Which musician links the legendary Sugarhill Records, Grandmaster Flash,Afrika Bambaata, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, James Brown, Robert Plant, Mark Stewart & The Mafia, Sinead O’Connor, Tackhead and Megadeth? The answer is Skip McDonald, now known by his stage moniker Little Axe and his raucous blues-based sound. Skip made his name as an integral part of the Sugar Hill house band playing on the most influential early rap classics and as part of Adrian Sherwood’s On-U Sound crew he has made some of the most adventurous and praised UK music of the last twenty years.
As Little Axe, Skip returns to exploring the rich blues tradition that he grew up with and learned from his father and thus, intriguingly, bringing black American music full circle. A rare opportunity to see one of the main driving forces in the creation of modern urban black music in action. Blistering stuff. Support at this very special concert at The Wardrobe in Leeds comes from Sam Payne.
“Axeman Skip scores some of his deepest genre defying cuts to date” Mojo
“Embraces the blues with authority, creativity & innovation. The distinctive Little axe sound is a dreamy miasma, creaming up elements of funk, rock, soul & gospel. It’s perpetually intertwining into a genre weave.” BBC
“This is a compelling reminder that McDonald is a master of the contemporary blues.” The Guardian ****
“A sure & certain path through trippy rock, deep blues and unsettling dub. Totally on the money.” The Mirror
This event takes place at The Wardrobe, Leeds
This event will begin at 8pm but The Wardrobe Cafe Bar is open earlier for delicious food and drinks.