anthony joseph: the rich are only defeated when running for their lives
Francisco Espregueira
Anthony Joseph is an important poet, novelist, musician and lecturer described as ‘the leader of the black avant-garde in Britain’. His latest album, which dropped last friday via Heavenly Sweetness, is a deep, intimate and pensive experience, filled with magnificent jazzy, free-flowing arrangements and Joseph’s touching spoken words. The Rich are Only Defeated When Running for their Lives is also an almighty jam. Recorded live last August, it shows off the prowess of a team of master musicians (Shabaka Hutchings among others) from Paris and London.
Connecting themes such as memory, place, belonging and acts of homage, the entire album might be understood as part of Joseph’s engagement with his Caribbean musical and literary roots. It’s also an extension of Anthony Joseph’s written and performative work, occupying a space between surrealism, Jazz and the rhythms of Caribbean speech and music. The Rich are Only Defeated When Running for their Lives is an adult piece of art and the credits for Joseph and Jason Yarde (producer) have to be given. They conjure an extremely musical album, connecting an exquisite team of musicians to an idea that is complex, unfolding in many shades and textures throughout its tracks. Available on vinyl, The Rich Are Only Defeated When Running for Their Lives is a strong statement from one of UK’s most assertive voices.
Anthony Joseph - Vocals
Andrew John - Bass
Thibaut Remy - Guitar
Rod Youngs - Drums
Florian Pellissier - Piano/Moog/Organ/Rhodes Piano
Jason Yarde - Alto & Baritone Saxophone
Shabaka Hutchings - Tenor Saxophone on ‘Swing Praxis’/Bass clarinet on ‘Kamau’
Denys Baptiste - Tenor Saxophone & Bass Clarinet on ‘Language’, Tenor Sax on ‘Maka Dimweh’ & ‘The Gift’
Colin Webster - Tenor Saxophone on ‘Kamau’ & Swing Praxis’, Baritone Sax on ‘Language’
Crispin Robinson - Bata Drums and Percussion
Roger Raspail - Percussion on ‘Maka Dimweh’Produced by Jason Yarde