by Ursula Rogers
Monday night Austin experienced multiple musical virtuosos with the prodigal talents of Abraham Alexander and Black Violins. The Black Violins displayed their slick hybrid of Hip Hop and classical music at Dell Hall at the Long Center. Fans were bursting with excitement. There was a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in a beautiful setting.
Music is one the greatest ways for humans to connect. When we rip away everything about us ,what’s left is humanity. With the strum of his guitar, duskiness of his voice, and vulnerability of his lyrics Abraham Alexander frees parts of us we didn’t realize were captive. The humble, talented musicians won new fans this week. It’s odd to think Alexander, born to Nigerian parents in Greece and immigrated to Texas, didn’t want anything to do with music. Fortunately for us he wound up humming on Leon Bridges’ award-winning album, “Coming Home.” At the behest of Bridges Alexander began to write his own music. I find it hard to fathom he learned how to play guitar only 8 years ago by watching Gary Clark Jr on YouTube. His mix of soul, R&B, and folk music helped create his debut album, “Sea/Sons.” An album where he had a song featuring Gary Clark Jr.
Abraham invited the audience to sing along to one of those songs, “Stay.” Initially, some were hesitant, we all slowly vocalized with the chorus of “Stay”. Each utterance became louder and more confident. At one point someone’s voice cracked “Stay” and while the audience giggled it wasn’t in a cruel way. It was more of an understanding we had at that moment.
Abraham managed to turn his tumultuous story into one that acknowledges the pain of racism, losing his mother and brother, and of life. There is still so much more, there is hope, there is joy, there is the connectivity of music. He possesses a freeing honesty that fosters connection and intimacy. Abraham proves all you need is a man and his guitar.
Black Violin continued the dazzling array of musical gifts with their blend of hip hop and classical music. Violins are not just for one genre much like a group doesn’t have to be tied to one musical genre.
The hip hop duo comprised of classically trained instrumentalists, Kev Marcus, and Wil B., have performed with artists such as Alicia Keys, Wu Tang Clan, and Tom Petty. I was first introduced to Black Violin via Showtime at the Apollo which is regarded by the duo as one of the toughest crowds on the planet to perform for. They are a huge reason I love all genres of music today.
Their love and passion for music was clear Monday. They left it all on the stage. A couple of my personal favorites included their rendition of “A Flat” and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” which was a pleasant surprise. In true hip hop fashion, a portion of their performance included a freestyle segment.
Black Violin’s performance was a sonic and visual feast. Their band included drums, a DJ, and keyboard player; each had their time to shine as during a solo opportunity. The set design included colored lights synchronized with the music. It truly was an experience.
We also see their love for the arts through their philanthropic work. They reach over 100,000 children with the Black Violin Foundation and they have a mentorship program with Mary Bethune Cookman in their native state of Florida. These multifaceted musicians are a true delight and I highly recommend Abraham Alexander and Black Violin for any music lover.
Check out all our photos from the show at Austin 101 Magazine.
Abraham Alexander Upcoming Tour Dates
MAR 2, 2024
Fort Worth Music Festival
Fort Worth, TX
APR 26, 2024
Home Sweet Home Festival
Bentonville, AR
MAY 3, 2024 – MAY 5, 2024
BeachLife Festival
Redondo Beach, CA
MAY 17, 2024
Ryman Auditorium
Nashville, TN
Supporting Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
JUN 14, 2024
The Mission Ballroom
Denver, CO
supporting Black Pumas
JUN 15, 2024
The Mission Ballroom
Denver, CO
supporting Black Pumas
SOLD OUT
JUN 16, 2024
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Vail, CO
supporting Black Pumas
JUN 21, 2024
Surly Brewing Festival Field
Minneapolis, MN
supporting Black Pumas
SEP 19, 2024 – SEP 22, 2024
Bourbon & Beyond Festival (Kentucky Exposition Center)
Louisville, KY
Black Violin Upcoming Tour Dates:
MAR 19, 2024
Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Shipshewana, IN
MAR 20, 2024
Rialto Square Theatre
Joliet, IL
MAR 21, 2024
Brown Theatre
Louisville, KY
MAR 22, 2024
Taft Theatre
Cincinnati, OH
MAR 23, 2024
KeyBank State Theatre
Cleveland, OH
MAR 24, 2024
Ohio Theatre
Columbus, OH
MAR 27, 2024
The Music Hall
Portsmouth, NH
MAR 28, 2024
The Cabot
Beverly, MA
MAR 29, 2024
Palace Theatre
Albany, NY
MAR 30, 2024
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Providence, RI
APR 2, 2024
City Winery
New York, NY
APR 3, 2024
City Winery
New York, NY
APR 4, 2024
Bergen Performing Arts Center
Englewood, NJ
APR 5, 2024
World Cafe Live
Philadelphia, PA
APR 6, 2024
The Grand Opera House
Wilmington, DE
APR 7, 2024
Chrysler Hall
Norfolk, VA
