Influential and highly respected musician Julian Joseph leads a programme of conversation and performance.  He is joined by journalist Kevin Le Gendre to explore impact of Black American bands, ensembles and singers, as they travelled across Britain in the late 19^th and early 20^th Century bringing new sounds that crossed the ocean with them.  A noted jazz pianist, Julian will be performing selected pieces and extracts to offer a glimpse into this vibrant era of black musical history. 

Part of the programme for the British Library exhibition Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music (26 April – 26 August). 

Doors and Bar open at 18:00. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.

Half price tickets available for Members, Students, Under 26 and other concession groups. 

Julian Joseph is one of the leading figures in British jazz today, renowned for his exceptional musical talent and extensive contributions to the industry. Alongside his achievements as a performer and composer, he has made significant strides as a broadcaster, musical ambassador, and cultural advocate. In addition to his diverse professional roles, Julian is an accomplished author, publishing his first book, Music of Initiative in 2018. His accolades include receiving a Gold Badge from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 2010, being named the 21st Fellow of the Ivors Academy in December 2020, and receiving an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2018. In 2023 he became an honorary Fellowship at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 

Kevin Le Gendre is a journalist and broadcaster with a special interest in black music, literature and culture. Since the late ‘90s he has written about soul, funk, jazz and hip-hop, as well as African and Caribbean authors for many publications, including Echoes, Jazzwise, The Independent On Sunday, Qwest tv (France) and Times Literary Supplement Online. He contributes to BBC Radio 4’s Front Row and presents Radio 3’s J To Z. He is the author of Don’t Stop The Carnival; Black Music In Britain Vol.1 (2018) and his latest book is Hear My Train A Comin’: The Songs Of Jimi Hendrix. 

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