Maybe we ought to think twice before we start something nice or just enjoy a recording of ManyColors performing at Dazzle!
When you think of a tribute band or performance, you rarely hear of a tribute to the producer or beatmaker. More commonly, these bands pay homage to artists with catchy choruses, or they pay tribute large touring acts and treat local audiences who may never see the tour make it to their corner of the earth. But earlier this February, ManyColors paid tribute to the producer, to the beat maker, to the Baddest — J Dilla, showing us the lasting and far-reaching impact of an artist we lost almost 20 years ago.
The music of ManyColors has always been inextricably tied to J Dilla, as their origins are rooted in this very performance. Under front man Brant William’s name, The King Of Beats tribute debuted back in 2019 at Dazzle and has since become an annual tradition that has spurred the band ManyColors. Inspired by J Dilla’s music, ManyColors creates their own unique blend of lo-fi nu-jazz that echoes the vibe and personality of J Dilla in a depth of shades. ManyColors has gone on to create their own palette of inimitable original songs, but they continue to pay tribute to Dilla at every turn. And this particular performance was a momentous one, as J Dilla’s mother (affectionately referred to as “Ma Dukes”) traveled all the way from Peru to sit in attendance and witness the band’s annual tribute to her larger-than-life son.
The late-set was ManyColors in peak form, playing fan favorites including “Look Of Love”, “The Light”, “Fall In Love” and “Lightworks”. They worked through each tune with an innate understanding that comes with almost half a decade of performing these songs. They were calm and precise, each member adding their vital piece to every composition with fluid ease. Songs like “Fuck The Police” exemplified the band’s ability to communicate and mesh like particles in a colorful fog. They also had a special guest come up to play on several songs, soul violinist Monique Brooks Roberts. The band first asked her to sit-in on the Erykah Badu tune “Didn’t Cha Know” off her 2000 record “Mama’s Gun” (produced by J Dilla). From the first stroke of her bow, she commanded the audience with her soulfully sharp and celestial playing. Her solos provided several show-stopping peaks as she performed them with such vigor and emotion, enrapturing the audience and leading to several of the night’s biggest applauses. She will be performing at Dazzle on March 4th with ManyColors drummer, Braxton Kahn.
Few tributes hit the mark as dead-on as ManyColors’ “King Of Beats: A Tribute to J Dilla”. The band’s sound has been shaped by the visionary beatmaker, and his influence is etched deep into the walls of every room dripping in the sonic landscape painted by ManyColors. Their fitting covers go well beyond a simple rehashing. Their reharmonizations and lo-fi drenched tones respectfully and brilliantly breathe new life into songs that defined the hip-hop sound of a generation, all culminating in the creation of their own original material that’s become its own inspiration. This transitive artistry exemplifies why legends like J Dilla will be remembered for lifetimes to come.
Many Colors | 2023-02-03 | Dazzle, Denver, CO
-= One Set =-
01. (Intro)
02. Jam >
03. E=MC^2 >
04. Look Of Love
05. Fuck The Police
06. Didn’t Cha Know[1]
07. Rico Suave Bossa Nova[1]
08. Climax
09. The Light[1]
10. Think Twice
11. Fall In Love[1]
12. Untitled >
13. D.G.A.
14. (Band Introductions)
15. Lightworks
Show Notes: This set was a part of the “King of Beats: A Tribute to J. Dilla Presented by ManyColors” event. This was the late show. Maureen Yancey aka “Ma Dukes”, J Dilla’s mother, was in attendance for both sets.
[1] “Didn’t Cha Know”, “Rico Suave Bossa Nova”, “The Light” and “Fall In Love” featured Monique Brooks Roberts on violin.
Taper Notes: Mics were setup DFC onstage raised around 2′ in a DIN formation. Board patch and mix thanks to FOH sound engineer Cory Meier.
Thank you to ManyColors and Dazzle for being cool with taping/sharing shows, and thank you to Ma Dukes for making it all possible. Go see live music and tip your waitstaff! #spacetapes
LINK: https://archive.org/details/MC2023-02-03.ChurchAudioCA14.omnis.AUD.SBD.Matrix.FLAC16bit
