Gus Fairbairn, aka Alabaster DePlume, the acclaimed London-based saxophonist, singer, songwriter, activist, orator, and poet-philosopher has a pocketful of phrases that he uses all the time whether he’s walking down the street or holding court with musicians and an audience. For a long time, the Mancunian would tell anyone who’d listen that they were doing very well. More recently, it’s another phrase which has a similar effect and which belies his unwavering commitment to personal vulnerability and collective politics: “Don’t forget you’re precious.”
Alabaster DePlume’s music is unique, often gem-like. His songs are built on sonorous circular melodies and luminous tones that transmit calmness and generosity in warm waves – unless they’re raging against complacency and the everyday inhumanity of end times capitalism.