'Bird Head Son' review on Mondomix

Trinidadian born poet, novelist and lyricist, Anthony Joseph infuses his music with the heartfelt history of the African diaspora. Jazz, voodoo funk, soul and spoken word groove into a narrative about Black history and his own journey, from the Caribbean to London where he formed the Spasm Band featuring Andrew John [bass], Colin Webster [tenor sax and flute], Adrian Owusu [guitar], Paul Zimmerman /Paul Brett/ Craig Tamlin [percussion]

Following on from his previous album Leggo De Lion, Anthony Joseph returns with Bird Head Son, leading a sextet and special guests Defunkt founder Joe Bowie on trombone, David Neerman (vibraphone) and Keziah Jones (guitar and backing vocals). Warm, elegant and accomplished, this new offering reunites the manifold musical identities of the African diaspora over twelve tracks. Here, spoken word lyrics, inspired horns and layered grooves conjure up some sacred syncretic dreams, evoking fabled free spirits like Gil Scott-Heron or The Last Poets. Sincerity shines through, and this sharp wordsmith and his impeccable Spasm Band touch the motherlode on this trip to the heart of Great Black Music.

http://anthony-joseph.mondomix.com/en/chronique4778.htm