Last nights Jam at NYC’s Highline Ballroom was different from the first night The Roots rocked NYC for a number of reasons. Different guests, different songs and a visibly different understanding.  The first two are self explanatory and partially expected given their long buddy-list and extensive catalog.  The third is a  trajectory and a preview into what we can expect from the Legendary Roots Crew and maybe even hip-hop musicians going forward.

Last night’s set opened with Skillz and Black Thought covering a number of old school cuts by Run DMC, EPMD, NWA and Gang Starr; truly extending the “jam” mentality to hip-hop.  By covering great hip-hop songs, they are paying homage to the scores of brilliant musicians that have followed before them.  Nina Simone for instance, was known for covering and reinterpreting a number of songs both live and in the studio.  Bob Dylan’s first album was a collection of traditional folk songs.  Soul is very similar as well (try a Youtube search for “If Loving You is Wrong”).

Jazz and Blues culture take covers more seriously, to a point where there are “standards” that every jazz musician should know before that player can “cut it” with rest of the cats (i.e. “Autumn Leaves”).  Musicians needed to know the standards because standards can act as a foundation for the improvised music (not to mention, understanding of the music).  Furthermore, the modern interpretation of “a jam” itself, popularized by the likes of Grateful Dead in the 70s and rejuvenated by Phish and String Cheese Incident going into 2000 is a continuation of the improvisation framework laid down by folk, jazz and blues.  If you have been to a jam-band festival or concert, you likely will understand the power of improvisation and how important the experience of music is relative to the music itself.  You may not know a single lyric to the songs but you will have an equally ecstatic experience.

The Roots took it there.  After kicking off the show with their interpretation of a number of classic songs, they opened hip-hop.  With ?uestlove on the drums conducting the band like a young James Brown, the group marched forward traveling from hip-hop, funk and even to some Jimi Hendrix.  Mos Def came out to help Black Thought through a Gang Starr cover and closed out with “Ummi Says” in what was one of the illest live renditions of that track I’ve heard/seen to date (and I was at the Black Star show).  Black Thought spazzed out on a freestyle while Mos kept the groove going with his trademarked singing.  Side note: If anyone has footage of “Ummi Says” please post a link (I’m looking at you itsallthewaylive)!

The night moved along from there.  The Roots were clearly tighter musically and it is evident to me now that they are not performing once a week for the money; they are pushing hard to get to the next level of musicianship.  Their breaks were cleaner, their communication was concise in that ?uestlove did not have to repeat himself to band members or try frantically to get their attention as was the case in the first show.  Solos were condenced but more impactful (i.e. shorter phrases but more meaningful).

I’ve posted some footage below.  Apologies for the bass distortion but I’m working with limited resources.  Also, one quick gripe (nothing’s perfect right?), the sound at Highline is a bit jacked up.  The high and midrange is way too loud; not concert loud which I’m used to; way loud.  And the horn section could not be heard for most of the night, especially when the other instruments were blaring – they couldn’t fill out the top.

The Roots and Skillz covering Run DMC

Mos-Def performs “Casa Bey” with The Roots

The Roots, Mos Def and Skillz cover Gang Starr

The Roots and Skillz cover EPMD