Brooklyn-based producer, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve presents his solo live show, fresh from a North American tour with Alfa Mist, and arranging/conducting for Questlove and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Known for his sophisticated compositions, Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II aka Sly5thAve’s sound is shaped by his faith in hip-hop, and deep understanding of soul, R&B and jazz.
With a core underground following, Sly5thAve is a Grammy award-winning horns player, whose projects have been backed by Jarobi White (A Tribe Called Quest), Gilles Peterson, Downbeat magazine, Noisey, NPR, The Fader, Jazz Times, Martin Freeman, Lauren Laverne, Cerys Matthews and more. He has also attained much respect from his work with a host of highly- fêted musicians including Prince, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Taylor Swift, Janelle Monae, Freddie Gibbs and Quantic.
Sly5thAve’s musical inspirations span the worlds of jazz and hip hop, with icons like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Cannonball Adderley influencing his artistic journey. Notably, his orchestral tribute to Dr. Dre, ‘The Invisible Man’ (Tru Thoughts) garnered widespread praise and attention, even earning the admiration of Dr. Dre himself.
Sly5thAve has previously performed at Band on the Wall alongside frequent collaborator Roberto Verástegui. The live performance will feature special guests and drums from fellow Texan Jackie Whitmill Jr., as Sly5thAve celebrates his impressive catalogue of original compositions and reworkings, and his new music set for release in 2024.
“Sly always comes correct with his own take on covers but also pushed new boundaries
on his original work. Don’t sleep on Sly!” – Anthony Valadez (KCRW)
“All y’all need the check this cat when you can” – Huey Morgan (BBC 6Music)
Curfew: 11.00pm
Stage: The Bar