The Jazzcat

Driving up Highland Ave and what do you see when you reach the  Bowl, SOLD OUT! That lets you know the music is in full swing and at the center of the sound, Jazz with a touch of soul!
Robert Glasper has been and continues to be one of those monumental pivotal figures in the music. In love with jazz and influenced by the music of his generation, he possesses the power to bridge gaps by relaxing the jazz audience with some groove and giving rhythm and blues a shot of JA double Z!

Robert is part of the smash box generation. Yes, of course tradition, check it out, learn it, study it, master it, then smash it! The self imposed box that people proudly put on and wear proudly. These genres are blending and crossing boarders at every check point. The cerebral walls are still there for many but, it is the sound that creates unity!

Robert walks on stage with jokes, always truth behind the mask. I guess this music and any music is all about you and your core perspective. I come from a jazz perspective so I hear the jazz in it all. Tonight there are many who are hear to see Jill and may have never heard of the name Glasper. Whatever the case, let the vibrations determine your destiny. Experiment, you can’t go wrong, you can only go right!!

Casey Benjamin has a voice that is at home in any setting. Cool, funky, folky, kickback vibrations. This is the way humans become one with the music, trust and openness! And undeniable thunderous groove as the bed for Glasper’s wizardry!

DJ xxx providing the continuity, the rue that mixes messages on mantras. Original music, the key to progress! The search is to “Find You” which means there is love at the end of the rainbow!
Hello Ledisi! A heavenly splendid surprise and an audience pleaser for sure followed by the rapper Lupe Fiasco with the super flow!
Up next, the big sis Ms. Jill Scott!!
Jill Scott is on with the full on band and light show! Heavy soulicious with the horn section, two drummers and the brother backup singers! In total command of audience and yes, they know the songs but, most of all you feel the admiration of a lyrical truth teller. Relating to you on a real level of soul, truth and humor is infectious. Good feelings mixed with good vibrations and getting to the core of the emoting human is essential for connecting. Not to mention sealing the deal with an incredible voice. Of course some sexual imagery and imaginary song play always helps!

The combination of EU’s go-go beat “The Butt” with Prince’s “Sexy Motherfucker” got the crowd on their feet! “My Petition” pictures of murdered African Americans by the police, expressed as a love song to the Government. Oh say can you see?  Not the land of the free but the home of the slave. All in all political soul, body image love and messages eminating responsibility while spreading a war of love throughout the land! Jill Scott, still hot, rocking’ the Bowl with all she got!

LeRoy Downs