The Listening Sessions is an immersive and engaging experience, focusing on the sounds and albums that shaped not only culture but also personal lives. In a world full of noise and daily distractions, Soul City Arts collaborates with Tanzeel Ur-Rehman and his Primrose Avenue Sound System to deliver an intense, meticulously crafted listening environment. Using high-end audio equipment, the sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear favorite sounds and albums in pristine detail, discovering new nuances in an uninterrupted setting.

Held on Sunday afternoons from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the first session welcomed attendees with tea and light refreshments. The first  listening experience presented Chain of Light by Nusrat fateh Ali Khan, immersing everyone in the newly unearthed sounds of Qawwali legend . Followed by a discussion for attendees to share thoughts, memories, and general feedback. The evening concluded at 7:30 PM, leaving guests with a renewed appreciation for the power of music.

Our next session is on Sunday 15th December 2024, showcasing ‘Trouble Man’ By Martin Gaye.

Book your space for Listening Session Two here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Session Two

Marvin Gaye, one of the 20th century’s most influential soul artists, used his music to explore social issues, romance, and personal struggles. His smooth voice and socially conscious lyrics made him an iconic Motown figure, breaking new ground with What’s Going On, a 1971 album tackling war, poverty, and environmental neglect.

In 1972, Gaye ventured into film soundtracks with Trouble Man, creating a jazz-, funk-, and soul-infused score for a crime thriller. While less explicitly social, the album’s title track, featuring a haunting saxophone melody, captured the gritty atmosphere of 1970s Blaxploitation cinema. This instrumental work highlighted Gaye’s talent for conveying complex emotions beyond lyrics.

These transformative tracks will be featured in our next Listening Sessions event, celebrating Gaye’s legacy and exploring the social and cinematic layers of his music. On Sunday 15th December 2024

Book your space for Listening Session Two here