Fusion! From Alice Coltrane to Moor Mother

Following the success of his acclaimed study of the poisoned ballad Tainted Love (‘The perfect music book’ – Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 Music), music writer, critic and academic Alex Coles returns to Magalleria at the end of this month to talk about his latest book, Fusion! From Alice Coltrane to Moor Mother.

Alex traces the origins and legacy of blended musical genres through twelve dynamic collaborations, each one explored as a chapter in the book. Things kick off with Miles Davis playing with guitarist John McLaughlin on In a Silent Way and closes with synth player Danalogue joining Shabaka Hutchings and Max Hallett to form the Comet is Coming. Chapters in between look at pairings involving artists as diverse Frank Sinatra, Lou Reed, Kamasi Washington, A Tribe Called Quest and others. This enjoyable survey reveals how these musicians pursue fusion as a process, mixing not only genres but exploring fusions of generations, eras, philosophies, sensibilities, idioms, histories and even continents.

Fusion! Also highlights the music of overlooked musicians – such as post-punk singer and saxophone player Lora Logic – and overlooked aspects of the oeuvres of better-known figures such as Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, Neneh Cherry and FourTet.

Fusion! has been the book of the day on Gilles Peterson’s BBC 6 Music show this month, so fusion fans won’t want to miss this.

Fusion! From Alice Coltrane to Moor Mother by Alex Coles is published in paperback by Sternberg Press (£16)

Entrance is free but let us know you’re coming along.

Book here, phone 01225259602 or email [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Magalleria, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, United Kingdom