Joe Hart

Music

Talisa Dean 12/08/19


Church of Sound

For one evening every month, the huge, ornate St James the Great church in Clapton has a large space in front of the pews cleared out, and something remarkable is put in. 

Right in the centre is placed a towering column of speakers. Forming a circle around it are some of the best up-and-coming jazz artists in the country. And clasped around them is a swathe of sonically hypnotised audience members, forming the final concentric circle in this “Neapolitan ice cream of noise”. 

This is the Church of Sound. 

Church Of Sound

Formed back in 2016 by a former church organist & a musical entrepreneur (who founded the recording studio & nightclub Total Refreshment Centre), Church of Sound is a night for interesting, cutting-edge jazz, and it’s developed a cult-like following, with its monthly shows consistently selling out. 

The format for each night is fairly interesting: the artist in question plays two sets, one from a songbook of music from other artists (for example, Ezra Collective did a Fela Kuti set) before coming back on after a short break to play their own original music.

There’s a stand with some homemade food, and a small bar to boot, and everyone there has a shared interest in great music, giving the whole experience a comfortable, community vibe and a unique atmosphere unlike most other gigs.

If you want in, make sure to check their Insta/website regularly, and jump on the tickets as soon as they’re released, because they will go quickly. 

And that’s gospel. 

 

NOTE: Church of Sound runs roughly one gig per month. To find out more click here.

Church of Sound | St. James the Great Church, 233 Lower Clapton Road, Hackney Downs, E5 8EH


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Church of Sound


St. James the Great Church, 233 Lower Clapton Road, Clapton , E5 8EH