KWLC reviews Grieves, Christian Scott

Grieves - 88 Keys & Counting

Managing beats better than any other indie hip-hop artist, Grieves has created a smooth sound on his album “88 Keys and Counting.” Aside from the instrumental sounds that just flow, he masters harmony in his songs better than any other artist out there today.

He demonstrates this versatility on his third track, “Kings.” At the end of the song he break into the chorus. On the second time through the chorus, Grieves gradually adds more to his harmony. This all climaxes with the last line, “Better make me quiver when you wave it like a knife in my face, you king is dead,” breaking into a crisp four-part harmony of both male and female voices.

His sound clarifies itself during “October in the Graveyard,” when the opening piano begins to fade away and the lyrics and bass line begin to dominate the song. It becomes an even progression with the solo aspects of certain instruments and lyrics.

Grieves has put together a good album that takes hip-hop away from the current mainstream/commercial trend.

- Trevor Ruwitch, KWLC Hip Hop DJ

Christian Scott – Live at Newport

Along with his Dizzy Gillespe-esque trumpet comes the third release from trumpet phenom and New Orleans native Christian Scott. It is a concert recording from the famed Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, R.I. from this past summer.

The album features his unique, fat, Miles-induced tone and a band that is exploding with energy. The sound and band have been slowly developing since Scott’s first release, “Rewind That,” in 2006 and his more recent “Anthem” from late 2007. The dry, heavy piano comping (from Aaron Parks) mixed with reverb-heavy guitar licks (from Matt Stevens) back Scott and basically create the sound this band has become known for.

Adding to this, and providing the steady, yet minimalistic heartbeat to the band are Joe Sanders (bass) and Jamire Williams (drums). Sanders’ style, and the style of the band, allows him to play mostly whole notes under the chords, creating the heavy marching feeling one gets while listening. With Sanders keeping time like this, Williams is given free reign over the drum set and takes advantage of it with electrifying fills that jump out as if they were pieces of the melody. The last member of the group is Walter Smith III (tenor sax) who doubles Scott’s horn lines often and adds a soloing flair that is unmatched in expression and emotional capacity.

The CD begins with a version of Scott’s ballad “Died In Love.” The slow, heavy, angsty groove sets an impeccible tone for the rest of the concert. This energy lasts all the way to the concluding song of the concert, which was also the first track Scott ever released, called “Rewind That.” This contemporary groove concludes the concert on a brighter, lighter note that fulfills expectations. Included with the CD is a live concert DVD from Newport.

-Pete Russella, KWLC Station Manager