Gil Scott-Heron is the consummate musician. Whether playing his Fender Rhodes, singing in the absolute epitome of “gravel voice”, or simply story-telling, the audience hung on his every utterance.
Personally, I wept three or four times. There was a genuine love expressed between audience and performer, and it was heart-warming to see many young people present, all in agreement that they were seeing “a legend”.
Gil has been through a hard time of late, and the rendition of his classic track “The Bottle” was especially poignant. “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” built up for an excruciating 15 minutes before breaking into the much-loved song, presenting a brutally honest account of his struggles with addiction, and in particular the terrible pain it has caused his family.
“Your Daddy Loves You” was an achingly beautiful ode to his daughter, who is currently living in England. Gil is now also signed to an English record label—XL—and sincerely expressed his appreciation for the support he has received in this country over the years.
Having been out of the limelight for so long (not to mention years languishing in prison), there was a sense of Gil at first almost tentatively gauging the audience feedback, and a great surge of warmth and relief when he, and the crowd, realised that nothing had changed.
“I’ll Take Care Of You” from his recent, ironically titled, album I’m New Here, was almost Motown in the simplicity and tenderness conveyed. When singing “We Almost Lost Detroit” from his 1977 album Bridges, you couldn’t help but connect it to the current economic climate and the huge psychological impact of mass unemployment.
Gil’s band, who have been with him in various forms since the beginning, were magnificent. Whether on the saxophone, flute, keys, harmonica or congas, it was instantly recognisable that these were musicians at the very pinnacle of their profession.
The set began with an African creation myth, drawing on the world music roots of the weekend, but delivered in Gil’s inimitable style, character and worldview. In fact, this was in many ways the perfect way to end the festival. After travelling around the world and delighting in the cultures and traditions presented, we were back on a cold New York street corner in wintertime.
Gil mentioned in passing some of the artists who have sampled his work, including Tupac Shakur and Kanye West. Particular respect was reserved for US rapper Common.
Often referred to as a “conscientious poet”, Gil’s concern for the world and its suffering was palpable. The audience was respectful and appreciative. Stand out moment was the whole crowd singing together “be safe, be strong, be free.”
Personally, I wept three or four times. There was a genuine love expressed between audience and performer, and it was heart-warming to see many young people present, all in agreement that they were seeing “a legend”.
Gil has been through a hard time of late, and the rendition of his classic track “The Bottle” was especially poignant. “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” built up for an excruciating 15 minutes before breaking into the much-loved song, presenting a brutally honest account of his struggles with addiction, and in particular the terrible pain it has caused his family.
“Your Daddy Loves You” was an achingly beautiful ode to his daughter, who is currently living in England. Gil is now also signed to an English record label—XL—and sincerely expressed his appreciation for the support he has received in this country over the years.
Having been out of the limelight for so long (not to mention years languishing in prison), there was a sense of Gil at first almost tentatively gauging the audience feedback, and a great surge of warmth and relief when he, and the crowd, realised that nothing had changed.
“I’ll Take Care Of You” from his recent, ironically titled, album I’m New Here, was almost Motown in the simplicity and tenderness conveyed. When singing “We Almost Lost Detroit” from his 1977 album Bridges, you couldn’t help but connect it to the current economic climate and the huge psychological impact of mass unemployment.
Gil’s band, who have been with him in various forms since the beginning, were magnificent. Whether on the saxophone, flute, keys, harmonica or congas, it was instantly recognisable that these were musicians at the very pinnacle of their profession.
The set began with an African creation myth, drawing on the world music roots of the weekend, but delivered in Gil’s inimitable style, character and worldview. In fact, this was in many ways the perfect way to end the festival. After travelling around the world and delighting in the cultures and traditions presented, we were back on a cold New York street corner in wintertime.
Gil mentioned in passing some of the artists who have sampled his work, including Tupac Shakur and Kanye West. Particular respect was reserved for US rapper Common.
Often referred to as a “conscientious poet”, Gil’s concern for the world and its suffering was palpable. The audience was respectful and appreciative. Stand out moment was the whole crowd singing together “be safe, be strong, be free.”
