BLACK STAR
Guts Live Band
Tank & The Bangas

Mos Def secured his popularity in 1998 with the famous Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star (1998), a first album which arrived like a bombshell. Its minimalist production, steely sequences and street genius flows breathe new life into hip-hop. Common, supporting our two artists, also played a leading role. The name Mos Def obviously smacked too much of the streets of Brooklyn and the rapper soon renamed himself Yasiin Bey. Dante Terrell Smith (the name he was born with), aka Pretty Flaco and Black Dante, did not want any more pseudonyms:“It turns you into merchandise!” But for the fans, Black Star and indeed Black On Both Sides, Mos Def’s major work produced in 99 by DJ Premier, both remain indelibly etched in their memories. In 2000, the rapper appeared on Canal+ surrounded by musicians. The New Yorker’s liking for brass instruments then materialised (in 2007) at the Brooklyn Academy during a concert with the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (Gorillaz, Erykah Badu). The unexpected reunion of Mos Def, who is also often seen alongside pianist Robert Glasper, with Talib Kweli and this boisterous brass band (eight brass instruments and a set of drums) from Chicago is taking place at Vienne.

Line-up :

Blackstar Live Band : Yasiin Bey (MC), Talib Kweli (MC), Javon Chamers (DJ)

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble : Gabriel"Hudah" Hubert (tp), Saiph "Cid" Graves (tb), Amal "Body" Hubert (tp), Seba "Clef" Graves (tb), Tarik "Smoov" Graves (tp), Uttama "Rocco" Hubert (euphonium), Kevin Hunt (g), Aschim Bunch (b), Justin Swiney (dms)

Photo : © DR

The famous French beatmaker and producer, Guts carved out a reputation by working on soundtracks for Alliance Ethnik, Big Red and Svinkels, and working with such international artists as De La Soul and Rahzhel (The Roots). Following the first two instrumental solo albums from 2007 (“Le Bienheureux” and “Freedom”), from his Balearic home (he now lives in Ibiza) he released the album “Paradise For All” in 2011 for the Heavenly Sweetness label (which celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2017). Three years later, Guts opted to renew links with the rapper flow and his jazz and soul roots. In New York he recorded the excellent album “Hip-Hop After All”, where his guests included Cody Chesnut, Akua Naru and Patrice. His most recent album (“Eternal”) and the overwhelming success of his compilations “Beach Diggin’”, focused on uncovering rare pearls, have helped make Guts one of the go-to producers on the European scene. He arrives at the Théâtre Antique along with some high-class guests: Tanya Morgan, Fefe and Leeroy from Saïan Supa Crew.

Photo : © DR

The latest revelation from New Orleans never fails to cheer our souls. Since 2011 blending the spoken word, hip hop, r’n’b and jazz to achieve a soulful pop (“Oh Heart”), often mischievous (“Drummers”) and finally quite indefinable, this colourful mini orchestra brought the last Trans Musicales in Rennes to life. The group is led by the singer Tarriona "Tank" Ball with her fresh, powerful and supple voice, sometimes evoking a cross between the young Ella Fitzgerald (for the timbre) and Missy Elliott (for the attitude). A first album, “Thinktank”, was released in 2013. Gifted with disarming energy and freshness, fans of freestyle poetic improvisation, along with the apt contributions of The Bangas, a quintet of experts without a brass section, the Louisianans really create havoc. As Tank says: “Jazz from N.O. never inspired me much. But if you’re talking about the New Orleans “bounce”, then I’m all ears! That’s what we heard at home. People like Missy Elliott or Aaliyah.” Their EP “Live Jam in The Van” was released in 2016.

Line-up : Tarriona Ball (voc), Norman Spence (synth, k), Merell Burkett (k), Joshua Johnson (dms), Jonathan Johnson (b) Albert Allenback (horn, fl), Anjelika Joseph (bkv)

Photo : © Gus Bennett