Tag Team Concert Review: Blue Scholars
Caspian: Our love of Blue Scholars here at The Weekly Geek is well documented. In fact, Frodo's first music review on the site highlighted their self-titled effort from last year. This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of being on the guest list for the release party of their second album Bayani. After seeing them last fall debuting some of the latest material, it was rewarding to revisit The Showbox on May 12th to see how the songs have evolved over the past few months.
Frodo: It is mind boggling how the Blue Scholars have yet to explode on the pop music scene. Their beats are sufficiently phat, their lyrics are smart, and they are supremely charismatic on stage, always putting on a great show. This CD release party (not a "concert" as Geologic stated, but a "party") saw the addition of a full 8-piece band, complete with a brass section. It was perfect - The Scholars always have that funk twinge and seeing them again with this almost epic celebration of their music was spectacular.
Caspian: Agreed! I'm sure they rehearsed quite a bit beforehand, but the seamless incorporation of the live band into their sound was remarkable. Sabzi, instead of stealing the show like he did last time with the talk box, played supremely tasteful Rhodes Piano licks and showed a very dignified stance on being the mastermind producer. I managed to take some rough footage of them playing "Every Last One" with extra vigor (see below) - they invited fellow Massliners Gabriel Teodros and RA Scion from Common Market to perform with them. Any last thoughts Frodo?
Frodo: The Blue Scholars are going on a west coast tour this month, and if they come to your town, see them. Even if you don't like hip hop, you owe it to yourself to see them now before they get really big. Their sound and message is captivating and refreshing.
What say you?!