(May 2, 2019) What happens when you blend the legacy of Marvin Gaye, the fervor of a well-known contemporary jazz saxophonist who has collaborated with Kirk Whalum, Will Downing and others, and the improvised enthusiasm of predominately youthful dancers? When everything comes together on all ends, it results in an appealing video of “Got To Give It Up,” a cover of one of Gaye’s many super hits and Elan Trotman’s latest single from his tribute CD to the Motown icon, Dear Marvin (Woodward Avenue Records), which is our latest First Listen focus.
In a split screen production, the dancers are on one screen locking into to the funky grooves with ballet, jazz and tap moves, while Trotman occupies the other screen dropping those melodious sax lines completing the natural flow of musical minds at work.
(May 2, 2019) What happens when you blend the legacy of Marvin Gaye, the fervor of a well-known contemporary jazz saxophonist who has collaborated with Kirk Whalum, Will Downing and others, and the improvised enthusiasm of predominately youthful dancers? When everything comes together on all ends, it results in an appealing video of “Got To Give It Up,” a cover of one of Gaye’s many super hits and Elan Trotman’s latest single from his tribute CD to the Motown icon, Dear Marvin (Woodward Avenue Records), which is our latest First Listen focus.
In a split screen production, the dancers are on one screen locking into to the funky grooves with ballet, jazz and tap moves, while Trotman occupies the other screen dropping those melodious sax lines completing the natural flow of musical minds at work.
The Barbados born, Berklee School of Music graduate, certainly echoes his heart for the youth as noted in the “Got To Give It Up” video, as his Headstart Music foundation provides free instrument instruction to those between 7 and 11. Sure, “Got To Give It Up” passes the funk merrily along, just as Gaye brought way, way back. Yet the real point demonstrated in this accompanying video accentuates Trotman’s musicality and talented feet that exhibit the arts in a positive light. Check it out below.
By Peggy Oliver
Elan Trotman – “Got To Give It Up”