In my new post I would like to go back again to the 80’s but this
time to focus on a grandfather of rap music. I heard name Kurtis Blow
maybe once in my life. Some guys, who were deep in rap subculture,
mentioned him on some completely random occasion, as a guy who
started it all. I easily forgot about him (as on that time I was
fully focused on metal scene) and moved along. But now, when I was
searching for a new inspiration for my blog, I couldn't past on
Kurtis like I did last time. Quick glance on Wikipedia
gave me even more backbone to give him and his album “The Deuce”
a chance. Since the first, title song started, I was hooked on. I
heard funky style, punchy bass guitar and that groove you can swing
to. But then Kurtis started rapping. And combination of rap and live
band put a smile on my face. How good were they getting along? For me
it was a perfect combo. In every song there is enough space for a
good melody, hip-shaking dance moments but also enough for quick and
memorable lyrics. Musicians, who gave their talents on that album,
did a really fine job. Percussion section is big on verity of
instruments. Bass guitar has some really cool licks and gives a lead
to other instruments (big kudos to producers who mixed Seth
Glassman’s bass beautify, as sometimes it is easy to loose that
valid instrument in the mix). Saxophone is also memorable instrument
on this album. Melody from ‘Getaway’ is a perfect example. I was
getting back to that song just to get this saxophone sound and tune
vibrating through my speakers. It wasn’t an easy task to find all
lyrics and get their meaning on the Internet. I failed a bit as I
could only find a couple of lyrics. But what I found was worth my
time. “Starlife” and “Take it to the bridge” are good
examples how to blend seriousness with a bit of a humour. You can
easily pick up some memorable quotes and sing along. There is a lot
of allegories that kept me in front of my computer in searching for
their meanings. “Do the Do” is one of those songs that stands out
from the album but in a good way. Arrangement of that song is
simpler, comparing to previous ones but, I think simplicity of that
track, is what makes it strong. Kurtis and the team kept it simple
but powerful! Last song “Rockin’”changes the pace again. Is
more swinging, almost in blues-rock style. Kurtis surprisingly sings
in that song with a pretty good result. What will catch your
attention is an electric guitar. If this song was recorded by an
artist from other genre, it could be a big hit on rock charts. But
put this song on a rap/old-school hip hop album is a brave and cool
move! Conclusion: Kurtis Blow and “the Deuce” is a short (only 35
minutes) but memorable album, with a lot of unique moments, that can
give you a need to listen it again. For everyone from hip hop/rap
side it is a perfect reminder from where their beloved music coming
from and for everyone else is a good album to hear some fine tunes
outside their comfort zone!
PS: It is a bit hard to find this album but good ol’ Youtube has it
for you to check it out!
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