Brixton music collective Soothsayers have teamed up for an exciting project with New York-born, São Paulo-based producer-engineer-bassist, Victor Rice, and some of Brazil’s top musicians.
The result is Last Days, a powerful new single from the forthcoming album Soothsayers Meets Victor Rice and Friends, to be released on Friday (17 June).
Written and recorded in London, São Paulo and Lisbon during lockdown,Last Days is a heavy-stepping instrumental that is already a UK sound system pre-release favourite.
Soothsayers’ co-founder Robin Hopcraft’s foreboding, compelling trombone and Brazilian guitarist João Erbertta’s Western-inspired lead lines, rest upon Rice’s depth-charge bass, and drummer Bruno Buarque’s militant rolls.
Mixed by Rice (known for his work with Easy Star All Stars, Skatalites and Cedric Brooks), the instrumental and its dub version summon images of Jah Shaka dances in the 80s, classic cowboy movies, and resistance to a world in turmoil.
The single signposts the new, all instrumental album, Soothsayers Meets Victor Rice and Friends, due for release in July.
The project blossomed from earlier sessions in São Paulo for Soothsayers’ 2020 vocal album We Are Many.
Last Days is on Red Earth Records, available on digital download, streaming platforms, and limited edition 10-inch vinyl.
Soothsayers are veterans of London’s eclectic and socially conscious music scene, moving seamlessly between jazz, Afrobeat and reggae with a deep connection to them all.
Founder horn players Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft’s stage and studio reputation has yielded collaborations with artists including Johnny Clarke, Cornel Campbell, Michael Prophet, Little Roy, Mad Professor, Dennis Bovell, Earl 16, and Manasseh.
Victor Rice is a Grammy-winning bassist, producer and engineer who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 90s during America’s new wave ska boom, before becoming the producer of choice for New York’s legendary Easy Star Records.
Brazilian-born, Portugal-based guitarist, composer and producer João Erbertta is another musical visionary. His eclectic tastes span the continent of America, mixing traditional Brazilian rhythms with jazz and country and western.
Drummer, percussionist and producer Bruno Buarque has worked with some of Brazil’s top artists (Criolo, Kiko Dinucci, Anelis Assumpção, Karina Buhr) as well as international names (Bobby McFerrin, DJ Vadim, Yusa). He plays in reggae band Rockers Control.
