“But you’ve got to have style in whatever you do - writing, music, painting, fashion, boxing, anything.”
So said Miles Davis, the man George Frazier crowned as “The Warlord of Weejuns” in 1965.
“All I do is write, rap, scribble, scat/ Wear long coats with pressed slacks/Topped off with fly hats long time I been above the smoke/and cap/ Warlord of the Weejuns/ In any season” So declares Will Stowe, whose spoken word piece welcomes us to Goya Gumbani’s performance of his latest album bearing the same moniker bestowed upon Davis sixty years earlier.
Goya and his collaborators, like Miles and his contemporaries, value a strong sense of musical and personal style, knowing what works for them, what doesn’t. However, there’s a deeper aspect to their musical practice that takes precedence.
Bryceland's Made To Measure Suit, Light Blue USN Short Sleeve Shirt, Rayon Scarf Diamond Blue, Double Knee Indigo, Cream Cashmere Watch Cap
“The spirituality of music is one that most musicians share,” Goya says. “We all share that spiritual connection in some aspect.”
It's there in the briefest moments; once you see it, it’s hard to forget. It’s there in the playful smirks that are shared across the stage, the exclamation of joy when a certain sample is played in the studio or when a keyboardist shuts his eyes and tunes in to what is happening in the moment.
London’s musical culture is vast and diverse; it always has been, with its most impactful sounds born on the fringes, and nurtured in the underground, guided by rebellious likeminded spirits. Punk, Sound System culture, Pirate Radio, to name but a few, each with its loyal followers have left their own mark on the culture. In the music of the contemporary London Jazz scene, there is a clear love for the city and a reverence for its musical past that can’t be ignored.
Bowling Blouson Red Madras, Double Knee Pant Indigo, Bryceland's x Bowhill & Elliott Velvet Slippers Black
Cash Jacket Red, P13 Camo, Bryceland's x Bowhill & Elliott Grecian Slippers Black, Denim 133 Jacket, Sweatpants Black
“That's what makes the London music scene so cool”, Goya muses. “ A lot of it is collaborative. A collaborative effort. Music is that, you know what I mean? It's working with other people in some capacity, bringing people from all walks of life into one mind state.”
That unified state of mind is present in a jam session, a rehearsal or a show, and the privilege to witness it is a mesmerising experience.
If you’re not a musician however, watching this process can feel like you’re trespassing. That you’re interrupting something almost sacred. Who are you to take part in the pre-show smoke? Watching with curiosity as a drummer tightens their snare during soundcheck comes with a feeling of perversity and to give opinion during intimate conversations about what brand of bottled water is the best to drink (Evian supposedly) is to feel like a kid at the adult table.
Cream Rayon Bowling Blouson, P13's Black, Easy Jacket Red/Cream Check, AWMS Cotton Beret Black, Crew Neck Tee White, Sweatpant Black
Cream Cashmere Watch Cap, Cotton Short Sleeve 'Skipper' Tee Red Stripe, Red Rabbit Classic Turquoise Cuff, Made to Measure Winston Trousers
Yet Goya, as an individual, as an artist, is a generous spirit; that connection he seeks in his music is to be shared. A gatekeeper he is not; all are welcome to his space. Thus the green room at the Jazz Cafe is buzzing with life - a melange of creative individuals who’ve crossed his path and are there to celebrate new music.
This is a scene made for the people, by the people; it thrives off community spirit. With style and grace, it warmly receives those who are willing to surrender themselves to something more.
Cash Jacket Indigo Check, Teardrop Chambray Shirt, Emmeline Janet Jeans, Bryceland's x Bowhill & Elliott Grecian Slippers Black, 'Leisure Sports' Rayon Shirt
