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It was a classic British day: Cloud all day, no sight of the Sun, and threatening to rain consistently, only for said rain to come in the final hours of the festival.
I came through with Gina, with immediate signage saying I couldn’t bring a camera in. So after a couple of minutes waiting in line – expecting to argue – I had my bag checked and dude let me through!
Potential embarrassment out the window, I was in. Brockwell Park, in the heart of Brixton for Cross The Tracks: celebrating Jazz, R&B, & Soul.
I began with the first act of the day in the Terminal tent: Kai Kwasi. Great artist with a few tracks out, who said it was a “great way to get a free ticket”. Can’t hate on the logic!
I was quickly drawn to the “Locomotion” stage, where Angolan-Portuguese artist Carla Prata was going off. A mixture of English & Portuguese lyrics; really cool essence from her. Might’ve been the gear she was wearing…
After Prata, I decided to get some eats before the big wave of people come in and waiting lines average 30 minutes. The ton of options were completely wasted on me as I was in that state where you don't want to eat but you know you have to eat. So I proceeded to get a fried chicken burger with some mayo. The simplest thing I could've possibly gotten.
I then took a walk and find The Caboose, a little area for some DJs to do their thing. At the decks: DJ Lynnée Denise (above) who was going pure vinyl with it and no word of a lie, was playing "Cross The Tracks" by Maceo And The Macks. How uncanny!
I had some time to kill, so I went to Funk Junction where the legend Norman Jay MBE was providing the vibes in the heart of the festival. I decided to focus on the people for this one.
Shouts to Alex who I know and bumped into walking about.
Loved her shirt, said so and asked for a photo. She bossed it.
The next act I felt like seeing was Charlotte Dos Santos back at the Locomotion stage. Brazilian-Norwegian who has been recognised by the likes of Gilles Peterson (also at the festival) & Big Boi. Highly recommend her project “Cleo”. Apparently she has an album coming later this year so count me in on that. If it’s as good as her fit then we should be in for a good one!
Then, back to the Terminal tent for one of the GOATs. I have been trying to see Roy Ayers for years. I was supposed to see him @ Maiden Voyage last year but he unfortunately pulled out.
Such a blessing to see a legend like Ayers whose 81 at the time of writing. To hear “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” live was a real check off my list. Shouts to the rest of the crew who were top tier.
I’ve just realised I didn’t get a good shot of one of the band members who went OFF with several solos. My bad.
But Roy was quickly followed by African royalty: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80.
But oh no! They were eating into seeing another GOAT! I dashed out to go hit the Mainline stage for the first time in the day for Patrice Rushen!
But alas, I couldn’t get a good photo. When you’re not waiting half an hour before for a main stage act, you’re destined for poor placement. Take it from me though, she’s amazing. Another “bucket list song to see live” was checked off. Shouting along for “Forget Me Nots” that finished with a confetti cannon!
Unfortunately, that was the end of my picture taking! I had to leave Rachel Chinouriri (above) with one song left to get a spot for South London's own Joy Crookes. And proceeded to get a worse spot than I got for Patrice! Had to look pretty much exclusively at the big screen.
It was then time for the main event: Khruangbin. I had to wait 50 minutes.
Get this. Up to this point, while it threatened rain all day, it stayed dry… Until I had to wait outside for an act, not wanting to give a good spot away.
The heavens opened, Khruangbin came through and played their rendition of the classic "Summer Madness" – originally made by Kool & The Gang – among other covers and amazing original work.
"Summer Madness" in the rain. Oh the irony.
Charlie Taylor
chillicharlie.taylor@gmail.com
Born in Camden, North London.
Bred in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex.
Screenwriter/Podcaster/Photographer/
Hip-Hop Student.