Written by Cristina Allen | Photography by Philip Litevsky

The Roots have had the reputation of being one of the best live bands and on March 30th at the Kool Haus, they lived up to their standing. As one of the few hip-hop acts that use live instruments in recording and concert, a factor that has had a substantial influence in their distinction. Their last show in Toronto at the Rogers Picnic in the absence of ?uestlove was somewhat disappointing, though redeemed with guest appearances from members of De La Soul and Lupe Fiasco. The show was nevertheless entertaining but their recent concert was a cut above.

As a band, their performance was fluid unlike most other hip-hop shows that can seem disjointed and scattered. Even between songs, from older tracks like You Got Me off of Things Fall Apart, to new songs from their just released album Rising Down, and covers of A Tribe Called Quest, Mims, and Biz Markie in between, the transitions were immaculate.

Another cover that was performed on request by ?uestlove, Capt. Kirk, and Tuba Gooding Jr., albeit not for the first time but stuck with the crowd for the rest of the night nonetheless, was Masters of War by Bob Dylan – a very political message about the on going mess in Iraq. With the performance of this song, the Roots reminded the crowd of their integrity, adding depth to the show and reflecting their new album.

The sound, despite some technical difficulties throughout the night, was well orchestrated and with the addition of Tuba Gooding Jr. playing the sousaphone, was full and rich. There were technical and extended jazz/funk solos on guitar, bass, and drums that built intensity between songs.

?uestlove live, was beyond anything imaginable, with his heavily jazz-influenced drumming that was only amplified by his obviously sincere dedication and passion to the music. In fact, that energy extended throughout the entire band and watching them perform with smiles and gracious interactions between band members made the show all the more brilliant. Their good vibes were contagious and resonated through to the diverse crowd; and Black Thought fed into this with his dynamic disposition keeping the energy high throughout the show.

All in all, the show established that the Roots not only redefined hip-hop from the time they came out of Philly, but are still redefining music.