Abstract Orchestra

Last updated

Abstract Orchestra
Also known asAbstract Orchestra
OriginLeeds, England
Genres Hip hop, jazz, funk
Years active2011 – present
LabelsATA Records
Members
  • Rob Mitchell
  • Anna Uhuru
  • Joost Hendrickx
  • Chris 'Fatty' Hargreaves
  • George Cooper
  • Simon 'Bobby' Beddoe
  • Malcolm Strachan
  • Jack Davis
  • Jim Corry
  • James Russell
  • Simon Kaylor
  • Dan Brunskill
  • Kev Holbrough
  • Oli Rath
  • George Hardwick
  • Richard Jones
  • Madeleine Fitzgerald
  • Alex Marshall

Abstract Orchestra are a British hip hop music group, created in 2011 by Rob Mitchell. The group is signed to independent record label ATA Records. Abstract Orchestra have released five studio albums, Dilla (2017), Madvillain Vol. 1 (2018), Madvillain Vol. 2 (2019), Fantastic 2020 Vol. 1 (2019) and Fantastic 2020 Vol. 2 (2019), and five singles, New Day (2017), Fancy Clown (2018), Air ft MF DOOM (2019), Pray (2020), Jealousy (2020). The "ensemble has become renowned for their distinct sound, which reinterprets some of the most famous hip-hop productions of all time (right on down to the sample material) into a unique blend of big band jazz and live hip-hop". [1]

Contents

Band members

Abstract Orchestra is conducted and led by Scottish Saxophonist Rob Mitchell, who also writes and arranges the music, and produces the recordings. In addition to Mitchell conductor, the band includes Joost Hendrickx on drums, Chris 'Fatty' Hargreaves on bass, George Cooper on keyboards, Anna Uhuru vocalist, Jim Corry, Dan Brunskill, James Russell and Simon Kaylor saxophones and flutes, Jack Davis, Malcolm Strachan, Simon 'Bobby' Beddoe on trumpets, Kev Holbrough, Oli Rath, George Hardwick and Richard Jones on trombones, Madeleine Fitzgerald Violin, Chris Heron Violin, Alex Marshall Cello.

Band members have worked with Slum Village, MF DOOM, Jamiroquai, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, John Legend & The Roots, Roots Manuva, Rag'n'Bone Man, Adele, Estelle and Lily Allen.

Style

"Led by Rob Mitchell, the Abstract Orchestra are a self-styled big band known for their impressive live performances. They explore the shared territory between jazz and hip hop by taking modern classics such as Madvillain and J Dilla's back catalogue and filtering them through classic arrangement techniques." [2]

Abstract Orchestra blends jazz orchestration with hip hop beats and MC's. The group also explores a number of influential sounds favoured by hip-hop producers, such as Motown, Jazz, TV soundtrack and film scores. Rob Mitchell cites his influences as Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, David Shire, Paul Riser, Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, J Dilla, Madlib, and MF DOOM.

History

The group was formed in 2011 by Rob Mitchell and Dave Walker, initially for a one-off event at The Wardrobe club in Leeds. The event led to further performances including support for Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey, Filming for the MOBO awards in 2014, and supporting Talib Kweli and the Zulu Nation tour in 2015.

Abstract Orchestra's debut album 'Dilla' was released in 2017 and covered the music of Detroit Producer J Dilla. This was followed by the 'Abstract Orchestra Does Dilla' UK Tour in 2017, and included venues Jazz Café, O2 Academy Sheffield and Band on the Wall

For their second and third releases 'Madvillain Vol. 1' (2018) and 'Madvillain Vol. 2' (2019), Abstract Orchestra covered the music of the collaboration between producer Madlib and rapper MF DOOM, known as Madvillain. Abstract Orchestra released a single titled 'Air' in 2019 that included the vocal a cappella by MF DOOM.

Mitchell recounts: "In the live set I [would] use an MPC to trigger DOOM's lyrics over the band. Last year in the final part of the mix stage I just thought wouldn't it be amazing to have DOOM on the track just like when we do it live! Dabrye released DOOM's acapella to Air and so I thought if I could get permission to use it the track would be perfect!" [3]

After a UK tour in 2018 with Illa J, Abstract Orchestra collaborated with the brother of J Dilla, Illa J releasing the single 'New Day' (2018).

In the summers of 2017 and 2018 Abstract Orchestra performed at a number of UK festivals including Boomtown, Shambala, Secret Garden Party, Latitude, Green Man and Kendal Calling.

