A fine example of how to be both very different and much better.

Black Violin – “A Flat”

“A Flat” (2012)

The track “A Flat” is from “Classically Trained,” the second album by the (not coincidentally) classically trained hip-hop duo Black Violin.

Richer, Deeper, Hipper

While the instrumentation suggests that this is classical music, the urban setting and the motifs are clearly those of pop or hip-hop.

Moreover, the rhythm, the beat, and the energy of this track make it clear that Black Violin’s music is not limited to any traditional genre. The duo’s unique, multigenre music gives it richer and deeper overtones and undertones. _{(Image source)}

Black Violin

The duo comprises 2 Florida natives – Kev Marcus on violin and Wil B on viola (aka, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste). They took the name Black Violin from an album of that title by the noted jazz violinist Stuff Smith.

Neither Kev nor Wil ended up playing his respective insturment by choice. In Kev’s case, his mother dragged him to a violin class in order to keep him out of trouble. As for Wil, he had planned to study saxophone, but somehow ended up being enrolled in a class for viola instead – fatefully and fortunately.

Different and Better

Wil’s goal as a performer is to inspire his audience “to be better people.” Kev’s goal is to encourage people to do things “different than anybody else.” If their audience needs an example to follow, they have to look no further than the members and the music of Black Violin for excellent models of how to be both very different and much better. _{(Image source)}

note – Thanks to YouTube commenter D.H., who categorized Black Violin’s music as “Hip-jazz classy funk.” ☺ I borrowed that phase and used it in the heading for this post.

Reference – Strathmore.org
Reference – Wikipedia

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}
         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)
         2 – “Cover Versions”
         3 – “Honor Roll”
         4 – “Documentaries”
         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

Links to my other series ...

Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"

Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”
Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”

Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"
Vocab-Ability – "Index" to all Chapters and Sections

Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"
Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"

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gandhibaba (74) 5 years ago

Thanks for entertaining us with yet another great music. I am thrilled. Thanks.

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lanzjoseg (77) 5 years ago

Hi @majes.tytyty

We can not deny how versatile that instrument is, but when someone plays it with enthusiasm and with a passion to know that you adapt it to any musical rhythm, it is unique.

I am an apacionado of this instrument, I must clarify not to touch any musical instrument my youngest daughter wants to turn on to play a musical instrument that here in Venezuela is called four, but it is very expensive to buy it.

cuatro-venezolano-profesional-de-concierto-madera-teca-pino-D_NQ_NP_742590-MLV26682465116_012018-F.jpg