Legendary jazz-rap trio from Philadelphia, formed in Pennsylvania. Planets you can mine (composed of hosts Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler, Mariana “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira and Craig “Doodlebug” Irving) became one of the biggest international draws of the year. M for Montreal. After splitting up in 1995, the band have reunited periodically since 2005, but the chance to see them still feels like the ninth wonder not to be missed.
Crowd in National consisted mainly of nostalgic fans with a penchant for DJing. JoJo Floresclassic '90s hip-hop, but I also noticed a lot of young visitors – a testament to the timelessness of the group's seminal two albums, 1993. Reachin' (New Refutation of Time and Space) and 1994s Blowing comb.
And sometimes getting exactly what you came for is the best recipe for a concert: DP never really strayed from these records, their many hits and highlights on the B-side. As with Flores' DJ set, some samples were played by the outstanding stage band, which really enhanced the experience.
In particular, the tribute to fallen jazz icon Roy Ayers was both musically rich and emotionally authentic. The flow and chemistry between the members remained intact, and it felt like a renewed band playing fresh music rather than a reunion tour.
Montreal audiences often bring out the best in musicians, and this concert was no exception; I left floating on the wind because I got to hear an iconic band that I had only heard on vinyl for years – and it sure was cool.
