"Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace" by Shabaka Hutchings is a debut album that doubles as a reintroduction to the artist, showcasing his journey and spirit of exploration. London-born Hutchings spent much of his childhood in Barbados, studying clarinet from age nine and blending classical, hip hop, and calypso influences. He describes his early approach to music as skill and dedication without genre limits.

After studying at Guildhall School of Music, Hutchings collaborated with diverse artists and bands, including Mulatu Astatke, Soweto Kinch, Floating Points, and the London Improvisers Orchestra. He's composed for the BBC Concert Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Ligeti Quartet, and performed with orchestras such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Over the past decade, he's primarily toured and recorded with Sons of Kemet, The Comet is Coming, and Shabaka and the Ancestors, exploring Afro-Caribbean fusion, London club culture, and South African jazz within the American jazz tradition.

A key influence in Hutchings' life was a primary school teacher's advice: "The music isn’t hard, just practice it mechanically then relax and let your soul shine through." This philosophy has guided his musical exploration, including his pandemic-era adoption of the Japanese Shakuhachi flute and other global flutes. This shift inspired his debut EP "Afrikan Culture" and led to his 2023 announcement of a hiatus from public saxophone performances.

For "Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace," Hutchings collaborated with musicians like percussionist Carlos Niño, bassist Esperanza Spalding, and vocalists Saul Williams and Lianne La Havas. The album was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s historic studio, aiming to capture the live atmosphere without technological barriers. Floating Points contributed production to one track.

Hutchings explains his song titles as poetic narratives, continuing a tradition from his previous works, such as "We Are Sent Here by History" and "Black to the Future." He intends for listeners to interpret these titles personally, enhancing the subjective experience of his music.

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