Bach with a beat
By FRANK SCHECK
Last Updated: 11:13 PM, November 9, 2012
Posted: 10:32 PM, November 9, 2012
There’s a new music-appreciation class in town, and it’s not like anything you’ve ever seen at school.
Now in session at the New Victory Theater, it’s music the Black Violin way — a funky, hourlong mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and, yes, even Bach.
“Do you guys mind if we play some classical music?” asked violist Wilner Baptiste, a k a Wil B, halfway through a recent matinee.
Miraculously — and thrillingly — the young audience responded with loud cheers. Black Violin proceeded to whip through an instrumental inspired by Bach’s beloved Brandenburg concertos, soon funked up with heavy beats laid down by percussionist Jermaine McQueen, a k a Beatdown. Playing along were Kevin Sylvester (“Kev Marcus”) on violin, David Gotay (“Super Dave”) on cello and Dwayne Dayal (“DJ TK”) on turntables.
Whether strumming and waving their instruments guitar style, crooning or improvising an entire number — “We call it freestyling!” — the musicians show a winning ingenuity and spirit of inventiveness.
“Rule No. 1 for a Black Violin show — this is a party!” Marcus announced. And the kids responded in kind, eagerly waving their hands, clapping and getting up to dance as if they were at a Jay-Z concert.
Clad in jeans and baseball caps, the players are all excellent musicians. And, as indicated by the title of one of their songs, they’re on a “Mission” — to inspire their impressionable audiences (recommended ages: 6 and older).
“The real point of the show is to get you to think outside the box,” Wil B pointed out.
Judging by the rabidly enthusiastic response they got, Black Violin is succeeding. Now if only they can carry that momentum back into the schools and concert halls . . .
Read more: Music review: Kid-friendly group Black Violin mixes hip-hop with Bach at the New Victory Theater – NYPOST.com