After a UK tour with Hip-hop group Slum Village in 2019, Abstract Orchestra were asked by Slum Village to rework their album Fantastic, Vol. 2 the rework was released as 'Fantastic 2020 Vol. 1' (2019) and 'Fantastic 2020 Vol. 2'. "Hip-hop with a live band, especially a big band style such as this, becomes something so much greater, taking on a new form." [4]

In 2020 Abstract Orchestra collaborated with Young RJ (one half of Slum Village) and Mega ran on the album '2 Hands up'

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetails
Dilla
  • Released: 2017
  • Label: ATA Records
  • Format: Vinyl, Digital download, CD
Madvillain Vol. 1
  • Released: 2018
  • Label: ATA Records
  • Format: Vinyl, Digital download, CD
Madvillain Vol. 2
  • Released: 2019
  • Label: ATA Records
  • Format: Vinyl, Digital download, CD
Fantastic 2020 Vol. 1
  • Released: 2019
  • Label: Ne'Astra
  • Format: Vinyl, Digital download, CD
Fantastic 2020 Vol. 2
  • Released: 2019
  • Label: Ne'Astra
  • Format: Vinyl, Digital download, CD

Singles

TitleDetails
Jealousy
  • Released: 2020
  • Label: Ne'Astra
  • Format: Digital download
Pray
  • Released: 2020
  • Label: Ne'Astra
  • Format: Digital download
Air (Abstract Orchestra Remix)(Feat. MF DOOM)
  • Released: 2019
  • Label: ATA Records
  • Format: Digital download
Fancy Clown
  • Released: 2018
  • Label: ATA Records
  • Format: Digital download
New Day ft. Illa J
  • Released: 2017
  • Label: ATA Records
  • Format: 45 Vinyl, Digital download

Collaborations

TitleDetails
2 Hands Up by Young RJ and Mega Ran
  • Released: 2020
  • Label: Ne'Astra

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MF Doom</span> British-American rapper (1971–2020)

Daniel Dumile, also known by his stage name MF Doom or simply Doom, was a British-American rapper and record producer. Noted for his intricate wordplay, signature metal mask, and "supervillain" stage persona, Dumile became a major figure of underground hip hop and alternative hip hop in the 2000s. After his death, Variety described him as one of the scene's "most celebrated, unpredictable and enigmatic figures".

<i>Madvillainy</i> 2004 studio album by Madvillain

Madvillainy is the only studio album by American hip hop duo Madvillain, consisting of British-American rapper MF Doom and American record producer Madlib. It was released on March 23, 2004, on Stones Throw Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madvillain</span> American hip hop duo

Madvillain was an American hip hop supergroup formed in 2002, consisting of rapper MF DOOM and producer Madlib. Their only album, Madvillainy (2004), earned critical acclaim and cult popularity, widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time and a benchmark record for alternative hip hop. Their intricate rhymes and lyrics, short song structures and use of obscure, stylistically diverse samples made for a sound that was generally unfriendly to commercial radio but was lauded for its influence on underground rap. A follow-up album to Madvillainy was rumored to be in production at various times since the late 2000s, but no further original material has surfaced from the duo since 2010, and MF DOOM's death in 2020 has left the future of the project uncertain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madlib</span> American record producer (born 1973)

Otis Jackson Jr., known professionally as Madlib, is an American DJ, music producer, multi-instrumentalist, and rapper. He is widely known for his collaborations with MF DOOM, J Dilla, and Freddie Gibbs. Madlib has described himself as a "DJ first, producer second, and MC last." His stage name is an acronym for "Mind Altering Demented Lessons In Beats".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stones Throw Records</span> American independent record label

Stones Throw Records is an American independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. Under the direction of founder Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw has released music ranging from hip hop to experimental psychedelic rock. LA Weekly deemed the label an "eternally evolving experiment" in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quasimoto</span> Hip hop side project of producer/rapper Madlib

Quasimoto is a side project of hip hop producer Madlib, from Oxnard, California. Quasimoto is composed of Madlib and his animated alter ego Lord Quas. Lord Quas is known for his high-pitched voice, which often interacts with Madlib's regular voice. Quasimoto was conceived one day in the studio, when Madlib decided to rap to his own beats. Madlib did not like the sound of his voice, so he decided to slow his recorder down, rap slowly, then speed the recording back up to produce Lord Quas' distinctive high-pitched sound. Quasimoto's lyrics frequently address themes such as violence and drug use in a comedic fashion, and the character of Lord Quas has been interpreted as a satirical take on gangsta-rap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slum Village</span> American hip hop group

Slum Village is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. The group formerly comprised the rappers Baatin (1974–2009) and T3 and the rapper and producer J Dilla (1974–2006). J Dilla left in 2001 to pursue a solo career with MCA Records. Elzhi joined in his absence, after which Baatin also left due to health complications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karriem Riggins</span> American drummer

Karriem Riggins is an American jazz drummer, record producer, DJ and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan. He met Chicago rapper Common and fellow Detroit musician J Dilla in 1996, and served as an extensive contributor for releases by both artists. He produced for Common's 1997 album One Day It'll All Make Sense, did so on much of his further projects, and formed the musical trio August Greene with the rapper alongside fellow jazz instrumentalist Robert Glasper in 2018. Furthermore, he formed the Jahari Massamba Unit with Madlib in 2020, and has also worked with prominent music industry artists including Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Denzel Curry, Earl Sweatshirt, and Norah Jones.

