Take The Stairs
DVM, 2019
8/10
For over a decade and a half now the Miami duo of Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste have been using the seemingly unlikely formula of classical music with beats and vocals. Both trained violin and viola players, the duo’s interest in hip-hop finds a very unique place to exist as Black Violin on this highly adventurous new album.
“Rise” stars the listen with much atmosphere as the classical sounds of strings unfold with grace, and “One Step” follows with dense beats in the buzzing hip-hop formula.
Near the middle, “One Step In The Garden”, with Salaam Remi, finds playful rhythm in the stylish tune, while “Serenade” mashes classical ideas with modern hip-hip in the instrumental highlight.
Deeper cuts bring us the sophisticated “Al Green”, that unfolds with sweeping beauty in a cinematic fashion, and “Impossible Is Possible” continues that theme with soaring vocals that builds into a stadium size pop-rock anthem. “Nimrod” ends the listen cautious and reflective with some of the most timeless instrumentation present.
An extremely well done album, Black Violin play over 200 shows a year and it’s quite apparent in their immediately gripping song craft and flawless delivery on this innovative record.
Travels well with: Hilary Hahn & Hauschka- Silfra; The Uncluded- Hokey Fright