The crowd cheers on The Roots as they perform at the Hyped for Halftime in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015. (Zackary Moran/The State Press)A buzz of anticipation infuses the air as the blinding stage lights dim and the incessant chatter from the crowd recedes momentarily. Like a collective moment suspended in time, The Legendary Roots Crew flood the stage and the crowd erupts like a volcano that has been dormant for an eternity. Questlove plants himself on his drum throne, Captain Kirk straps on his Les Paul and MC Black Thought picks up the microphone to remind us that for the next hour, we will be rocking with the best.
Heads were bobbing, feet were tapping and cameras were flashing as the free concert began with a whirlwind of classic Roots tracks that feature the band’s trademark fusion of hip-hop and jazz. The sound of Black Thought’s unfaltering rhyming, Mark Kelley’s bowel-loosening bass lines and Questlove’s thunderous drums reverberated throughout the filled streets of downtown Phoenix.
Then, a breathtaking succession of solos ensued.
Questlove and percussionist Frank Knuckles began by going back and forth while seamlessly weaving through complex time signatures and rhythms. Captain Kirk followed with a guitar solo that was redolent of legends like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. Even keyboardist James Poyser and sousaphone player Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr.” Bryson contributed with impressive solos.
Midway through the concert, The Roots really began to showcase their mastery in being able to transcend various genres in a blink of an eye. The familiar opening guitar riff of "Sweet Child O’ Mine" by Guns N' Roses sailed into our eardrums and a sea of more than pleasantly surprised faces was ignited.
Captain Kirk assumed the role of Axl Rose by showcasing his vocal abilities while also playing the part of Slash by ending the song with an epic guitar solo. The band then transitioned into contrasting genres such as blues and reggae to further elucidate its diverse abilities.
The biggest surprise of the night was toward the end, during a cover of Sugar Hill Gang’s popular track "Apache." The crowd roared when comedian Seth Herzog jumped on the stage, took his shirt off and joined in on the choreography during the final song of the night. Even though Will Ferrell was rumored to be the surprise guest, you couldn’t help but laugh as the comedian pranced around the stage with his exposed beer gut.
The memorable night ended with Questlove throwing his drum sticks into the crowd like a bouquet while fireworks burst over the towering buildings.
Reach the reporter at zmoranno@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @thezackarymoran
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