Jazz and soul runs through new Tate Modern exhibition

A new exhibition opens this week at Tate Modern, with strong links to American jazz and soul music. The show is titled ‘Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power’ and explores how Black Art was defined and debated in America during the Civil Rights movement between 1963 and 1983. It features over 150 works by more than 60 artists, showing how issues of race and identity were defined and debated through paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures.

Jazz music has a strong presence throughout, as it influenced many of the featured artists - such as William T. Williams, who translated the music of John Coltrane into colourful abstract painting.

A playlist of music from the 60s and 70s will accompany the exhibition, including many jazz tracks; all selected by the exhibition curators Mark Godfrey and Zoe Whitley. Soul Jazz Records are also releasing a new album, ‘Soul of a Nation’, which will go on sale alongside the show from August 4th – the track list is below…

1. Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

2. Mandingo Griot Society with Don Cherry - Sounds From The Bush

3. Roy Ayers Ubiquity - Red, Black and Green

4. Philip Cohran and The Artistic Heritage Ensemble - Malcolm X

5. Sarah Webster Fabio - Sweet Songs

6. Phil Ranelin - Vibes From The Tribe

7. Horace Tapscott with the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra - Desert Fairy Princess

8. David McKnight - Strong Men

9. Joe Henderson - Black Narcissus

10. Oneness Of Juju - African Rhythms)

11. Doug Carn - Suratal Ihklas

12. Duke Edwards and The Young Ones - Is It Too Late?

13. Carlos Garnett - Mother Of the Future

‘Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power’ runs at Tate Modern, Level 3, Boiler House from 12 July - 22 October 2017,  open daily 1000 – 1800 (and until 2200 on Friday and Saturday). Supported by Ford Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art and Henry Luce Foundation, with additional support from Tate Patrons and Tate Members.