MUSIC REVIEW: Kabantu: Thinking Beyond Tradition - The RNCM, Manchester.

Kabantu - a word which means "of the people" - are a Manchester-based progressive-modern folk group, formed from mostly ex-RNCM students. Taking inspiratio from traditional and folk melodies from all over the world, they reimagine them in a uniquely contemporary context, even interpolating and integrating more than one tune or particular ethnic style.

Each of the four members has their dedicated main instument [Katie Foster, violin; Ali McMath, double bass; Ben Sayah, guitar; Delia Stevens, percussion - beatbox, drums and cymbal], however all four easily exhibited their ability to turn their hands to other instruments too, as they intergated certain ethnic instruments or alternative sounds into their music such a African drums, a digeridoo, a harmonica, a banjo and a Hang drum. Foster also showed off with her whistling ability and all four sang their way through some sections too.

The concert was quite short, about 40 minutes, but in that time they ably showcased their musical talents, taking us through modern and unique interpretations of Scottish reels, Irish jigs, African rhythms, Taiwanese traditional music, Dadra singing of India, Portuguese inspired music, and Klezmer rhythms. And although many of the pieces they played were original compositions they still stayed close to the origins and traditions of the style they were composing in, but also allowed for modern music ideology to play an equally important part too.

A very talented quartet who obviously enthused and enjoyed their music and were passionate about what they did. For me personally, I thought there to be too little variation in their selection, and after a while, all the songs they played seemed to sound very much the same. Nevertheless, the sounds created and their ensemble technique was highly priaseworthy.

Prior to the concert, there was a short 15 minute performance in the upper aula, outside the theatre, where Kabanta led some music-making from a group of very young string instrument learners. A group of 40 children belonging to the RNCM Young Strings, all of whom would have been of Primary school age and no older, were given the chance to play 3 pieces of music with Kabantu in a collaborative process to enhance the children's knowledge and understanding of music and rhythms from different cultures. This was heartwarming to watch and Kabantu had managed to engage these youngsters in stomping their feet in time to the music, clapping rhythms, and making vocal sounds as well as actually playing their instruments (majority violins). An excellent idea, and something that the RNCM is excellent at... that of allowing younger and less-experienced learners collaborate and work with those who are further along their professional journey.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 12/1/20