Review

Damon Locks & Black Monument Ensemble

Now (Forever Momentary Space)

International Anthem • 2021

»Now«, right here, on the spot! Damon Locks knows the power of the moment. What it can unfold when the right people come together and make the impossible possible at a certain time. And thus reveal what before seemed unattainable. The Black Monument Ensemble, this loosely thrown together bunch of jazzmen and art heads has recorded another album under the sample direction of Damon Locks. We remember: Pandemic, police violence, power to the people! Locks negotiates all this with »Now (Forever Momentary Space)« – the cicadas chirp in the background, the sound swings between free improvisation from the jazz cellar to hard-paced statements, with the ghost of Gil Scott-Heron smiling graciously. No question, this is a political album. Damon Locks’ sleeve art collage adorns crowds in black and white. Some of them carry signs like at a demonstration. Their content – blurred. Above them – the sky, opening up blue and red and yellow. A woman towers over the masses, she carries two loudspeakers on her head and brings the message to the people: »Keep Your Mind Free«, but above all: Act! »Now«!