Liberty In Sound
HARRY HAWKINS
The Henry Ward Hall on Robertson Street is bringing a massive musical landmark to town, and in the process raising money for local charity The Refugee Buddy Project. The main players are the Statue of Liberty Big Band, a recently convened musical collective made of players who may be familiar to keen Arts readers or punters in the Hastings music scene.
Statue of Liberty at their inaugural gig last year
Their first show was last September at Electro Studios in St Leonard’s (a recording of which will be released on budding new label Either Ore Records), but they have since renewed and strengthened their number.
Trombonist and co-founder of improvised music festival Two Ship, Tullis Rennie, Slapp Happy and Henry Cow/Pink Floyd collaborator Anthony Moore, and local art/print/music combo Jude Montague and Matt Armstrong (MARS) are but a few names in their roster; it’s as rotating and eclectic as the music they choose to play. Some of the expected repertoire comprises selections from Sun Ra, Brian Eno, Chilean protest singer Victor Jara and the BBC Music Library. Like a traditional big band, there are horn and rhythm sections, but did Count Basie have an electronics section?
Statue of Liberty is the brainchild of Ed Baxter, who sought to create a sonic sculpture to welcome people crossing the channel – an opposing current to the current tides of anti-immigration. As founder of radio station Resonance FM and a composer himself, he has had considerable connection and experience with the outer reaches of music. Statue of Liberty reflects this wide-eyed perspective, with pieces selected to fit the tastes and skills of the band’s particular performers.
Statue of Liberty Big Band play the Henry Ward Hall at 7.30 on Friday 19 June. Support provided by Sussex folk institution The Copper Family, whose members have been singing since the 17th century. Tickets available at the door or in advance at Eventbrite, £12.50 standard, £7.50 concessions, or pay what you can
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