Live In London

Matana Roberts (pronounced Mah-tah-Na) is a dynamic saxophonist, composer, and improviser whose music exposes the mystical roots and spiritual traditions of African American creative expression. Live In London, the follow-up to her acclaimed debut The Chicago Project, features her UK band including pianist Robert Mitchell, bassist Tom Mason, and drummer Chris Vatalaro of Antibalas. Recorded live at the Vortex Jazz Club in early 2009 by BBC Radio 3, Roberts takes us on an autobiographical tale of her music heritage, peers, and future. Beginning with a haunting 37-minute overhaul of Frankie Sparo s My Sistr, the album distills Roberts various influences to reinforce her uniqueness, informed by collaborations with jazz greats such as Steve Lacey, Vijay Iyer, and Fred Anderson and rock notables such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor (who invited Roberts to perform at their ATP UK event in December), TV On The Radio, and various Thrill Jockey projects.