The Sussex Jazz Magazine 039

Soweto Kinch
MOBO Award winning saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch talks
about his inspirations and his latest concert at The Ropetackle Arts
Centre in Shoreham on Saturday 4th April.
How would you describe the
kind of music that you play?
“I try not to confine myself
too much to genres, but my
principle influences are jazz and
hip hop. It involves a lot of
improvisation, social commentary
and having a good time.”
Who are your influences and
how have you been able to
transcend them and develop
your own voice?
“I’m influenced by all the
great saxophone players through
history - Sonny Rollins, John
Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Joe
Harriot. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be
able to transcend them, but their
voices permeate my own sound. I
think I’m an amalgam of all the
great musicians I’ve followed –
James Brown, Public Enemy, Fela
Kuti: similarly with strong hip hop
and jazz strains.”
You’ve been really busy over
the past few years with a
number of projects. What are
you involved in at the moment?
“I’m currently starting to
work on a large piece exploring the
political and cultural contributions
of black soldiers during the First
World War. It’s some way in the
offing, but already my head’s full of
ragtime early jazz sounds.”
Tell us what we’re likely to
hear at your concert at The
Ropetackle in Shoreham on
Saturday 4th April.
“You will hear material from
my latest release, The Legend of
Mike Smith. Blending live jazz with
hip hop, and exploring the ‘Seven
Deadly Sins’ through music. Can’t
wait!”
Soweto Kinch appears at
Ropetackle Arts Centre on
Saturday 4th April.
His latest album The Legend of Mike
Smith is available now.
www.soweto-kinch.com
Photo by Claire Cousin
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