National Sawdust’s The Revolution is a vanguard series of exciting artistry, a monthly performance that highlights New York musicians pushing their respective genre boundaries in new and innovative ways. This month’s show is no exception, featuring sets from NYC’s very own OJ in the Yams, donSMITH, and Alita Moses, three artists who have found their own ways to energize classic sounds in novel fashions.
For instance, while instrumentally-driven hip-hop outfit OJ in the Yams find their footing in lush R&B soundscapes, their implementation of equal parts rap, vocal performance, and improvisational jazz components creates an auditory tapestry of smooth soundscapes.
Likewise, rapper and performer donSMITH’s utilization of classic hip-hop sampling techniques, paired with a gritty vox and contemporary perspective breathes new life into the genre’s earliest formula; his track “Penfeld” carries the torch of NYC’s well-vetted rap history while paying homage to its true roots.
Rounding off the evening’s more visceral performers is Alita Moses, whose own brand of jazz vocal performance feels just at home against a contemporary instrumental backing as it does against a three piece ensemble, always effervescent, occasionally playful, and punctuated by an ever-present range. Get your tickets here, and get down in Brooklyn this Thursday for three tremendous performances.