The word ‘epic’ is frequently used for many a event that is neither epic, sensational or extraordinary. However, on a Friday night a couple of weeks ago at the prestigous and established Barbican venue, I headed down to watch Basement Jaxx loan their back catalogue to the Dutch Metropole Orkest to deliver an entertaining evening of complete music merging and fulfill all the criteria that epic-ness involves.
Seated front row centre awaiting the first note, I had a quick glimpse around and assessed the crowd. It was clear that classical music lovers were in the house, alongside dedicated Jaxx fans seated with those who were just intrigued by the unique concept. As the lights revealed the 70 strong orchestra, 40 person Crouch End Choir and ‘Battlement Jaxx’ began, without a strobe light or whistle in tow, who would of thought dance music would of evolved and matured into such (classier) things. A cutting edge approach and a distinctive goal to interpret the music in the most orchestral way possible, I was apprehensive that within the uniqueness of the collaboration, that the essence of Basement Jaxx would be lost.
Luckily fifth song in, Jaxx’s regular singing features blessed the stage. Brendan Reilly, Sharlene Hector and PinBoard homie Vula Malinga all adorned in flamboyant costume injected the famalirity necessary for old school fans like myself. Joined also by a breakdancer, a ballet dancer and the funniest guy of the night, Le Gatueu Chocolate (think Barry White dressed in drag and heels with a little bit of an opera twang to his voice – lol) made for a great mish mash of visuals to keep everyone watching and listening.
Highlights definitely include the constant congo-ing among the front rows and the contagious and seemingly overpowering urge to spontanesouly get up and dance that spread across the auditorium’s audience like a wildfire when tracks like ‘Do Your Thing’, ‘Romeo’ and ‘Samba Magic’ were performed. Brillant vocal performances by Sharlene during ‘Lights Go Down’ provided a rare moment of calm in the show and was definitely a favourite of mine.
At times some tracks seemed almost unrecognizable (‘Red Alert’). Whilst other classics in ‘Good Luck’ and ‘Do Your Thing’ were exactly what you would expect and got the crowd on their feet pronto and all hands clapping.
Hearing 10 years of the Brixton duo’s greatest hits with an elegant string section, perked up and amplified with sharp horns and sexy brass. Then sprinkled with detailed percussion, all orchestrated and executed with conductor Jules Buckley’s guidance was the most skewed interpretation of dance music I have ever experienced. Although the whole concept was entirely out of the box and quite ambitious, by the sounds of the final roar of applause, I would say they pulled it off.
Epic.
The album Basement Jaxx vs Metropole Orkest is out now.
