Resonant and original, Basics is an evening of soothing music, spoken word, and poetry nestled in the cosy enclave of The Folklore Rooms.

A wintry Thursday just before payday often leaves something to be desired. But this was not the case at the third installment of Basics at the close of November.

Tucked away above The Quadrant on Queen's Road, The Folklore Rooms is a well-loved space for stripped-back sounds, and was the perfect setting for the intimate evening of artistry. Snug candle-lit tables were packed with a sunny audience in total admiration of the musicians and poets before us. Minds and souls warmly replenished.

Curated with care by Basics promoter Jed Wright, the evening had a rare rhythm to it. By weaving ten-minute intervals between performances, the audience had enough time for connection, reflection, and another drink without losing any momentum or attention. Jed took time to compère, introducing the acts, thanking each performer, and even sharing one of his own poems. His piece about hating his job, written in the office whilst not doing his job, contained a striking line: "I wonder whether flowers feel stuck before they bloom." A poignant reminder to nurture our creative potentials.

Tagore Chayne opened the night with a set of acoustic blues and vivid storytelling. His music felt like a conversation between friends - poetry meeting melody. With John Martyn-esque vocals and inspiration from his namesake, the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, Tagore's western-tinged narratives explored themes of freedom, nature, and introspection. He delivered a Gregory Porter cover a cappella and unplugged, his unassisted voice carrying through the glowing room. Playful brass-like mouth trumpet improvisations and occasional "yee-haws" had the audience grinning and happily willing to sing-along to his final song of the set, 'St Tropez'.

Award-winning poet Cecilia Knapp followed, transforming the room into a liminal space where the profound and mundane collided cleverly and uncomfortably. Reading from her 2022 poetry collection Peach Pig, her debut novel Little Boxes, and an array of new works exploring the lives of wives, Cecilia delivered an unflinching account of growing up in the 90s and tackled themes of women's complicated relationships with diet culture, sex, misogyny, and grief. She masterfully juxtaposed gut-punch reflections on loss and guilt with mischievous humour, reclaiming some power and perspective over her life experiences. We were on a journey with the poet, at one moment laughing and the next balancing on the weight of her words.

Singer-songwriter AVIJÉ brought a soulful energy to the evening, accompanied by co-writer and guitarist Reece Oliver. The pair explored love in all its forms, from tragedy to joy. AVIJÉ's expansive vocal range glided from tender whispers to commanding crescendos set against an acoustic backdrop steeped in classic soul and jazz influences. AVIJÉ shared that she was awarded funding from The Arts Council in 2022 to support the release of her debut EP exploring themes of her British-Jamaican and Persian heritage. The EP release coincided with the global outcry over Mahsa Amini's death and the subsequent women-led protests for freedom in Iran. Expressing solidarity with the women of Iran, AVIJÉ highlighted the importance of song and dance as acts of liberation. Her music felt timeless, bridging themes of heritage, love, and truth.

The evening ended in sweet euphoria with the South African trio, Stone Jets. Their infectious energy, extraordinary talent, and playful rapport with the crowd earned them a standing ovation. The lead vocalist's voice was nothing short of remarkable - a rich, soulful tone that transported listeners straight to a smoky 1950s jazz bar. His incredible vocal range, dynamics, and control conjured the era’s greats and effortlessly filled every corner room. Stone Jets' musicianship felt boundless and transcendent, a real hidden gem. It was a powerful end to a fantastic evening that left the audience electrified and genuinely moved.

Basics was a celebration of human connection, storytelling, and the power of shared creativity. The transitions from stripped-back music to spoken word and poetry were seamless and refreshing. For anyone craving a midweek escape into the warmth of art and words, Basics at The Folklore Rooms must be the place.

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