Slum Village
Hip hop group Slum Village put on a passionate rap performance defined by a fusion of experimental sampling, funky basslines, and conga drums at Blue Note. The groovement had the pleasure of experiencing their sonically innovative and electric stage presence during a tribute performance for the group’s founder, legendary Detroit rapper and producer Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla. The group, consisting of Dilla and rappers Young RJ and D3, grew up together in Detroit and brought their own musical chemistry and unique Detroit sound that has emerged from the city’s underground hip hop scene, to the world through their hit records “Tainted” and “Selfish.” Honoring Dilla’s legacy on the anniversary of his death, the duo paid homage by incorporating live sampling and layered percussion through Chris Rob’s dynamic music direction, synth piano and buttery vocals.
Razor Braids
Walking onstage in their signature red monochrome Western-themed ‘fits at Baby’s All Right, Razor Braids gripped audiences with their electrifying and dynamic performance of soulful rock ballads and infectious indie rock anthems like “Nashville” and “She.” Hollye Bynum (bass/lead vocals) and Jilly Karande (rhythm guitar/backing vocals) both showcased heartfelt vocal performances on ballads like “Megachurch,” and Sid Nichols (drums) and Janie Peacock (lead guitar) both impressed audiences with electrifying solos and punching rhythms throughout the set.
Gaidaa
On Friday the 13th at Baby’s All Right, we were graced with the presence of Sudanese artist Gaidaa, an R&B singer whose killer riffs sent chills down our spines. On the heels of her new single release, “Something True,” Gaidaa embarks on her first headline tour – a major milestone for her career. Her breakout hit, “Falling Higher,” was featured on her first album, Overture, where she explores both the thrill of youth and the heartbreak that comes with growing up in songs like “I Like Trouble”, “Stranger” feat. Saba and Jarreau Vandal, and the soulful “Morning Blue.”
Robert Glasper X The Original Trio
Blue Note was packed on this particular eve of “Robtoberfest,” Grammy-award-winning Robert Glasper’s month-long residency with the historic jazz club. Jazz aficionados who traveled near and far and waited in hour-long lines eagerly awaited his return to the piano bench. Glasper’s laid-back demeanor set the excited crowd at ease as he and his band wove through tables and got comfortable on stage. Glasper took a moment to scan his setlist, pausing before admitting that, “I never know what I’m going to play until I get the hell here…it’s not me being unprepared, it’s me being in tune.”
