirely self-produced record of woodwinds, beat-making and his own rap verses.

The resulting 12 tracks on Of the Earth are freewheeling and infectiously propulsive, ranging from the ethereal synth textures of “A Future Untold” to the lo-fi dance rhythms of “Ol’ Time African Gods”, the menacing lyricism of “Go Astray” and the enveloping flute layering of “Step Lightly”.

Regarded as the trailblazer or leader of the UK Jazz scene or explosion circa 2018/19, a multidisciplinarian, deep thinker, expressionist, Saxophone colossus and widely respected musician.

From the Comet is Coming, to Sons of Kemet. Shabaka & The Ancestors to performing live with The Sun-Ra Arkestra, Floating Points, Melt Yourself Down, Multatu Astake, Polar Bear and a far larger list of highly respected artists, this is his first Bristol solo appearance since 2024.

Shabaka will be appearing on stage with Saxophone, Flutes, Electronics, Percussion and a drummer flown in from the states especially for these two UK shows (the other one being the night before in London).

To support and set the tone, a selection of vinyl offerings and curiosities from digger, DJ, record shop owner and Worm Disco Club founder Nathan Worm.

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Tickets are £25 advance.

Pre sale for Shabaka fans / followers go live from Tuesday at 5pm.

General release are on sale Friday at 10am.

Weds 8th April. Doors 7pm. Strange Brew Bristol.



Entry requirements: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

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