Sunday’s best
Zion I, the forward-thinking hip-hop duo from Oakland, hits a particularly marvelous groove on three consecutive tracks halfway through the 13-track Atomic Clock (Gold Dust). “Many Styles” nails a roots-reggae vibe that blends perfectly with Zumbi’s laid-back vocal delivery. That’s followed by “North Star,” a silky-cool track featuring an atmospheric, electronic riff. The third, “The Sun Came Out,” is quintessential Zion I — a harder beat is tempered with a melodic and thoroughly optimistic chorus. It’s socially conscious rap at its finest. The duo recently released Heroes In The Healing Of A Nation in collaboration with The Grouch. (Sunday@Abbey with The Grouch, Verbal Kent, One Be Lo, and The Shotgun Wedding Quintet. The show benefits Hip Hop Congress.)
— Jason Scales
Also Sunday, Califone/Red Red Meat frontman Tim Rutili works the solo angle — kind of. He’ll be joined by Gillian Lisee of Fruit Bats fame, as part of the CIMM (Chicago International Movies & Music) Festival’s closing ceremonies. They’ll be playing following the presentation of Duct Tape Messiah, a documentary chronicling the life of country-music footnote Blaze Foley. Foley’s name in songwriting lore rests alongside others like Townes Van Zandt, i.e., posthumously celebrated yet ultimately tragic figures whose lives make great songs but were hellish to endure. (Sunday@Hideout with guest speaker/producer Gurf Morlix.)
— Steve Forstneger
Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly
