Review: Kev Choice Plays Yoshis + New Songs

Last Monday night (9/26) Yoshis was packed as usual for its 8pm show. The proceedings on stage however, were a bit different than most evenings. That’s because the band on stage was playing hip-hop in one of the west coast’s most hallowed jazz clubs. Oakland's own 10-piece Kev Choice Ensemble rocked Yoshis with a fusion of hip-hop, funk and jazz, that carried a big stick and a wide appeal. (Check some rehearsal footage HERE)

Kev Choice is a gifted emcee with bravado to spare, but his training is in classical and jazz piano. As a result, the Skyline grad and his über-talented ensemble crank out some stereotype-defying hip-hop worthy of a little high-art acclaim. I even had my parents in the building jamming, because such a fusion also tends to mix crowds, and that is such an important legacy in Oakland.

Kev, took us through some of his staples, a few new works and even an extended homage to jazz greats like Bud Powell, entitled “Black Music Extinction.” One of those new tracks is called "These Words," a tribute to his relationship with God and music, and it is available for download below.

DL: "These Words"- Kev Choice

Other highlights of the evening were a cameo by Too $hort, Martin Luther and Silk-E of his band Town Business. As you can imagine, $hort Dog rocking at Yoshis was not something I ever expected to see. On the other side of the spectrum, Kev dedicated a thought-provoking call for justice to Oscar Grant and Lovelle Mixon. The insight was a much needed contribution to the police-community dialogue in Oakland, and was very appreciated by those in attendance.

The ensemble has a kink or two to work out, most notably, finding a way to better incorporate dynamic vocalist Vivicka Hawkins in the mix more consistently, but Kev Choice has a great thing going. They are unparalleled in the Bay, and certainly a threat to blow up on the international independent music circuit, as hip-hop music evolves more and more towards live instrumentation. Allow Kev Choice to thank you for your support over Jay-Z's "Thank You" instrumental and watch out for him in the future!
DL: "Thank You"- Kev Choice