NYJO: The Fire Next Time! A Tribute to James Baldwin

From civil rights marches to dinners in Marseille, James Baldwin and Nina Simone shared a deep friendship, underpinned by their shared experiences, their passion for justice, art and the liberation of African American people. Both were trailblazers in the civil rights movement, using their platforms to challenge racism and push for change. Baldwin, a trailblazer in literature, at the time, honestly and unapologetically explored the realities of racial injustice through his work while Simone became the voice of the civil rights movement. Together, they were a force for change, embodying the spirit of resistance, resilience and Black joy.

Bandleader, Peter Edwards, and curator, Lucy-Anne Daniels' lead vocals, with Akin Soul and two gospel singers and the next generation of NYJO jazz musicians come together to commemorate the legacy of one of the twentieth century’s most uniquely significant English-language writers, James Baldwin.

With NYJO having worked with Lisa Simone (daughter of Nina Simone) on ‘Keeper of the Flame’ in 2023 for a stunning tribute to the legend herself with a 20-piece orchestra, NYJO are excited to be part of presenting another soul-stirring tribute to a key figure in American Black history, this time to a great friend of Nina Simone whose centenary was celebrated in August 2024.

The programme consists of new compositions that Peter and Lucy-Anne have created the musicians to make music inspired by Baldwin’s life. The performance draws from Baldwin‘s work, to explore the emotional and intellectual motifs that run through it, and how music – and jazz in particular – can capture the same themes he helped propel into the important conversations around race, gender, and power dynamics in the last century.

It is a touching musical journey through Baldwin’s influences from the Harlem Renaissance, through to his response to the civil rights movement and identity. Showcasing special arrangements of the soundtrack to Baldwin’s life, his love of jazz and the interweaving of improvised music with his words performed as lyrics.

The interweaving of improvised music with Baldwin’s words performed as lyrics highlight a performance that directly responds to a timeline of James Baldwin’s influence from the civil rights era and LGBTQ+ liberation movements, through to his enduring and powerful legacy today.

Join us as we honour the legacy of Baldwin, a great friend of Nina Simone, sharing conversational new works, highlighting the legacy of these giants whose work continues to inspire the next generation in the fight for Black rights.

Tickets can be purchased HERE!