Events

Back in 2008 the Barbican presented the Honest Jon’s Chop Up, a riotous feast of music from an outernational gallimaufry of artists, all of whom had recorded for the influential West London label. Honest Jon’s — a record shop since 1974 and a label since 2001 — specialises in nothing except wonderful music, from post-war black music in Britain to late-1920s Baghdadi 78s, from vintage English folk to Berlin techno; and once again it’s the eclectic nature of its releases and wares which drives tonight’s Another Honest Jon’s Chop Up! The deep space-funk of Damon Albarn’s latest project for the label will intermingle with Malian folk, Detroit techno, jacking dance music from the South African countryside, and the cosmic jazz of Phil Cohran and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

Tonight’s show will triangulate one-off collaborations from new and upcoming Honest Jon’s releases. Iconic house alchemist Theo Parrish, currently wrapping up a contribution to the label’s Shangaan Shake series, will be joining the mix on keyboards. In its demented splendour the Shangaan Electro posse itself will be represented by producer Dog and singers and dancers Nkata Mawewe and Sjendo.

It is a huge privilege to welcome the legendary jazz trumpeter Kelan Phil Cohran, on his first-ever visit to London. Now in his eighties, Cohran is a key voice on many of Sun Ra’s most important recordings. His new album for Honest Jon’s — out next Spring — also features the blistering Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (all eight of whom are his sons).

Finally, Damon Albarn’s long-awaited new project finds him teaming up again with pioneering afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, together with Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea. In a first glimpse of their hotly awaited album — also out on Honest Jon’s in early 2012 — they bring to the table special guests including Malians Fatoumata Diawara and Check Tidiane Seck, and Ghanaian rapper M.anifest.