BY JOSEPH ASQUITH, LEAD WRITER (UK)
Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Purcell Sessions
Southbank Centre (UK), 8 June
It’s London in June. The bright Wednesday evening sun shines over Southbank, which is awash with a fresh summer breeze and a modest crowd. The buzz of energy in the air is the perfect prelude to some live music. On this night, as part Southbank Centre’s Purcell Sessions, cellist/composer/singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson performs a breathtaking set of her own works, full of colour, energy, and inspiration.
Witter-Johnson begins this concert by introducing her cello, who is quaintly named Reuben, along with her ensemble; keyboardist Tania Ilyashova, drummer Chris Morris, and percussionist Rosie Bergonzi. Witter-Johnson delivers an extensive program which celebrates life in London, honours her own Jamaican heritage, showcases astounding vocal/instrumental virtuosity, comprises a multi-tracked video performance of a cello quintet, and involves the audience to participate with simple vocal hooks. Additionally, Witter-Johnson co-performs parts of her set with renowned singers Cleveland Watkiss and Carole Thompson, along with guest rapper Inja.
Witter-Johnson’s confluence of various musical styles is as impressive as it is innovative. An acoustic cello and an electric cello, the bell-like resonance of her own vocals, and a steadfast ensemble exudes an explosion of musical flavour. Pulsating reggae rhythmic hooks, soulful vocalisation, R&B-style ensemble conventions, complex jazz harmonies, and lyrical cello melodies reminiscent of baroque suites are all seamlessly intertwined. The rawness of the acoustic percussion instruments added a visceral vitality, which is enhanced with the ricochet and spiccato bowing techniques on the cello.
Aside from the spectacle of masterful musicianship, Witter-Johnson is a highly engaging orator and storyteller. With an amiable warmth, she tells the audience about her childhood, her family life, Jamaican culture, inspirational artistic mentors of hers (including an uncle who sadly passed away during the pandemic), her own eclectic musical upbringing, and how she uses music to empower herself and her listeners, particularly in the face of racial injustice and inequality. The stories she tells are stirring, heart-warming, humorous, poignant, informative, and ultimately very affecting and moving. She even hosts impromptu Q&As with the audience between songs, and skilfully creates some highly dignified audience participation.
Witter-Johnson’s artistry is one of innovation, quirkiness, sheer joy, and artistic energy. I would very much recommend keeping up to date with her events, and seeing her live if you can!
Keep up to date with Ayanna and Southbank Centre.
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Featured portrait by Nick Howe. Live event photo by Joseph Asquith and used with permission.
