Igmar Thomas has joined forces with Talib Kweli for Revive Big Band's newest offering "Thelonius", which contains a two-part suite, paying homage to J Dilla and Thelonious Monk. Artistic director, trumpeter, and composer Igmar Thomas was commissioned by SummerStage in 2016 for the Revive Big Band production A Journey Through The Legacy Of Black Culture. Taking place at Central Park's Rumsey Playfield in NYC on August 7, 2016, the performance took showgoers through the past and present of Black American music. In dedication to two giants within this musical continuum, a segment of the show fused Thelonious Monk's iconic Bebop standard "Thelonius" with the head-nodding hip-hop production of J Dilla's "Thelonius" instrumental from Common's classic album Like Water For Chocolate. Now, this electrifying fusion of jazz and hip-hop is released on all major digital streaming platforms via SoulSpazm, featuring a guest verse from Talib Kweli and bookended by an explosive big band chorus.
Rising, elegant layers of horns, rich guitars and an infectious, organic sounding rhythm section build dynamically to give "Thelonius" a powerful feel. With captivating melodies, the track brings forth an explosive vibrance that sets the stage for Talib Kweli's detail-rich, poetic verses, making "Thelonius" a vital, thought-provoking listen.
"Thelonius" is from the forthcoming full-length debut by Igmar Thomas' Revive Big Band, Like A Tree It Grows. Due out on all major DSPs on October 25th, the album will serve as a tribute to the life and legacy of Revive Music Group founder Megan Stabile, whose vision to bridge the gap between younger hip-hop audiences and traditional jazz purists helped birth the Revive Big Band.
Connect with Revive Big Band: Website | Instagram | X | Facebook
