BCMG to play Bob Marley

The cutting-edge Birmingham Contemporary Music Group is giving a concert in Birmingham Town Hall with vocalist Basil Gabbidon, marking the 80th anniversary of the birth of reggae legend Bob Marley.

The artistic rationale?
BCMG director Stephan Meier said: ‘Basil approached me back in 2022 and drew my attention to the fact that some of reggae’s roots lie in French court music – if you listen closely, you can identify the French Bourree dance rhythm in many songs. Our composer Ben Graves has looked deeply into the origins of reggae and its links to European court music, notably in the works of the 18th century composer, abolitionist and former-slave, Ignatius Sancho. So many stories are revealed. It’s fabulous to prepare this very special event joining forces with Basil Gabbidon that celebrates the rich musical tradition of reggae.’