Dark Days Trio

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Stirring with poetic force, Dark Days by Neil Charles sets the bass as both anchor and insurrection, channelling the spirit of James Baldwin into a contemporary jazz crucible. Here, searing improvisation and taut spoken word entwine, creating a work that radiates both urgency and gravitas.

‘Dark Days’ is a new score for acoustic jazz trio by bassist and composer Neil Charles.

The work responds to the uncompromising clarity and poetic force of James Baldwin’s reflections on psychic survival, resistance and the emotional toll of racial injustice. Bringing together Neil Charles with drummer Mark Sanders and vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, the piece explores Baldwin’s continuing resonance in the present, channelling his voice into a contemporary musical dialogue. This is more than “jazz-meets-poetry” – it is a mediation on race, resilience, and global unrest, reflecting not only Baldwin’s America but the world beyond.

“Most impressive release yet by bassist Neil Charles” – Jazzwise

“Dark Days does not simply honour Baldwin; it extends his fight” – All About Jazz