Chali 2na + Krafty Kuts at The Fleece, Bristol
Posted on: 2017-01-30
Our rating:
Jurassic 5 man Chali 2na teams up with breaks DJ Krafty Kuts for a knees up at The Fleece.
‘Open your mind’s eye get ready dance and throw your hands high’…
Having seen Chali 2na (above, left) several times before, I was expecting the usual stage act that had become familiar. By that I do not mean to be condescending, oh no!
I guess I was reeling from being promised a signed copy of his single ‘Sh**’ ,which never came , and I would have gladly paid postage. But I found myself excited and back again at the same venue after several months
Anxiously waiting to see the Chicago-born extraordinaire on his latest ‘Hands Up!!’ tour, I can not deny the accomplished talents which have enabled him to collaborate with many in this vast industry, with this pedigree allowing him to forge a strong solo career since the split of Jurassic 5.
Honestly I had never heard of Krafty Kuts (below, left), but having worked with acts such as MC Dynamite and A Skillz (to name a few) he has come a long way in his own right since his breakout ‘Gimme The Funk’, and has been named ‘Best DJ’ for three years in a row at the Breakspoll Awards. Now having been introduced to breakbeats by my friend Nick Farrow; I figured this was as good a time as ever to experience first-hand this somewhat monolithic culture.
I could not have fathomed the prolific introduction that felt incongruous to what we came to see, but it felt right at home in The Fleece. And, to be honest, if I was a bad-ass I too would want to walk out to AC/DC. Instinctively, the crowd was drawn to the stage by the massive presence that was about to invade every orifice. The bass was explosive and Chali 2na’s accompaniment absolutely virtuoso. It is not often that small towns like Bristol are able to bear witness to such indomitable talent but I, like many at last night’s concert, was left astonished by what I saw.
The mixes were clean and the musical direction superb, taking a wondrous journey that, funnily enough, began in the ‘70s and ended with a snippet of a single that the two had collaborated. I was gutted I missed the title but I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed.
I was transformed from a middle-aged man to that teeny bopping sensation that snuck into nightclubs just to have a good time. The music fed into my nostalgic pretext and it was certainly contagious as there was not a single soul standing still. Psyched up, hyped and ready to roll Chali 2na did not hold back and every request to get our hands up was met as he readied us to touch the sky. Who would have figured that on a cold, wet Monday in January one could experience such a performance? The feeling was of euphoric proportions.
I could use every superlative to describe the performance and still couldn’t do it justice. I am so looking forward to Chali 2na’s return, but in effect he might as well stay and make this place home. He is never tiresome and indulged every single one of his fans who asked for a photo with him.
He anticipates to tour with Jurassic 5 in the summer and I envisage that it will be sold out: I also just cannot wait to get my hands on a ticket.
Chali, Krafty we salute you.
Article by:
Born in Zimbabwe but a Bristolian at heart. My longest love affair has been with music and proud to say my first purchase was the album 'Push' by Bros I have always strived to be the cat amongst the pigeons and revitalise the music scene. My music tastes are so eclectic I often wonder what I would be if I wasn't surrounded by the essence of life. I enjoy dancing hence just a drum beat will get me going. I love my son. I love life and always impartial to a spot of cider... I mean who wouldn't? ..
