In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist Darren Barrett and his brand new single titled “dB’s Vibesss”.
Renowned trumpetist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Darren Barrett is kicking off the year with the release of his latest single, “dB’s Vibesss,” from his forthcoming album, dB-ish: Straight Vibesss. The full album, inspired by the legendary hip hop producer J Dilla, is set to drop on February 7th and promises to be a groundbreaking blend of instrumental jazz and hip hop, showcasing Barrett’s vision and mastery in bringing together seemingly divergent genres.
A Unique Project Inspired by a Hip Hop Legend
Barrett’s new album is a testament to his innovative spirit and ability to bridge musical worlds. Drawing heavily on his experiences growing up surrounded by both jazz and the golden era of hip hop, Barrett aims to highlight the shared rhythmic and improvisational foundations of both genres. Reflecting on his influences, Barrett recalls, “Hip Hop music in the 1990s had a big impact on me, living in New York—the mecca—during its peak. As a kid, I grew up making beats on the Akai MPC 60 Drum Machine, and I now use the Akai MPC Live II. The music of artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Mobb Deep, J Dilla, and Wu-Tang Clan resonated with me just as much as jazz legends like Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Art Blakey.”
Blending Jazz Improvisation with Hip Hop Beats
The creation of dB-ish: Straight Vibesss wasn’t just about drawing inspiration from hip hop; it was about merging it with the improvisational complexity of jazz. Barrett’s challenge was to integrate his live band with the rhythmic precision of the Akai MPC Live II, using it not just as a metronome but as a full-fledged member of the ensemble. “The hardest part of this project was getting the band to lock to the MPC Drum Machine to make it sound cohesive, as if the MPC was another band member. We worked on having musical elasticity even though playing to a drum machine,” Barrett explains.
The result is a series of tracks that push genre boundaries, maintaining the groove and pulse of hip hop while embracing the spontaneity and harmonic depth of modern jazz. “This recording was a dream project that these incredible musicians helped me to realize with their limitless talents,” Barrett shares. “Our goal at dB Studios is to mix genres with Modern Jazz and push the envelope musically and sonically.”
A Stellar Lineup of Musical Talent
Barrett’s experimental group, dB-ish, is comprised of a stellar cast of musicians, each bringing a distinct flavor and exceptional skill set to the project:
- Darren Barrett – Trumpet
- Santiago Bosch (Donald Harrison, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Esperanza Spalding) – Keyboards
- Warren Pettey (Newport Jazz Festival performer) – Keyboards
- Youngchae Jeong – Bass
- Julian Miltenberger – Drums
- Tobias Israel – Drums
The synergy of these musicians, combined with Barrett’s vision, has resulted in a sound that is as technically impressive as it is creatively compelling.
A Prolific Artist Expanding the Boundaries of Jazz
This latest project comes on the heels of an exceptionally productive period for Barrett, who released three albums last year alone to widespread critical acclaim. The Boston Globe, Jazziz, American Blues Scene, and more have praised his work, with DownBeat magazine highlighting the two albums dB-ish: The Path To Our Truth and The Get Down 4 Real: Step Step Steppin’ as explorations of multiple avenues toward musical truth.
A Berklee professor and a seasoned performer, Barrett has honed his craft alongside some of the biggest names in jazz and beyond, including Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Herbie Hancock, Common, Queen Latifah, and more. His impressive career and musical prowess have earned him a substantial social media following, with over 75,000 followers across platforms. His Instagram account (@darrendbee) alone boasts 57.7k followers, and his YouTube channel, All Things Brass and Technology, offers a deep dive into his creative process and musical explorations.
“dB’s Vibesss” — A Promising Prelude to Straight Vibesss
“dB’s Vibesss” is just a taste of what’s to come on dB-ish: Straight Vibesss. With its punchy beats, intricate improvisations, and a seamless blend of electronic and acoustic elements, the single sets the stage for an album that will appeal to fans of both jazz and hip hop. Barrett’s ability to navigate between genres, respecting the traditions of each while forging something new and forward-looking, marks Straight Vibesss as a highly anticipated release in 2024.
As we count down to the album’s release on February 7th, listeners can expect a transformative experience that showcases the very best of Darren Barrett’s innovative artistry. Keep an eye on his social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more music that will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries of jazz in exciting new directions.
Listen below: