Sat 24th April marks the unveiling of a brand new Heads high vs 12 Tone session in the centre of our fair city. Having raised our east-end party the right way, the good people at Soho’s newest venue, Barrio Central have invited us to embark on a fresh leg of our beats, bass and brass tour with them. Erase all memories of the soundsystem at their sister venue Barrio North though. We’re assured that they’ve done the right thing with BC and come correct with the sound. You know we’ll do the same with our performance, and entry is free so it’d give us a warm glow inside to see some familiar faces in the place.

I actually missed the first session of 2010 in favour of swimming in warm Caribbean seas. Reports said it was a good one though and now i’m back on the team for Feb, there’s one more reason to make the eastern pilgrimage and round out the weekend in style.

12 Tone Brass Band is growing from strength to strength and keen followers will notice that their already heavy repertoire is steadily expanding with every session. Those who are able are recommended to pass through next Sunday for shiney new beats, brassy heavy treats and turntable heat…

As the flyer says, you know the drill by now. 12 Tone Brass are hot (if you don’t believe me watch the video below), Heads High are heat, add them together and you’ve got extreme snow melting capabilities….we’ll see you there (Vibe sell hot drinks too so no excuses!)…

Don’t know 12 Tone Brass? Allow them to introduce themselves…

We’ve had a lot of fun with the 12 Tone collective this year. Now our shared session at Vibe has been broken in, we’re getting comfy and beginning to experiment.

The last session of 2009 takes place this Sunday 20th December. It’ll be a good one, you should come. As usual, myself, Duke Etienne, DJ Judge and Cal Jader will hold down DJ duties with live collaboration from Connie Bell and musicians from the 12 Tone camp.

We’ve got some recordings (audio/video) to post from our previous events but for now, check out this  footage of RA! the United Vibrations single which was launched last Saturday and has been garnering attention from Giles Peterson amongst others.

This is the the last event post for a while I promise, I just gotta get ‘em off my chest so I can concentrate on some more serious pieces…not that our events aren’t serious…you know what I mean….

We started sharing a session with 12 Tone last month. It went very well. We’re doing it again. Last time we held it down alongside United Vibrations. This session will be Heads High vs. the mighty 12 Tone Brass Band.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but the people love a brass band…they just can’t help but get involved. 12 Tone have got the usual covers selection on lock…Hip Hop style naturally, but they come into their own with firing selections from their own fair hands.

Heads High represent in the blue corner with Connie Bell holding the notes…as usual, it’s FREENESS!

I’ve always loved basements. I’m not sure that says anything good about my spirit, but there’s something about real music in a basement that makes me smile. Our Marketplace basement sessions have evolved into something I’m proud of. We’ve somehow managed to create a night where we can play pretty much what we want…..right in the centre of London….not easy.

If you hadn’t noticed, we’re only in the place every two months now so each session is a little more special. This month, we’re swapping the glitz of the golden pyramids (and Amaka’s golden legwear!) with the shine of brass in the shape of the 12 Tone Brass Band. If you’ve been following the progress of the 12 Tone camp and their growing army of heavyweight bands, you’ll know that 12 Tone Brass are a hot prospect. Come see what happens when we add six men, one drum kit and a whole heap of brass to the usual basement bubble.

Its a Heads High session so DJ pressure comes as standard. This time its a strictly residents affair with Duke Etienne, Cal Jader, DJ Judge and Miss Crawford in the area. Microphone blessings come courtesy of Connie Bell….and it’s all FREE!

Remember, it’s our last MP session of 2009 so don’t sleep!

Here’s a little sampler of 12 Tone Brass at the 606 Jazz basement style….i’ve never seen them in suits before…

12 Tone are giants! They play host to the Speakers Corner Quartet, United Vibrations and the all new 12 Tone Brass Band….basically, they’re hot.

Heads High went underground, underwent a transformation and are back with positive direction.

Those that know, know our crews have been artistic friends for a minute now. We decided to make that friendship a little more public and share some events. That’s good for you because you get upfront DJ selections, live vocals, interactive visuals and an array of seriously heavy musicians all under one roof each time we make the link….and for now at least, its as free as Jah intended…

Come and visit us on Sunday, you’ll be glad you did….

12 Tone are family. It just so happens that they’re outstanding at what they do….and the proceeds of their events always go towards the self-sufficient housing co-op they’re setting up in the heart of Babylon….to provide shelter when it all falls down.

Passing Clouds are family also. They’re working to make our lives better on a large scale and at the local level.

How many crews put on really good parties based around live performance? How many of those channel their earnings for the greater good of humanity?

We’ll see you there.

Oh yeah, that image at the top of the post is a 12 Tone grid. Read more about it here

This video is a sonic representation of the 12 Tone Movement. Raw, and on the street. Listen…