Funky Bijou

Stereotypes marks the third LP but major-label debut for hip-hop/classical crossover duo Black Violin, who also incorporate jazz, R&B, roots, rap, and pop into their unconstrained sound.

Violinist Marcus and violist Wil B invited numerous collaborators to the recording, including but not limited to Grammy-winning singer Melanie Fiona, rapper Pharoahe Monch, keyboardist Ray Angry (Dianne Reeves, Elvis Costello), drummer Daru Jones (Jack White, Talib Kweli), string arranger/performer Rob Moose (yMusic, Alabama Shakes, Bon Iver), and producer Eli Wolf (Norah Jones, Digable Planets).

Much more likely to appeal to open-minded hip-hop devotees and those with eclectic tastes than to strict classical fans, the impressive collection offers 11 original tunes, including the atmospheric and wistful « Addiction » and virtuosic instrumental « Runnin’, » as well as a funky, mostly instrumental cover of the Bacharach-David classic « Walk on By. »