The Legend Of Mike Smith

Description
'The Legend of Mike Smith' is a double album epic from Soweto Kinch that tells the story of an aspiring rapper possessed by each of the seven deadly sins. Fusing jazz, hip-hop and spoken word narrative the album explores corporate sin, the temptations of capitalism and the travails of a young artist attempting to get signed. Featuring Kinch on saxophones, rap/spoken vocals and beat production it's certainly his most ambitious recording project to date.

With the trio of Soweto, Karl Rasheed Abel (bass) and Graham Godfrey (drums) at its core, the album also features notable collaborators including vocalists Eska Mtungwazi and Cleveland Watkiss, pianist Julian Joseph, saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and trumpeter Jay Phelps, alongside a cast of actors.

Drawing on influences as divergent as Dante, J.S. Bach, Ornette Coleman and Madlib, the album creates an alternative sonic universe to comment on this one and is a thrilling, cryptic and comedic listen from start to finish. As Soweto describes, "this concept really allowed me to push myself to stylistic extremes, light years outside of my comfort zone."

Personnel: Soweto Kinch (rap vocals, alto and tenor saxophone, Rhodes, beats/programming), Shabaka Hutchings (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Jay Phelps (trumpet), Karl Rasheed (double bass), Graham Godfrey (drums), Julian Joseph (piano - 17,19) , Cleveland Watkiss (vocals - 27), Eska Mtungwazi (vocals - 12,31), Rachel Maby (vocals - 37 & all interludes)

The Cast: Soweto Kinch, Toyin Omari-Kinch, Jonathan Owen, Tessa Walker, Yvette Harris, Jonzi D, Rachel Maby, Dominic 'Silverchet' Davids, Joel Cottrell, Tony Platt, David Timothy, Iza Korsak, Terri Facey, Mimi Fresh, Tyrone Huggins, Tony 'Jamo' Morrison, Janine Small, Daniel Anderson
Tracklisting