Tom Silverman

14.07.2011

Interview by Montreux Jazz TV

Tommy Boy 30th Anniversary Concert

If one had to find the common denominator between all the artists who will be present at the hip hop event in the Auditorium Stravinski, it would have to be Tom Silverman. For it is through his label Tommy Boy Records, which will celebrate its 30th year while at Montreux, that the crème de la crème of “old school” stage performers have been able to dominate the top of the charts. Since the early 1990s, many of them have written hits whose beats and lyrics will forever remain engraved in our minds. From sonic explorers such as Afrika Bambaataa to hit makers Coolio, Naughty by Nature as well as the unequalled flow of MCs from Digital Underground, not forgetting the dance floor hymn “Jump Around” by House of Pain - all the ingredients are there for a hip hop celebration worthy of its name on this anniversary event.

As a throwback to 27 years ago when street artist Keith Haring painted frescoes on stage at the Montreux Casino while Bill Laswell’s group Material performed, the “Tommy Boys” are to surround themselves with dancers and graffiti artists. The show is to be orchestrated by turntable maestro Prince Paul in person. It’s difficult to imagine a better line-up when honouring a movement that has marked several generations and has never lost its musical and on-stage prowess.

(FFJM © 2011)