Madlib- Shades of Blue

I am not a jazz guy. I have several friends that are, and I’ll nod along as they go on and on about this particular solo on this particular track, how it goes from the Locrian to the Dorian and back again etc,. I listen because I love their passion, but I have no idea what they’re talking about. I think part of it is you have to play an instrument and have a much finer ear than I have myself in order to really appreciate jazz. I liked Kind of Blue when I listened to it, and I know I listened to Love Supreme by John Coltrane, but I can’t remember having any thoughts about it. That’s the extent of my jazz knowledge I say all this to qualify what I’m about to say.

Sometimes Shades of Blue sounds like hip hop infused jazz, sometimes it sounds like jazz infused hip hop. That is to say that sometimes the hip hop elements, like sampling and scratching, are more obvious and sometimes vice versa. In the case of jazz being prominent, what I mean is that one particular instrument is playing a solo, while the rest of the track holds down the melody. It’s remarkable how well these solos are integrated into the rest of the song, when you realize they might have been sampled from different songs.

I also love how Malib gives every jazz instrument a chance to shine, from the flute to the guitar to the chimes. Every one has a spot on this album where they’re given a solo, and it’s just great to hear that much variety. Who knew that flute could be so jazzy? (Besides Ron Burgundy) There is an exception, and that is the drums, and that’s because hip hop relies so heavily on drums, it’s hard to give them a solo. What counts as a solo on one track doesn’t show off the full scope of what drums can do, but rather emphasizes the beat. It’s not a bad thing, but it shows that there is still a line between hip hop and jazz that Madlib is not interested in crossing.

Madlib is quickly becoming one of my favorite producers. Not only was he responsible for this album, he was half of Madvillian, who produced one of my favorite rap records Madvilliany. He seems to have a knack for making smooth beats, and as his rapping persona Quasimoto, he’s no slouch either. These two albums are enough to make me respect, and sit up and take notice. I need more Madlib in my life.

5/5 Check out this album if you like hip hop. Check out this album if you like jazz. Check out this album if you like good music. There’s a lot of it on display here.