Banjo and Beatbox — Unlikely pair, unparalleled blend!

By megret | June 17, 2009 at 6:50 am | 10 comments | For the Kids, Media

Renowned duo Cathy & Marcy have embarked upon a unique and uncharacteristic musical adventure in their newest album, Banjo to Beatbox. Cathy & Marcy are Grammy winning children’s artists known for their funky, folky, singable tunes.

In Banjo to Beatbox, they combine their musical talents with that of the hot D.C.-based hip hop artist, Christylez Bacon. He’s especially known for his beatbox tricks, and he uses this skill along with his other musical/lyrical rap notes to make this album sparkle.

Banjo to Beatbox is just what it sounds like: Traditional, banjo-and-guitar driven folk rock with an infiltration of urban lyrical rap and, of course, beatbox. It’s a concept you might raise an eyebrow to at first, but once you hear it, you’ll see that it works….and works well.

Here’s a description of how this unlikely pairing came to be:

“It all began in 2007 at the Music Center at Strathmore in Maryland, where Cathy & Marcy had been the first artists in residence in 2005, continuing on as artist mentors. Christylez Bacon, then a 21 year old artist in residence, captivated the duo. Chris’ stage presence delighted every audience, and his personal directive to use rhyming and beatbox for totally diverse collaborations was apparent. Soon, the trio were jamming together at downtown open mics and at a prestigious old time banjo festival. When they collectively composed “Hip-Hop Humpty Dumpty,” they knew something special was going on. They tested more happy songs with young audiences, and soon several more tracks emerged.

Banjo to Beatbox breaks new musical ground while remaining grounded in tradition. “Beatbox is roots music, with recent urban origins but based on a long tradition of African rhythms,” explains Cathy, an acknowledged master banjo player. “The banjo also originally comes from Africa, so this really makes sense.” The new recording features five-string banjo, cello banjo, six-string banjo and banjo ukulele, along with Marcy’s stellar washboard rhythms. As Marcy notes, “These instruments and musical styles are not often found in the same room, let alone the same recording. It says to everyone, ‘let’s take an adventure!’”

The music is almost zydeco-like in quality when the songs kick off. “Jubilation” has a historical spiritual sound to it, and it’s oh-so-singable. It explores other words which end in the suffix “-ation,” such a creative concept! Next up is “Beatbox,” an introduction of what beatbox is and how it’s done….purely dance-able….my kids have me put this one on repeat!

I happen to love the “Syncopated Washboard Rhythm Song,” which sounds like a tune straight out of the Roaring 20s. It’s a wonderful blend of stringed instruments, wood blocks, and of course, washboard. Its toe-tapping rhythms keep you hooked! As “Soup, Soup” debuts, the full integration of “banjo and beatbox” begins. The pairing of the folk and urban beats in a way that, well, works. From here on out, you begin to wish this album wouldn’t end!

The last tune, “New Rhythm Train,” is an all-out bluegrass song. Coming out distinctly from the background, though, is the distinctive sound of more beatbox. Brilliant!

All four of us enjoy this album. “This is a kids’ album that I could really get into,” said my husband. Banjo to Beatbox is available as an mp3 album or paper-sleeve album from Amazon, as well as from CD Baby, iTunes, and DigStation.

Win it! Thanks to Cathy & Marcy and Sugar Mountain PR, I can give away TWO Banjo to Beatbox albums! Just run over to the Banjo to Beatbox MySpace page and listen to the song samples. Come back here and tell me, in one comment, your absolute favorite song from the album! I’ll close the contest next Thursday, June 25th, 2009 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!