Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music: Orphy Robinson @ the Lit & Phil - Sept. 30

Orphy Robinson (xylosynth, soundtrack, narration)

In the intimate surroundings of the members' library Orphy Robinson performed a solo work of great character and poignancy. 

Against a musical soundtrack with  a fascinating narrative celebrating  black pioneers in British history over the last 400 years such as  19^th century political radicals Robert Wedderburn and William Davidson, Robinson moved on to  Christian Cole - the first black barrister to practice in an English court in 1884. All were described verbally, visually and musically by the musician/narrator.

In the field of music Rudolph Dunbar was a composer, musician and conductor and was the first black man to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1942. From the not so distant past was someone whom  even I remembered in the form of  Bernie Grant (1944-2000), who was one of the first black MPs to be elected.

Accompanying this soundtrack Robinson very effectively and gracefully played his  xlyosynth  which was really quite atmospheric. A compelling and important piece of work and a very moving and rewarding experience for all of those lucky enough to be present. Steve H