Local RIYL: The Roots
by Tim Wenger
The Roots have worked their way to being one of the most respected soul/hip hop groups on the planet (even landing a spot as Jimmy Fallon’s house band on The Tonight Show. They have graced the stage at many of the country’s best venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and because of their large Colorado fan base CMB thought we’d suggest some stylistically similar local groups to check out. Have more to add to this list? Get the conversation going on social media using #RIYLTheRoots.
Hazel Miller
The city of Denver singled out Hazel as one of 150 people who make Denver a better place to live. This award was bestowed by the mayor on Nov 22, 2008 at the Colorado History Museum.
Hazel Miller is not just a great singer, “she is a force of nature!” quotes the Rocky Mountain News. Her voice has been called “stunning, moving and powerful.” Hazel has been a sought after performer in Colorado for the past 24 years. Whether she is singing blues, jazz, pop, or Gospel, her voice charges the songs with a primal dose of genuine soul.
Hazel began her 38-year career in Louisville, Kentucky, where she rose to the top of the music scene. She opened for popular artists such as Mel Torme, James Brown, Temptations, Earl Klugh, Bob James and many others.
Online: hazelmiller.com
MTHDS
A little more on the hip hop side, MTHDS combine a funky fresh style with Rocky Mountain attitude. Music That Heightens Different Senses combine the fury of punk, the street-wise soul of hip-hop and funk with an over-the-top bombastic roots party groove.
Rock influenced by Hip-Hop, Reggae, and Punk. Like the Partridge family if the Mom was Lauryn Hill and the kids were Jimi Hendrix, Common, Peter Tosh, Sid Vicious and Q-tip.
Online: facebook.com/mthds
The Messers
With influences including Jamiroquai, Stevie Wonder, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Jill Scott, Alice Russell, James Brown, Parliament, Betty Davis, the Brand New Heavies, Nikka Costa, Fishbone and everyone in-between, the Messers testify to the power of New American Soul.
Online: facebook.com/themessers
High Five
Formed in early 2012, High Five is a unique Denver based Hip Hop collective that finds it’s roots and inspiration in the break beats and rhyme styling of Hip Hop’s golden era. B Rex, Guidence, Question, and CriMseN provide the lyrics, while D.H. Lawrence and Just Say PLZ share production duties. From the funky loops and dusty samples to the fun loving and often thought provoking rhymes, the movement to bring real Hip Hop to the Mile High City is known as High Five!
Online: facebook.com/highfivehiphop
Category: Buzzworthy2
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