Skip to main content
The struggle made sonic
CHRIS SEARLE translates the fusion of four jazz maestros into a mental image of Hackney Carnival
Pat Thomas, Steve Noble and Seymour Wright play Cafe Ito

Seymour Wright, Steve Noble, Pat Thomas and John Edwards
Cafe Oto, Hackney, London



JUST outside Cafe Oto, along Dalston Lane, is the huge and marvellous mural of a Hackney Carnival; all musicians soaring, all people dancing, all colours coalescing.

So I was hearing music in my head as I passed the momentous image, preparing me for the sounds I was to hear inside the Cafe Oto’s old industrial walls.

It was Derby alto saxophonist Seymour Wright, Hounslow-born bassist John Edwards and drummer and pianist from the Thames Valley, Steve Noble and Pat Thomas; all in powerful creative fettle.

Donate to the Fighting Fund
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Interview / 14 April 2025
14 April 2025
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to drummer Steve Noble
Men’s football / 4 April 2025
4 April 2025
CHRIS SEARLE interviews saxophonist Chris Williams about the extraordinary electro-acoustic album LEDLEY - a bold fusion of Jazz, football, and community spirit
Ineza
Interview / 26 February 2025
26 February 2025
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to Rwanda-born jazz vocalist INEZA
Peter Somuah
Interview / 5 February 2025
5 February 2025
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to Ghanaian trumpeter PETER SOMUAH
Similar stories
Interview / 14 April 2025
14 April 2025
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to drummer Steve Noble
Han Bennink
Culture / 12 November 2024
12 November 2024
CHRIS SEARLE marvels at the improvising genius of an Irish harpist and a Dutch drummer, meeting for the first time
Neil Charles
Music review / 7 October 2024
7 October 2024
CHRIS SEARLE is transported by a superfine tribute to James Baldwin
Music review / 6 September 2024
6 September 2024
CHRIS SEARLE is transported by a combative fusion of US and UK instrumentalists and landmark evening of jazz