Council of Word at The Walnut Room, American Pizzeria and Live Music Venue

Council of Word

Since Zulu Nation-influenced hip-hop began waning in the early ‘90s, artists of the constantly-transforming genre have continually tried to mimic the sound that led bands like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest to commercial success. Unfortunately, most fail. Denver’s forward-thinkers Council of Word cite such influences in the liner notes of their independent release CO2: A Heavy Gas, an ambitious display of delicious sampling, lightly funky undertones and wise lyricism about family, pride and personal growth. That’s not to say Council has fully succeeded in reviving the genre, but tracks such as “Council Gets Down” and “Don’t Change Your Love” — with percussive-heavy, Latin-spiced rhythm and Del Tha Funky Homosapien-like lyrical bravado — are examples of what hip-hop has been and, rightfully, should be again. The Council can be a bit chunky at times, with typical turntable intros and a mishmash of ringing bass lines, but the duo of Danny One Shoe (Dan Overby) and Deep Rawk Dave (Dave Ashton) keep it real, if you will, with witticism, lively tempos and pure, positive energy. That’s the Word, and they’re sticking to it.
Written by Jeremy Johnson