Meditation is an ancient practice that allows one to enter a deep state of blissful solitude. There are the practices of Shamatha, which stabilize the mind, and Vipassana, which help one uncover a path to understanding the true nature of reality. Meditation requires an all-encompassing focus on the present moment, clearing the mind to enhance other senses and create a full-body experience. Whether you believe in these practices or not, experiencing a Shabaka show is the closest one can get to stumbling upon this state of solace.
The bandleader turned multi-instrumentalist producer brought his imaginative new album, Of The Earth, to life at Philadelphia’s Solar Myth. The small wine bar/coffee shop/record store is slowly becoming one of the best spots to see live jazz in the city, with a small performance space in the back of the shop, creating an intimate, dimly-lit space, the perfect recipe for jazz. Shabaka took full advantage of the stellar atmosphere with a performance that emphasized the painstaking attention to detail that went into the artist’s self-produced LP. Along with drummer Austin Williamson, Shabaka strung together a performance that could only be described as meditative, an out-of-body experience that must be seen in the flesh to grasp truly.
Shabaka was in the City of Brotherly Love for a two-show night at Solar Myth, the first of which was sold out. The late show drew a crowded, attentive audience, the room swelling with excitement as showtime inched closer. Suddenly, a tall figure entered the concert space from the back of the room, slowly approaching the intricate setup of flutes, a saxophone, and a collection of loop machines and drum pads. The once-buzzing group of jazz fanatics had come to a standstill as the artist prepared to launch into what would turn out to be a truly hypnotic performance.
Throughout Shabaka’s time on stage, you can hear birds singing from the speakers, little disembodied creatures dancing with the cacophony of solace Williamson and Shabaka were stirring in the air. Switching between his signature sax and approximately three different flutes, Of The Earth and Shabaka’s talents were recontextualized in a live setting. In particular, songs like the complex, explosive “Marwa The Mountain” become even more lively and immersive, while his rapping and writing on “Go Astray” illuminated the room with wisdom and prowess. There were moments of ambiance, crescendos bursting with drama and romance, all curated by one man, a collection of instruments, and the boldness to put it all together.
Whether you’re a fan of Shabaka, a fan of jazz, love music, or need a reminder to appreciate the present moment, you should see Shabaka live. Fresh off the release of his latest solo venture, the enigmatic multi-instrumentalist turned the colorful nuances of his approach into a celebration of music and the lives we live while creating it. Next, Shabaka is heading to the Knockdown Center in New York before performing two shows at Knoxville’s Big Ears Festival. The artist will also stop in Chicago before a string of shows overseas in London, Rotterdam, and Istanbul. You can find tickets here.
