Moon Bay Sessions

THE COMPLETE MOON BAY SESSIONS



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 respectivelly.



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 reendition 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 Carribean 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 connaisseurs 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".