Pitchfork

Photo by Karra McDonald

See, sometimes, you've gotta flash 'em back, take folks back to the source, so forth. GZA's been up to a lot of that sort of thing this year, what with the Wu's forthcoming 8 Diagrams LP and his performances of his classic 1995 album Liquid Swords at this summer's Pitchfork fest and in NYC in December. So it's no shock that All Tomorrow's Parties will give the Genius a couple more opportunities to brandish his swords on the other side of the pond.

First up, GZA is among those who have been added to the sold out, Portishead-curated ATP Nightmare Before Christmas fest. Joining GZA and the already stellar lineup will be Madlib, Silver Apples, Oren Ambarchi, John Parish, and many others. They'll converge on Minehead, England the weekend of December 7-9.

Of note: GZA's set at the Nightmare Before Christmas will not be a front-to-back performance of Liquid Swords. Though I'd be willing to bet money on him doing at least three songs from that album. Takers? Raekwon, put your hand down.

On the evening of December 9, GZA will bid a fond farewell to Butlin's Minehead resort, head into the big city, and swing Liquid Swords in its entirety at London's Koko. But apart from a nap and perhaps a quick game of chess, it'll be back on the plane ASAP, as he'll have those New York dates to attend to. Busy guy, that GZA.

GZA:

12-07-09 Minehead, England - Butlins Holiday Park (ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas)
12-09 London, England - Koko *
12-13 New York, NY - Knitting Factory *
12-14 New York, NY - Knitting Factory *

* performing Liquid Swords