Sons of Kemet are an innovative band that really do have sax appeal

Sons of Kemet are bringing their superb live sound to Ireland for two gigs, writes Alan O’Riordan

SONS of Kemet are one of the most exciting live acts in UK jazz. Though jazz, really, is too small a word for this double-drum-plus-brass combo that draws influences from the Caribbean, Africa, London, New Orleans, and a lot of places in between.

The music they play is culturally clued in; at times ritualistic, at times reflective, never less than highly sophisticated, but always accessible. A new album, Lest We Forget What We Came Here to Do, shows greater maturity and is a more satisfying listen than the band’s award-winning debut, Burn.