CENTERblog

Black Violin
by Hannah Swanson - West High School

Hip hop is a stereotype; baggy clothes, and deep base beats. Classical music is a stereotype; stuck up musicians, and powdered wigs. But what do you call it when you put the two together? The easy answer is, Black Violin. This 3 man group has toured with artists from Lil Wayne to the Eagles. Their new sound has charged a new era to the violin.

The two artists met Dilliard Performing Arts High, their way to stay off the streets. Kev Marcus plays the violin, and Wil B plays the viola. The two never thought of becoming anything until they met Stuff Smith, the biggest jazz violinist during the swing era. The name of the group was inspired by Smith’s final album.

The group came out onto stage playing their strings, with a familiar beat known as “A Milli” by Lil Wayne. Most of the evening consisted of improving to popular radio songs. Their DJ, TK, kept the beats coming, and the audience clapping. The three actually said, this isn’t a concert, this is a party. They insisted that they should bounce in their seats, get up and dance in the aisles, scream, whatever! Even some ushers found the beat moving enough.

The technique of the artists came thru when they each had a solo. Wil B, and Tiffany, his viola, had a amazingly smooth flow. The rhythm of the music was constant and slow, but the pitches changed with grace. Wil B also showed his fast fingers skills, almost as if the bow was going to fly out of his hand. Then Marcus had his chance to shine, with his specially made violin with holes on both sides, leaving only the strings in the center. His solo consisted of high pitched notes, but were so fast it sounded like 4 other violins were playing.

The two then, after performing their biggest hit, “Dirty Orchestra”, challenged each other and battled for Anchorage’s favorite string player. Kev Marcus took the win for his fast finger work. To keep the energy up, the two ended with a classical piece known as “Brandenburg”. Of course, there was the swagger of hip hop, with the taste of the classical composition. Black Violin not only gave the audience the most interesting violin ‘concert’, but a beat that will inspire many more future string artists.

Black Violin
Alaska Junior Theater
April 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall