Blockhead and J.WAIL at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom

Jenn Cohen | June 1, 2012 | 0 Comments

by Corey Blecha

On May 3, legendary Aesop Rock producer and downtempo superstar, Blockhead, made a stop in Denver on his latest tour. The show included opener and local jamtronica staple, J.WAIL, who co-promoted the event. It is awesome to see local acts taking the DIY route and making things happen for the local scene. Jonah Lipsky, the mind behind J.WAIL and Bridging the Music Productions, aims to do just that by bringing national acts to some of Denver’s favorite venues; on this night, Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.

With a strong local following, J.WAIL started the event with a set full of his signature spaced-out productions, and dazzling live show, including dancers and “hoopers” spanned across the front of the stage, and a brand new light rig along the back of the stage. He brought out some new tunes on this night, with some remixes featuring samples from the likes of Bob Marley and, ironically, the Beastie Boys, just a day before legendary MCA passed away.

Blockhead took the stage, and although there were some sound difficulties that seemed to result in a somewhat “muddy” mix, he put on a great show that highlighted all the tracks he has come to be known for, including “The Music Scene” and “The Art of Walking.” He has long been known as a hip-hop producer, and his blend of downtempo beats, and manipulated samples, creates a style all his own, along the lines of RJD2 or Bonobo, yet uniquely styled to be original and fresh.

As people shuffled out the doors and the bar closed down, it was apparent that those in attendance had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the music throughout the night represented some of the best in downtempo/electronica from both a local and national perspective. Look out for both of these artists this summer, as they each have summer plans lined up, and will be no doubt gracing a stage close to you in the near future!

Online: facebook.com/jwail

Blockheadmusic.com