DistantNews
Support us
The Roots Electrify Montreux Jazz Festival with a Journey Through Hip-Hop's Musical Heritage
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Culture & Society

The Roots Electrify Montreux Jazz Festival with a Journey Through Hip-Hop's Musical Heritage

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The legendary hip-hop group The Roots returned to the Montreux Jazz Festival for their seventh performance since 1994.
  • The band, known for blending live instrumentation with hip-hop, paid tribute to the roots of black American music, incorporating jazz, soul, and funk.
  • Their performance included a mix of their own hits and covers of influential artists like Kool & the Gang, Manu Dibango, and Curtis Mayfield.

The iconic hip-hop collective The Roots delivered a vibrant performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, marking their seventh appearance at the prestigious event since their debut in 1994. Founded in Philadelphia in 1987 by drummer Questlove and rapper Black Thought, the group has consistently championed a live, instrument-driven approach to hip-hop, drawing deeply from the rich tapestry of black American musical traditions.

The Roots have always plunged avidly into the history of black American music to shape a hip-hop played live with real musicians.

— Article textDescribing the musical philosophy of The Roots.

Throughout their two-hour set, The Roots showcased their extensive repertoire, performing fan favorites such as "Proceed," "What They Do," and "The Next Movement." In true homage to their musical heritage, the band seamlessly wove in covers from legendary artists, bridging genres and generations. The performance included renditions of tracks by Kool & the Gang, Manu Dibango, and Donald Byrd, demonstrating their broad musical influences and deep respect for the pioneers who paved the way.

Central to the performance was the palpable synergy among the seven musicians on stage, led by Questlove's steady, impassive drumming and Black Thought's compelling vocal delivery. The ensemble, featuring a dynamic brass section and guitarist "Captain" Kirk Douglas, created an immersive experience. They paid a particularly moving tribute to Curtis Mayfield with a rendition of "Move On Up" towards the end of the concert, solidifying their commitment to honoring the legacy of artists who came before them.

The group has revisited its repertoire, but also that of others, to defend the idea that hip-hop is part of a long musical tradition.

— Article textHighlighting The Roots' approach to their performance at the festival.

The Roots' presence at Montreux is more than just a concert; it's a testament to their enduring impact on music and their role in evolving the hip-hop genre. Their residency on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" since 2009 has further amplified their reach, solidifying their status as global music icons. Their performance at Montreux served as a powerful reminder of hip-hop's deep roots in jazz, soul, and funk, and The Roots' pivotal role in that ongoing musical conversation.

It is truly in the total osmosis between the musicians... that the group is most impressive, each one here and there offering a solo.

— Article textDescribing the musical chemistry and performance of The Roots.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog