Welcome to the UK’s first full sensory music experience! This Black History Month, LexTempus VLT-001 has launched “The Greats” at Aures London, transporting you on a journey through the 50s to the 80s, exploring the social and political injustices throughout American history which shaped Black music and a culture that transcended across not only the nation, but the world. This immersive experience celebrates the legends of Jazz, Soul and Disco, using state-of-the-art technology, live dancers and tantalising cocktails from the venue’s mixologists – it is an experience which you must catch whilst you can!
At first, we are introduced to “Arya” – the voice behind the digital transport machine – who welcomes us to the sensory experience. This consists of visual, audio and touch calibration. The Haptic 4D seating pulsates to the beat of the music playing through the ultra-quality sound system, and the screen projects around the room, captivating the audience’s senses completely.
The first stop of the journey was Chicago in the 50-60s, introducing us to the vibrant jazz scene. Music played from the pioneers of Jazz, such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and many more, accompanied by glimpses of the historical background which led to the creation of the music. The popularisation of Jazz music led to the development of new genres and allowed black people in America to express themselves in a way which they once could not do.
Next, we stopped in New York in the 60s and 70s, exploring the era of Soul music. This decade signified the strengthening of the Civil Rights Movement, the solidification of Black American culture and solidarity. Accompanied by dancers who told the story of the legend Curtis Mayfield, whose music incorporated the politics of the time, the show was revealing of America’s deep history but celebrated the feel-good music which erupted at the time. Timeless songs such as ‘Walk on By’, ‘Papa was a Rollin’ Stone’ and many more, had the audience moving to the music, signifying the influence this era of music has even today.
Finally (and my personal favourite), we entered San Francisco in the 80s where we enjoyed the music of the much-loved Disco Queens. This part of the show brought a great energy to the audience, as we danced to Diana Ross, Chic, Donna Summers and more. The experience was brilliantly unique – it served as a great evening out yet celebrated and reminded us of the importance of Black History Month.
Click here for more information and to book your tickets: https://www.aures-london.com/lextempus
Image by Aures London
Reviewed by Ridha Sheikh:Ridha is a volunteer writer for Abundant Art. She is a graduate in History and Politics from Queen Mary – University of London. Ridha is excited to explore and share her strong passion for London’s art scene.
Ridha’s latest review can be seen here Beyond Bollywood – Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells Review – Abundant Art
Foot Note:
Performances of “The Greats” are displayed on a 12k floor to ceiling screen, and 270-degree immersive visuals. Visuals are brought to life by stellar live dance performances, choreographed by Veroika Koleva, and crystal-clear audio from a 34-point multi-level Pioneer Pro Audio Speaker system.
Voyagers can even physically feel the music with Haptic (Vibration) interface. Room Scent nebulizer by Ecoscent will refabricate the aromas of each destination.
Curated menu of era theme cocktails – created by the established mixologist, Liam Reed – will be served up throughout the journey, offering a tantalising taste of the times.
Experts in producing immersive events, Aures London sits on Leake Street beneath Waterloo Station. Proudly housing the best sound system and acoustics in Europe. Flight VLT-001 “The Greats” will board at Gate 18, where the historical, full sensory round trip begins.
Sam Davis and Robyn Collins are the creative team behind LexTempus and Aures