<i>Champion Sound</i> 2003 studio album by Jaylib

Champion Sound is a collaborative album by the duo Jaylib, consisting of producers J Dilla and Madlib. The album was released in 2003 and is considered a classic in the underground hip-hop scene. The title track, "Champion Sound," features a sample from the 1978 film "The Deer Hunter" and showcases the duo's signature blend of soulful beats and intricate rhymes. The album also features guest appearances from Talib Kweli and Percee P.

<i>The Shining</i> (J Dilla album) 2006 studio album by J Dilla

The Shining is the third studio album by American hip hop producer and rapper J Dilla, who died on February 10, 2006. The Shining was incomplete at the time of J Dilla's passing and was posthumously completed by producer Karriem Riggins. Discounting the instrumental album Donuts, The Shining was the first full-length solo release by J Dilla since Welcome 2 Detroit five years earlier, and as such was highly anticipated. It was released on August 22, 2006, through BBE Records. An instrumental version of the album followed its release shortly afterward.

<i>Chrome Children</i> 2006 compilation album and DVD by Various artists

Chrome Children is a co-production between Stones Throw Records and Adult Swim. The CD & DVD set, released on October 3, 2006, includes songs from Oh No, J Dilla, Madlib, and other Stones Throw artists. It also includes footage from a hip-hop concert headlined by MF DOOM and Madlib on DVD. The concert was filmed by Adult Swim at the 2006 SXSW festival in Austin, TX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MF Doom discography</span>

British-American rapper and record producer Daniel Dumile, also known under several stage names, most notably MF DOOM, released six studio albums, two live albums, three compilation albums, 10 instrumental albums, seven collaborative albums, 14 singles, and 32 music videos in his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guilty Simpson</span> American rapper

Byron Dwayne “Guilty” Simpson is an American rapper and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan whose recording career spans more than 20 years. He is signed to Stones Throw Records, and is known for being one of the late producer J Dilla’s favorite rappers.

<i>Madvillainy 2</i> 2008 remix album by Madvillain

Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix is a remix album by American hip hop duo Madvillain, consisting of rapper MF DOOM and producer/rapper Madlib. The album is a re-working created by Madlib of their 2004 debut album, Madvillainy. It was released via Stones Throw Records in 2008.

<i>Born Like This</i> 2009 studio album by DOOM

Born Like This is the sixth and final solo studio album by British-American rapper/producer MF DOOM. It was released under the pseudonym "DOOM" on March 24, 2009 through Lex Records. It debuted at number 52 on the Billboard 200 chart, having sold 10,895 copies as of March 29, 2009. In addition to tracks produced by MF Doom, the album includes production by frequent collaborator Madlib, as well as J Dilla. The album title is borrowed from Charles Bukowski's poem "Dinosauria, We", which employs it as a cadence. The track "Cellz" opens with a sampled recording of Bukowski reading the poem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J Dilla</span> American record producer and rapper (1974–2006)

James Dewitt Yancey, better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, was an American record producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter. He emerged during the mid-1990s underground hip hop scene in Detroit, as a member of the group Slum Village. He was also a member of the Soulquarians, a musical collective active during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Illa J</span> American rapper

John Derek Yancey, better known by his stage name Illa J, is an American rapper, singer, producer and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan who has released two albums on Delicious Vinyl Records. He is the younger brother of the late hip hop producer, and rapper J Dilla, and a former member of hip hop group Slum Village. He also released a collaborative album as Yancey Boys along with Frank Nitt. Illa J's second solo album ILLA J came out via the Brooklyn based record label, Bastard Jazz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lofi hip hop</span> Subgenre of hip hop

Lofi hip hop is a form of downtempo music that combines elements of hip hop and chill-out music. It was popularized in the 2010s on YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Beer (Madvillain song)</span> Song by MF DOOM

"One Beer" is a song recorded by American hip hop duo Madvillain, originally intended for inclusion on their debut studio album Madvillainy. The song instead ended up being used on MF Doom's 2004 album Mm..Food, credited to MF DOOM instead of Madvillain. "One Beer" was released as a limited-press 7" single in 2004, given away by select online retailers with copies of Madvillainy. An animated music video was released on 16 November 2018, 14 years after Mm..Food's release.

The following list is a discography of production by J Dilla, an American hip hop record producer and recording artist from Detroit, Michigan. It includes a list of songs produced, co-produced and remixed by year, artist, album and title.

References

  1. "Slum Village & Abstract Orchestra Fantastic 2020". Piccadillyrecords.com. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  2. "Abstract Orchestra: The Shared Space Between Jazz and Hip Hop". qwest.tv. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  3. "Bonafide Magazine: Abstract Orchestra channel DOOM and Dabrye with Air". bonafidemag.com. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  4. "live review Slum Village". mancunion.com. Retrieved 26 January 2021.