Last night’s Jam Session with the Roots at the Highline Ballroom was a damp affair.
Imagine the smell of soaking wet frat boy, Pabst Blue Ribbon beerfarts, the stinkiest, most delicious white boy weed and ether dripping from the microphones.
I have a few clips from the show but the very best part I couldn’t film because 1) some frat boys got me lifted, 2) I was getting my DP 2-step Harlem shake right.
I climaxed [ll] after ?uestlove began a drum solo which morphed into a Fela Kuti cover which then transformed into a high-speed, funky drummer rendition of Kool G Rap’s ‘Men At Work’. It was so brilliant and dazzling that I don’t think a video camera could convey the energy and vibrations of the moment.
I may have seen the Roots perform ten thousand times at this point, but I am always transfixed by their improvisation and their willingness to humble themselves for their craft. Tickets are available to the upcoming shows at the Highline Ballroom. I’ll be there. So should you…
