Irreversible Entanglements are a politically minded avant-garde jazz ensemble formed in early 2015 by saxophonist Keir Neuringer, poet Camae Ayewa (a.k.a. Moor Mother) and bassist Luke Stewart, who joined forces to perform at a Musicians Against Police Brutality event organized after the murder of Akai Gurley by the NYPD.
Shortly after that performance, they recruited two new members trumpeter Aquiles Navarro and drummer Tcheser Holmes to start recording their debut self-titled album which was released in 2017. The album heavily dealt with black trauma and provided listeners with an empowering message of liberation.
They recently released their follow-up Who Sent You? Musically the arrangements are still experimental, but the approach is less intense and noisy than its predecessor. Even though there is a degree of confrontation with the music and lyrics, this is also balanced out with a sense of warmth and comfort.
They also released a video for album track “No Más,” shot in Johannesburg, South Africa by Imani Nikyah Dennison. The stunning video is built around the theme of Africans leaving planet earth to flee oppression. The visuals complement the free jazz musical arrangements and Ayewa’s powerful poetry.
“No mas. No more. No longer will we allow them to divide and conquer, divide and oppress, define our humanity.”