Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
The Intersection of Jazz & HipHop
Apr 22, 2016
THE OHENE SAVANT CONCERT HAS BEEN REVISED. OHENE SAVANT WILL NOT APPEAR.
On April 29th, at the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center in Manayunk, PJP presents A Concert At The Intersection of Jazz & HipHop. The event features the lyrical prowess of Philadelphia rapper/poets MadSwayzie and Raphael Xavier, as well as the dynamic vocalist, Bethlehem. They will be joined on stage by a team of Philadelphia musicians led by NU GRuV Network founder, drummer and music director, Kim Pedro.
Kim Pedro Rodriguez Kim Pedro Rodriguez is a drummer, visual artist, and the originator and prime mover for the Artists’ Collective, NU GRuV Network. Throughout his career he’s performed with Monika Herzig, Raimundo Santos, Vanida Gail, Bredren, Melange, and even a President of the United States. Kim Pedro is co-founder of the JazGuardian Musicians’ Organization.
Raphael Xavier is a choreographer, breaker/dancer, rapper, music producer, comedian, photographer and author. He is a former member of Rennie Harris Puremovement, the longest running Hip-Hop dance company. He has received many awards and recognition for his choreographic work from 1999 to the present. Xavier gives lectures and dance classes internationally on Hip-Hop and its history.
Bethlehem was raised in an active, church-going Philadelphia family where she became steeped in the traditions of gospel music. She has performed at Relish, LaRose Jazz Cafe, The Rotunda, Clef Club, Irvine Auditorium, Temple Performing Arts Center, Dowling's Palace and other venues. As a writer, her studies of the Torah and other sacred Hebrew texts, teach her that words have sacred power and must used wisely and carefully.
Matthew Palmer aka MadSwayzie is a rapper, poet and actor born and raised in North Philadelphia. His performance career began at age three, when he began acting and dancing. His commericial credits include Reebok with Allen Iverson, Cooper University Hospital and Chuck E Cheese. A member of the Hungry Ghosts HipHop Collective, Palmer has performed at World Cafe Live, Hard Rock Cafe, Trocadero, Le Grande Fromage in Atlantic City; Garfield Lounge in Brooklyn, NY and other venues.
Concert At The Intersection of Jazz & HipHop
Friday April 29th, 8:00pm
Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center
7 Lock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
FREE ADMISSION - But you must RSVP
NU GRuV Network Members:
Kim Pedro - drums
Kendrah Butler - keyboards & violin
Anthony DeCarlo - guitars
Jethaniel Nixon - bass
Mike Clay - sax & EWI
Malik Henry - percussion & drums
PJP spoke with both Kim Pedro about the upcoming concert.
PJP: Can you briefly describe your musical direction?
Kim Pedro: Forward and upward are my musical directions! The music will emcompass not only HipHop and Jazz, but also showcase NU GRuV's musical depth that will include and of course The GRuV. The direction and energy of this concert is going to be through the roof!
PJP: What and whom are pivotal musical influences on your creative approach?
Kim Pedro: Musically, I was influenced by Lenny White, Parliament/Funadelic and Weather Report. In terms of lyrical music, I was influenced by The Last Poets, Gil Scot-Heron, Nikki Giovanni, PFunk...then Talib Kwele, Common, Public Enemy, Nas..of course, The Roots, Quite Sane, Dapp Theory...JazGuardian!
PJP: What’s so important about this project?
Kim Pedro: So that people can experience the diverse musicality of these musicians and depth of the overall unit. As a younger person, I was amazed to learn that the HipHop songs that I loved were sampled from so many Jazz tunes. This helps us to appreciate the vast, musical knowledge of the early HipHop pioneers. It also helps us toits the continued recyling by a new generation of listeners.
PJP: How do you manage the task of creating and encouraging fresh, new, forwarding moving musical ideas, while simultaneously exploring, celebrating and documenting the past?
Kim Pedro: The Bible tells us,"...There is nothing NU under the Sun..." ...but everybody hasn't heard everything! This cross pollination of wisdom and experience with musicality and creativity is going to create something beautiful beyond words.
PJP: When listening to your music, what advice would you give to audiences to assist with greater understanding and enjoyment?
Kim Pedro: Listen and listen hard. There are messages to be heard. Don't compare. Close your eyes. Open your ears and mind. Don't think too much. Just chill with the vibe. Trust your urges, impulses, emotions. Stick out your tongue and Taste the Flavors!
PJP: Why Jazz? When you could be doing anything else, why Jazz?
Kimpedro: Jazz allows the art to evolve, become organic. It allows for interaction and improvisation. Possibilities are endless. We can introduce the audience to the various styles; let them see it's not a small box to operate out of.
Concert At The Intersection of Jazz & HipHop
Friday April 29th, 8:00pm
Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center
7 Lock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
FREE ADMISSION - But you must RSVP
NU GRuV Network Members:
Kim Pedro - drums
Kendrah Butler - keyboards & violin
Anthony DeCarlo - guitars
Jethaniel Nixon - bass
Mike Clay - sax & EWI
Malik Henry - percussion & drums
