TheSaurus

Kids Gather Round
Self-released

In the early '90s, Gang Starr rapper Guru helped pioneer the fusion of hip-hop and live jazz with his various Jazzmatazz groups and recordings. While he might not have been the first to mix the two, he proved that they can be worthy companions, as does TheSaurus. As the band's bio suggests, "Think Dr. Dre with a jazz degree. Think Mingus playing for the Roots." That sounds about right. Take, for instance, one of this album's standouts, "Work," in which bassist Ian Hutchinson paraphrases Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" while frontman Paul Mullikin raps about cracking the whip and keeping his nose to the grindstone. Mullikin also does fine Rhodes playing on the groove-laden instrumentals "Infidelity Blues" and "Minor Profits." All in all, Kids is a solid effort throughout.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
  • Tue
    28
  • Wed
    29
  • Thu
    30
  • Fri
    31
Denver Event Tickets
©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Denver / Boulder

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city