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Yussef Dayes
@ The Forum, Melbourne,
6th March 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Tristan Skell

Photos by Drew Hill (@drewhillphotos)

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Yussef Dayes, a British musician hailing from London, embodies the epitome of modern musical innovation. Renowned for his matchless drumming prowess and boundary-pushing productions, Dayes has carved a distinct niche in the contemporary music landscape. As one half of the dynamic duo Yussef Kamaal, his debut album “Black Focus” catapulted him into the spotlight, earning critical acclaim and establishing him as a pivotal figure in the London jazz scene. With a penchant for blending jazz, funk, and electronic elements, Dayes captivates audiences with his infectious energy, soulful melodies, and incomparable improvisational skills. As he continues to push the boundaries of genre conventions and redefine the sonic landscape, Yussef Dayes stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. The versatility of The Forum makes it well-suited for a diverse range of musical genres and styles. From intimate solo acts to full-scale concerts and festivals. Its flexible layout and state-of-the-art sound equipment make it a preferred choice for both local and international artists (such as Dayes) to highlight their talents on stage.

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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The crowd clapped and cheered, with Dayes taking the stage with his longtime bandmates including bassist Rocco Palladino, keyboardist Elijah Fox, and Grammy winning saxophonist Venna. The stage came alive as Venna set the scene with a captivating introduction, his saxophone resonating with a soulful allure. Dayes, with his masterful touch, intertwines his musical talents, enhancing Venna’s melody with layers of depth and emotion. In a harmonious crescendo, Palladino and Fox seamlessly blend their talents into the mix, elevating the performance to new heights. Given Dayes’ instrumental focus, Venna skillfully assumed the role of carrying the melody throughout much of the set. This dynamic collaboration between the four musicians highlighted their ability to seamlessly complement each other’s strengths, resulting in an unforgettable musical experience for the audience.

Throughout the set, the audience found themselves entranced, swaying and moving in unison to the infectious tunes of Dayes’ contemporary jazz. Amidst the electrifying performance, Dayes demonstrated his keen ability to connect with the crowd, periodically pausing between songs to ensure their continued engagement. This dynamic interaction fostered an appreciable sense of connection, heightening the immersive experience and solidifying Dayes’ reputation as an exemplary performer who effortlessly commands both stage and audience alike.

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Dayes introduced each member of his band individually, setting the stage for a showcase of their musical prowess. With precision and finesse, each band member delivered a captivating solo, offering a glimpse into their exceptional talent and mastery of their respective instruments. This thoughtful and dynamic presentation highlighted the ensemble’s impeccability and added depth and texture to the musical experience.

As the performance reached its climax, Dayes furthered his connection with the audience by engaging in a call-and-response interaction with the drums. Initiating with subtle fills, Dayes prompted the crowd to respond in kind, creating a rhythmic dialogue that reverberated throughout the venue. This intimate exchange between artist and audience underscored Dayes’ ability to foster a sense of unity and participation, transforming the concert into a collective musical experience that lingered long after the final notes faded.

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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As the performance concluded and the four musicians exited the stage, visible anticipation lingered in the air, signalling to the crowd that the night was far from over. Echoes of encore-chanting filled the venue as enthusiastic fans stamped their feet and shook the ground in anticipation. Responding to the fervent calls of their audience, Dayes, Fox, Palladino, and Venna all returned to the stage, treating their dedicated fans to an exhilarating encore performance. Through three additional songs, they demonstrated their appreciation for the unwavering support of their fans, cementing the evening as a memorable celebration of musical comradery and mutual admiration. For Dayes’ final performance, the venue’s lighting transformed into a vibrant display of red, green, and yellow hues, evoking the spirit of his Jamaican heritage. This symbolic lighting choice added a layer of depth and meaning to the atmosphere, resonating with the audience, and immersing them in the essence of Dayes’ cultural background. As the stage bathed in these vibrant colors, it served as a visual tribute to the rich musical influences that have shaped Dayes’ artistry, leaving an impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness the culmination of his performance.

In closing, Yussef Dayes’ performance was nothing short of remarkable, leaving an enduring impression on all fortunate enough to witness it. With his infectious smile and boundless passion evident throughout the complete set, Dayes proved himself to be a masterful instrumentalist with an unparalleled ability to connect with his audience. As the final notes rang out, the crowd departed feeling enriched and fulfilled, their spirits lifted by the transcendent experience of Dayes’ music. Dayes’ set was not merely a performance, but a transformative journey—one that left an indelible mark on both performer and audience alike, and undoubtedly solidified his place as a true virtuoso in the world of music.

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Check out Drew Hill’s (@drewhillphotos) full gallery of this event HERE

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Follow YUSSEF DAYES
Website – Instagram – Facebook
Twitter – Youtube

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Yussef Dayes / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Press Release 21st September 2023 (below) HERE

+ Highly anticipated debut album
BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC
out now

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Black Classical Music by Yussef Dayes is out now, buy/stream here

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TOUR DATES

Fri 1 Mar – Astor Theatre – Boorlo / Perth
Sun 3 Mar – Tivoli – Meanhin / Brisbane
Tue 5 Mar – Sydney Opera House – Eora / Sydney
Wed 6 Mar – The Forum – Naarm / Melbourne
Sun 10 Mar – WOMADelaide – tarntanya / Adelaide

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AMNPLIFY – DB