It's no mystery that Jazz influenced Hip Hop.
Legendary artists such as Gangstarr, A tribe Called Quest, Freestyle
Fellowship, and Digable Planets have all paid respect to their musical
heritage by incorporating elements of the pulsating heartbeat of a Ron
Carter Bass to the gut-wrenching melodies of a Donald Byrd horn.
But we also know that Hip Hop influenced Jazz.
Herbie Hancock ventured into new territory by featuring a scratch
solo by DJ Grandmixer DST on his 1984 groundbreaking hit "Rockit".
Miles Davis partnered with Hip Hop producer Easy Mo Bee on what would
become his last album "Doo Bop". These masters
showed us that the union of Hip Hop and Jazz not only produced incredible
music but that it was a logical progression in the evolution of both musical
genres respectively.
Hip Hop DJ/producer extraordinaire Dj Drez and Bay Area legend, pianist
Marty Williams follow in the footsteps of these masters and visionaries with
their latest release "The Complete Moon Bay Session".
Seamlessly, they pick up where their last project leaves off.
Whereas the "Moon Bay Sessions" EP was a sweet yet short introduction
to this cross generational duo, "The Complete Moon Bay Session" LP more than
satisfies the thirst of all those who had been left craving for more.
The opening track "I look Fly" captures the essence of the entire
album in the first 30 seconds. Masterfully
blending horns, scratches, piano, and breakbeats over an infectious bassline,
it is clear from the very beginning that this union had to happen.
Track 3 "Maleah" features the Grouch and Zaire Black who advise listeners to
remain true to themselves despite societal pressures.
Riding a hypnotic single note throughout the song, the MC's almost
force the listeners to take heed to their words. Tapping into Lady Day's
melancholic texture, vocalist Nikko
delivers her rendition of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain", a track
originally found on the Moon Bay EP.
Brokenhearted yet desperate to take back her true love, she recounts the
tale of a woman betrayed.
The following track is a complete 180 from Billie's classic as "Jazz
Funk" provides the ideal theme music to any real B-boy cipher.
Driven by the same sample made popular by Black Sheep's "The Choice
is Yours", the fusion of soulful breakbeats and funky organs brings images
of breakers getting down to an actual Jazz ensemble.
Also previously found on the EP "Keep the Feel" finds underground Hip Hop
champions Abstract Rude and Mikah 9 doing what they do best; playing their
own voices like instruments. Over a silky smooth
arrangement of Fender Rhodes chords and fluid piano, Abstract and 9 extol
the virtues of "keepin' the feeling in the music".
"Going Out of My Head" originally written by the 5th
Dimension finds new life as it is refreshingly reworked with a slight
Caribbean touch. A subtle beatbox sample
occasionally weaves in and out, harmoniously blending with the percussion
and oh-so-mellow piano. Marty Williams himself
provides vocals with the assistance of
Nikko as they playfully sing the popular refrain.
A consistent presence on the album,
Nikko
is featured on "Differences", an uplifting song featuring MC's Zaire Black
and Apryl Marie who speak on the importance of diversity, tolerance, and
compassion. What makes this song unique is that
it is both danceable and thought provoking, a rare feat in today's Hip Hop
scene. Successfully conveying a sense of
nostalgia, the sweetness of the melody helps effectively drive the message
of the song right to the heart and mind.
At times reminiscent of the acid Jazz sound of the early 90's Talkin'
Loud era, this project is a delicious throwback to when Hip Hop and Jazz
were at the peak of their creative union. DJ
Drez and Marty Williams are able to bring the best of both worlds without
alienating connoisseurs of either traditions. In
truth, what these two visionaries have really created is a new and improved
blueprint reestablishing what the marriage of Jazz and Hip Hop should sound
like: "The Complete Moon Bay Sessions".
