The multi-talented Croydon Composers performed at the Scream Lounge in Croydon on Friday night.
A music project formed by Shri Sriram and Michael Fuller featuring ten musicians from Croydon, the Composers created a unique mix of sounds, rhythms and passion from real artists.
The lounge was dimly lit with the occasional strobe lighting creating an intimate vibe. With heavy beats pulsating through the speakers, the small but enthusiastic crowd gathered round the stage as Shri introduced each of the acts.
The first act, Katie Rose, a choral folk singer, hit the stage full of energy, singing a capella. Soon after she was joined by drummer Dan Buskell, with Katie on the keyboard, performing their song ‘In The Jungle.’
The performers’ excitement was infectious as Katie urged the crowd to make as many animal noises as possible. I am sure my attempt at a lion roar did not go unnoticed.
Raveena Rajeevan and Dave Koor produced an awe-inspiring performance of ‘Petals’ as Ravenna, an Indian classical singer, and Dave, a keyboardist, incorporated Indian classical music with jazz. The tone of her voice alongside the melodic jazz rhythm created an enthralling performance.
The anticipation from the crowd was now high, as Saleel Tambe took to the stage to perform ‘Pulse.’
He described himself as ‘the most down to earth’ musician, as he sat on the floor of the stage.
Playing the tabla, a South Asian pair of drums, alongside a backing track, he kept the energy of the night going.
It was unlike anything that I have heard before which made it all the more of an intriguing set.
A gripping collaboration followed with Tansay Omar, a Turkish percussionist and drummer, and spoken word artist Amen Noir. The pair delivered a truly engaging performance of ‘Listen.’ Tansay brings the heavy bass that adds to the poetic words from Amen saying ‘No speak…listen’ to willing the crowd to ‘don’t guess, grow, you know.’
Completing the show was the final performance from jazz singer Gill Manly and Unorthodox Kings, a hip hop rapper, with ‘Common Ground.’ Gill told the audience that despite the two’s ‘age difference’ and musical styles they ‘had to meet in the middle.’ A thought-provoking song that talks about us as people coming together and not to be divisive.
The performances were inspiring and offers hope the project will continue and evolve in future.
