It's no secret - we are huge fans of Aaron Dolton and his brother Mike. There's no pretense, there's just a groove. HUW has released four albums here at Ropeadope, each time a graceful and beautiful listen, with at least one track hitting the permanent in-office playlist. on Music From The Multiverse, Aaron takes a new step forward with alluring vocals from Jube, and the lead track is one of those songs that we can't and won't stop listening to. Drop into the world of HUW right here.
The Countdown 2017 | Digable Planets
Digable Planets released their first album in 1993. Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) hit the airwaves and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The lead single, Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) was a crossover Top 20 Billboard hit. While ATCQ and De La Soul had their spin, Digable Planets integrated soul and jazz into Hip-Hop in a fresh new way that broadened the genre musically and stylistically. Their look and vibe evaded Hip-Hop stereotypes at any early stage; one had the sense at the time that Hip-Hop was a vast cultural concept.
The trio went even further with their second album, Blowout Comb, organically integrating soul, jazz, and live instrumentation with social consciousness and positive observations on life. Blowout Comb was more serious, with political reference and imagery, which of course set the path for less commercial possibilities. Digable Planets called it quits in 1995, as each member went on to accomplished solo careers.
Fast forward to 2017, almost the other end of the evolution of Hip-Hop. A genre that has survived the pressures of the market, but not without collateral damage. We could say the same for the nation, and for just about every other genre. We find ourselves looking for the roots, the authenticity of music and of life. And so, now is the perfect time for Digable Planets, creative leaders with a stake in history, to return to the world stage. On New Year’s Eve 2015/16, the band kicked off a seemingly endless world tour to a chorus of appreciation. Along the way they returned to their culturally native spot – Philadelphia – for two sold out shows at The Ardmore Music Hall. Independent Philly label Artists First Records arranged to record the shows for the sake of history, and now Digable Planets LIVE is out.
The Countdown 2017 | Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
The second release in The Centennial Trilogy, Diaspora, is set for release on June 23, 2017. Christian uses the term Diaspora in broadest sense possible. He is referring to the WORLD Diaspora – All peoples, oneness & love. While Ruler Rebel identifies who is speaking, Diaspora identifies the listener – WHO is being spoken to. Growing up in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah was keenly aware that people of different histories and cultures were enduring the same experiences and challenges. Despite this commonality, they accepted the notion that they we’re not kin and therefore nemesis. Topical ideas like race, religious purview, sexual preference & perceived economic standing ultimately stunt the growth of community, which in turn stunts the growth of Cities and Municipalities, States and Provinces, Nations, and finally our world. A deliberate stretching of styles and genres speak to this fundamental issue and offers a path forward. A path to break down perceived barriers and work together to build a lasting future.
The Countdown 2017 | Matt Cappy
Berlin New Jersey. Not the Berlin of world fame, just a small town in South Jersey where dreams begin. Matt Cappy grew up in Berlin with trumpet in hand, inspired by band concerts where his sister played clarinet, and by his mother’s piano playing. Eager to learn, he played in school and in church, where director Bill Garton and teachers Joe Fallon and Rick Kerber led him forward. Philadelphia’s University Of The Arts was next, and Matt was quickly immersed in the Philly Jazz scene. Keeping his hometown connections strong, he landed a gig through Rick Kerber to play with Tony Bennett in Atlantic City.
And the rest, they say, is history. Matt’s recording credits, as of today, include Michael Jackson, Elvis Costello, Jill Scott, and The Roots. On the road Matt counts Jay-Z, Jill Scott, The Mavericks, Maxwell in a long list of touring credits. Movie credits include Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, and Grammy credits include four records from Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, John Legend, The Roots, and Alejandro Sanz.
In short, Matt Cappy knows the ropes. His skill is well known, and his style marks countless performances and recordings. Along the way Matt chose to compose, arrange, and record music, and naturally he drew from his many experiences and the people connected to them. There’s the local Jazz crew – Clay Sears, Steve McKie, Anthony Tidd and others laid down the signature tracks that speak of home, while Marsha Ambrosius, Stephen Costello, and Chill Moody speak of the diversity of Matt’s connections. As the relationships reforged the music, the album evolved to become Church And State, a travelog in the world of Matt Cappy. The names speak for themselves, and the dedication and time that Matt devoted to crafting a full experience are evident upon the very first listen.
This is the world of Matt Cappy