Dark Days Trio - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
At a glance
About this event
*FIRST VISIT*
Stirring with poetic force, Dark Days by Neil Charles sets the bass as both anchor and insurrection, channelling the spirit of James Baldwin into a contemporary jazz crucible. Here, searing improvisation and taut spoken word entwine, creating a work that radiates both urgency and gravitas.
‘Dark Days’ is a new score for acoustic jazz trio by bassist and composer Neil Charles.
The work responds to the uncompromising clarity and poetic force of James Baldwin’s reflections on psychic survival, resistance and the emotional toll of racial injustice. Bringing together Neil Charles with drummer Mark Sanders and vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, the piece explores Baldwin’s continuing resonance in the present, channelling his voice into a contemporary musical dialogue. This is more than “jazz-meets-poetry” – it is a mediation on race, resilience, and global unrest, reflecting not only Baldwin’s America but the world beyond.
“Most impressive release yet by bassist Neil Charles” – Jazzwise
“Dark Days does not simply honour Baldwin; it extends his fight” – All About Jazz
Neil Charles (double bass)
Mark Sanders (drums)
Cleveland Watkiss (voice)
Location
18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
Venue details
The Black Box is housed in a Grade II listed building on Hill Street in the Historical Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, originally constructed c. 1850 and converted into its current usage as an arts venue in 2006.
