Tipping The Hat: Gil Scott-Heron: N'fa Jones

Answered by: N'fa Jones

Which act are you paying tribute to and why? Gil Scott-Heron, as he is a revolutionary and solutionary artist whose work affected generations of change and development in his and multiple communities, and managed to do so in such a cool way. Respect.

What was his best period musically? I guess his early works as they were so fresh and new. His final LP was also quite profound and interesting given the life he went on to lead between his ascension and passing.

Your favourite song of his and why? Well, [my] all time fave is his piece The Revolution Will Not Be Televised as it was so abrupt and fresh given he was just 21 years old at the time. That work formed his future.

Which album of his would you give to a newbie who had no idea about him to best represent him? Small Talk At 125th And Lenox. It's always best to start at the beginning.

When and where is your gig(s) giving him the nod? 20 May, Chapel Off Chapel — as part of the Stonnington Jazz Festival.