Live review of NYJO: The Fire Next Time - A Tribute To James Baldwin

"You have to go the way your blood beats," said James Baldwin, the American novelist, playwright, poet and activist who did exactly that. No matter how he lived his life - in Harlem, Paris, in the church, in defiance - he remained authentic, eschewing labels, exploring meaning, speaking truth to power. Baldwin's words had rhythm, offered freedom. That he loved jazz, and jazz loved him, made sense. 

Co-devised by vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels with members of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra's Emerging Professionals scheme, and with Peter Edwards - on conduction [sic] - as guest MD, this spirited tribute to Baldwin reflected his life through the prism of music, song and spoken word. Without charts, with a confidence boosted by a sold-out 2024 debut at Peckham's Bold Tendencies, a 19-strong ensemble delivered a soundscape, a sort of structured improvisation, strafed with joy and struggle. Along the way they reinforced the contemporary relevance of Baldwin's message.

The work's ten movements began in 20th century Harlem, with Akin Soul (the evening's rising star support act) singing of 'Going downtown to meet the man', a refrain that became incantatory as Daniels and vocalist Rhianna Frimpong weighed in. 'The Pulpit' came with recordings of Baldwin, musings on his preacher father, the son of a slave, with gospel harmonies and organ sounds lifting things skywards. 'Wavering Belief' had sharp angles; 'Sexuality' a propulsive yet meditative charge; 'An American in Paris' brass-led cinematic flair.

Bookending the Southbank Centre's Montreaux Jazz Festival Residency weekend, this was a piece more admirable for its ground-up collective creation, a la the ensembles of Mingus or Ellington. Coaxed from the loose musical structure by Edwards' gestures - a pointed baton triggered a fluttering baritone sax solo; a mime involving sprinkling fingers conjured a cascade of strings - chops were flexed, strengths revealed. Cleverly spaced sectionals meant everyone got their flowers.

"Freedom of choice, you go either way; choose good, choose love," came Baldwin's stentorian voiceover at the end. The standing ovation was immediate, the ripple effect powerful. The path - in these oh-so-chaotic times - once again made clear by music.