About

A TAV Curator’s Pick.

Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron was an American soul and jazz poet, musician, author, and is most notably known for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. His lyrical contents were predominantly concerned with the social and political issues of the time, delivered in both a rapping and melismatic vocal style. Which has gone on to be a heavy influence on future African-American music genres such as hip hop and neo soul.

A New Black Poet - Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, is Scott-Heron’s debut album, recorded in 1970 on Flying Dutchman Records. Said to have been recorded live at a New York nightclub located on the corner of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, the album includes his most well known and often quoted composition “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”.

“Small Talk at 125th and Lenox was a volcanic upheaval of intellectualism and social critique, recorded live in a New York nightclub with only bongos and conga to back the street poet.” – AllMusic

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