Urban Thought Collective

Recently, I was blessed to check out uber musician and producer Mark de Clive-Lowe accompanied by the smooth vocals of Vanessa Freeman (of Reel People) as they neared the finish line of their world tour. I previously heard of Mark and own The Politick, his collaborative album with Bembé Segué. However, I must admit I didn’t fully appreciate this man’s talent and certainly had no idea what I what I was in store for that night.

I don’t know how you would categorize Mark’s music. I’ve seen it called broken beat. Soulful house. Nu jazz. Spacefunk. 21st century soul. Nu house. Cosmic hip-hop. How about plain old real music. Some flava that needs to be in your ear.

But I can show you more than I can tell you.

Check out some of my video from of his set – which he is now using on his blog and his Myspace page.

Check out some of my video from of his set – which he is now using on his blog and his Myspace page.

“GABRIEL”

“DAYS LIKE THIS”

“GOLDEN MONEY”

In case you’re couldn’t tell, he is creating the beats right there. I don’t know about you but I am in awe of his artistry – what he was creating right there on stage. As I watched his every movement, I know how people who were fortunate to watch Dilla make music must have felt. I thought about how his ability to be able to use all of those instruments, sometimes simultaneously, to create that incredible sound is the result of God-given talent and hard work. He started playing the piano at age four and look at him now. It really inspired me to keep pushing and doing what I love.

The same could be said about the melodious sounds of UK songstress Vanessa Freeman. She has collaborated with Reel People (most recently on the Seven Ways to Wonder, one of my top 2008 Albums of the Year You’ve Probably Never Heard, 4Hero, Bugz in the Attic and released a solo album, Shades back in 2004.

Mark is looking to book more dates so if he comes to a city near you, don’t miss out.
You can keep up with any additional news on his official website, blog, Myspace, or Facebook fan page

You can also dig in his deep catalog here.

Danielle “Vivrant Thang” Hatchett is a freelance writer and blogger living life like it’s golden in the DC Metro area. She is the creator of Songs in the Key of Life, a music blog (with the occasional personal element) that spotlights underrated soul artists who “don’t be gettin no airplay.” She also maintains a companion You Tube channel where you can view footage of all of her concert adventures. Vivrant Thang has a regular spot here on Urban Thought Collective, and can be contacted at vivrantthang8@gmail.com.