A Life In The Day Of B19: Tales Of The Tower Block

SOWETO KINCH: A Life in the Day of B19…
Dune, 2007

JAZZ/HIP-HOP – Inspired by Kinch’s real-life neighborhood, this is the first half of a two-album musical tale about the hopes and struggles of three men in the “tower block” projects of Birmingham, England. “S” is a young jazz saxophonist fighting for acceptance. “Marcus” is a rapper dazzled by dreams of stardom. “Adrian” is a 30-something man whose life is falling apart. The narrative thread slides back and forth between these characters, who are apparently leading parallel lives.
The music swings between between dusky modern jazz and choppy hip-hop beats, with lots of rapping and spoken word mixed in.

Warning: Most tracks end with a one-minute “skit” that sets up the next track. This might be disorienting if you're playing a single cut.

No FCCs detected, but those accents are thick… be alert.

Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15 (and maybe 9)


1. 1:17 – narrator sets the scene over harmonizing jazz horns
2. 6:47 – jazz: modern groove with some nicely expressive alto sax.
3. 6:44 – hip-hop skit: at the welfare office, rapper tries to explain what he does to the case worker, who just doesn’t get it. Funny stuff.
4. 4:48 – jazz: relaxed ballad: warm trumpet solo, nice harmonies
5. 4:25 – hip-hop: Two rappers tell Adrian’s story; acoustic guitar, spare beat
6. 5:08 – hip-hop: Description of a high rise in the projects; great groove!
7. 5:33 – hip-hop skit: Marcus dreams about being famous, interviewed by a ditzy American valley-girl reporter. Very funny!
8. 4:51 – jazz: upbeat bop, a bit sour, cool sax, stealthy guitar, beatboxing skit
9. 7:20 – hip-hop: really snarky rapping over a gloopy beat
10. 3:19 – hip-hop: 70s soul sound, trio male vocals, then quick rapping
11. 4:53 – jazz: rock beat, fusion keyboards, oddball horns w/effects
12. 6:50 – jazz: percolating riffs and a speedy little groove; fun stuff
13. 5:42 – hip-hop: jazz saxophonist is beseiged by wanna-be rappers
14. 4:55 – hip-hop: trippy intro, creepy bass groove & bizarre lyrics
15. 6:10 – jazz: handclap rhythm, then angular midtempo blowing

[ Fo ] 28-Jun-07