.authored by something.of.substance.
Ah, classical music: the stuff of long dead white guys who wrote because they were either insane or commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church. Most people pretend to have at least a passing knowledge of classical- wedding marches and trumpet voluntaries and every other popular piece over-used in car commercials- without understanding exactly why this is a genre of music that, unlike its composers, won’t die.
Without launching into a rather dry historiography of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras (yes, “classical” music only has a one in four chance of being Classical), it can be surmised that the importance of this music lie in its often complex and intricate harmonies and counterpoints, large use of ensemble instrumentation in a structured time structure and not to mention its use as popular dance music of the (pre-twentieth century) day.
Historically and musically, “classical” music was and continues to be important for reasons not explored since the dropping of music programs from most public schools. What classical music needed was a modern make-over and it got one in the hands of Nuttin But Stringz.
.nuttin' but class(ical).
Nuttin But Stringz, or NBS, is two brothers Tourie and Damien Escobar in their early twenties from Queens, New York. What is phenomenal about their sound is, legitimately, everything. They are black men who both play and perform classical music set to original hip hop tracks. And, here is the best part: they are both performing their original compositions on violin. Currently a featured act on America’s Got Talent, NBS is wowing America and getting people excited about instrumental music again. Before their showcase on AGT, these brothers studied at the prestigious Julliard School and have appeared live at the Apollo Theatre and on the Jay Leno show. They released an album called “Struggle From the Subway to the Charts” in 2006 to almost no reaction. Despite these bookings, they remained virtuoso unknowns.
Their appearance on America’s Got Talent is, hopefully, a turning point for their group as well as the fate of instrumental music in America. The group has energized current musicians as well as inspiring new ones. Littered over the internet are comments from adolescents and kids from similar backgrounds and neighborhoods who never even considered merging “that white noise” with hip-hop. The hip-hop they share is also something of substance: it carries messages about racial equality, politics and socio-economic concerns. Truly, Nuttin But Stringz deserves the national platform they currently occupy.
Not often enough to people realize that without arts education, culture would not continue. And, as America continues to amalgamate cultures and influences, our culture must follow suit. Nuttin But Stringz really has introduced the future of music: transcendent, strong and artfully expressive.
.watch their feature on the children’s network Noggin performing their original track “Thunder”.
NBS is a very good band. Their exposure in AGT will give instrumental songs a very good boost throughout the USA. I got some great information on instrumental songs of different cultures at instrumentalsongs.org
While NBS are very talented, those of us that are in the know musically generally get tired of hearing the same eighth-notes, in the same minor key, over and over again. While the combination of classical and R&B/Hip Hop is very fresh and fun, they just don’t do anything besides exhibit a great idea to me. I think that they had a great idea and they have a great dream and they should accomplish it, but they really need to diversify… Not the same stuff recycled over and over again.
The only thing that makes these two special is the combination of the two musical genres. They need to go farther with it, and show more skill in their playing, and a little less hype….just my $0.02.
I do agree with you, Paul. And, as I have been a classically-trained musician for the last 13 years, I agree with your analysis of their composition. However, I am very much behind them because they ARE doing something new and fresh and engaging- even if not tonally revolutionary. There is so much great music that goes both undiscovered and unappreciated simply because people do not have the passion to explore instrumental music. If these guys provide a bridge to other works and lead more people to pick up instruments or learn about music, then they have accomplished what more complex keys and chordal structures have not.
I completely agree with the fact that what they are doing is VERY cool; as musicians, they do their job…for both the musical community, and for themselves, by both inspiring, and conveying ideas and emotions… I’m all for them to succeed,and they already have! May they inspire many to pick up instruments and play who normally wouldn’t!
My bottom line is: I know that they’re very talented, and so do they,but I feel that they need a little variety in their music. In my mind, there is nothing sadder, as a musician(24 years), than to have to play(or sing) below my ability, so that my audience gets it. Call me a music snob(which I most likely am) , but that’s how I feel. I truly hope that what they are playing now is not at their zenith of creativity. May they be happy with themselves, and all that they convey. I wish them the best of success.