“The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives” is the latest offering of spoken word brilliance from Anthony Joseph. The poet’s latest release is a jam fest filled with Afro Caribbean rhythms fronted by a powerhouse lineup. Jason Yarde, who also serves as producer serenades us with his buoyant Alto and baritone sax on several tracks. On the opener “Kamau”, Shabaka Hutchings brooding bass clarinet slivers into your body while Colin Webster’s fiery Tenor dances on top of the infectious groove. The tune is a tribute to Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite who passed away in early 2020. “Calling England Home” is a slow burning number about a man trying to find his place in a new country for decades before feeling at home. “Language” is another long playing heater that pays tribute to Jamaican Poet Anthony McNeill. Drummer Rod Youngs sets the stage with heart pounding rhythms while creating space for others. Tenor titan Denys Baptiste muscular Tenor sends shivers while Webster switches from Tenor to Baritone and delivers with spine tingling soloing. The horn players aren’t the only stars here. Parisian pianist Florian Pellisser finds his place within the delicious groove on “Swing Praxis” to add colorful melodies. Bassist Andrew John is superb at laying down a delicious groove and keeping your head on a swivel throughout the disc. As for Joseph, he’s at his absolute best as he dives deep into his Caribbean roots. Quite simply it’s another masterpiece from Joseph. He’s the gift who keeps on giving. He’s an absolute treasure and this record is among the best to emerge this year.
