Jazz Mafia Hip-Hop Symphony
Brass, Bows & Beats
Brass, Bows & Beats is “what you’d hear if a full-size philharmonic found itself jamming with a classic big band during a street corner rap battle” according to the critics, and they couldn’t have been more accurate with that imagery. Because Jazz Mafia Hip-Hop Symphony is not your every day philharmonic ensemble; it’s a musical assemblage based out of San Francisco, California and a band that has a lot to offer. Not only do they play, write and arrange all types of music from jazz, soul and funk to big band and orchestral mash-ups of various genres of hip-hop, but founder Adam Theis plays the trombone and bass guitar while also participating in a handful of other bands. Talk about an act of multiple facets.
It all starts from the moment the first track makes its entrance. A woman makes an introduction as the crowd cheers and musicians shuffle in the background. Smooth, sexy and enticing, “Darkness and Light” then rumbles into the forefront, instantly drawing the crowd into a silence and pulling listeners into a mysterious and alluring dose of spoken word over a bit of soul and funk. Then, there’s “Sweet Memory.” Perhaps one of Brass, Bows & Beats’ strongest musical executions, the song takes it to Broadway with its big band explosion and theatrical recitation. Listeners will feel as if they’re right there at the venue when the cymbals clash, the record scratches, and the band erupts into an explosion intertwined with intoxicating horns and mellifluous vocals. “Sweet Memory pt. 2” is a raging, faster-paced extension of the preceding with its rock appeal, jazzy vocals, latin-influenced drums, and rich strings. When the string section comes in on “Theme in F7” it’s a breath of fresh air and extremely hard to stop listening to, as is the whole entire album.
Overall, Brass, Bows & Beats is a production that is full, rich and refreshing. Its well-executed performance is one that is innovative and timeless and will prove to be one of those lovers of music will look back on for years to come.
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