Griz's Rebel Era tour is a refreshing dose of funk [Event Review]Griz Rebel Era

Griz's Rebel Era tour is a refreshing dose of funk [Event Review]

On a snowy Tuesday night in Syracuse, New York, glitch hop and funk producer Griz played an intimate show at the Westcott Theater. The Detroit native is currently on a fall tour promoting his sophomore album, Rebel Era, released for free download a couple months back. The night began with two great acts that each set the stage for a groovy night, as fellow Liberated Music label mates The Floozies performed, followed by heavier act Pegboard Nerds. The crowd really started trickling in, however, just in time for the 23-year-old producer’s big performance.

Over an hour and a half of jazz, electronica, blues, hip hop and funk sounds filled the air as Griz preformed more than a set, but a musical story. Filled with college students from across the upstate area and friendly locals alike, everyone came together to appreciate Griz’s musical innovation. The good vibes of the crowd, combined with Griz’s live — yes, live —  saxophone sessions made for a smooth night of enjoyable melodies. It was impossible not to get the chills when he belted out those sax solos less than 100 feet away from us all.

griz-maddecent-facebook

Photo Courtesy of Griz’s Facebook

Many of Griz’s tunes tugged on our nostalgic heartstrings. He remixed Positive Force’s 1979 classic, “We’ve Got the Funk,” fast-forwarded a bit to the 90’s with 2Pac’s “California Love,” and most excitingly of all, played his popular remix of Damien Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock” — a real crowd pleaser.

Other highlights included Griz’s performance of his well-known hit, “The Future is Now,” as well as a bass heavy rendition of his collaboration with Big Gigantic, “Power.” Griz dropped some heavy hip-hop flavor with versions of Jay Z‘s “Tom Ford” and “Ni**as in Paris,” as well as performing “My People,” the huge Grizmatik collaboration from this summer.

What was once an old, small movie theater, the Westcott has recently been transformed into a live music venue with a cozy feel that really lets fans get up close and personal with the performers. If you live in the area or are a local college student, it’s definitely a scene worth checking out.

Being the nice guy that he is, Griz stayed after the show to take a few pictures, chat with his fans, and even sign a few body parts, not leaving before each endearing fan got to give him a hug. You can catch Griz in NYC this Friday, Nov 15th at Terminal 5, or on Saturday the 16th at 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. for a show that promises to weave in and out of eclectic genres, reminding us all how versatile electronic music truly can be.

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