Many artists have claimed to merge jazz with hip-hop and R&B, but most often this music ends up being little more than an MC rapping over a drum machine layered with sampled acoustic bass and horn lines (think Us3's "Cantaloop", or "Rebirth of Slick" by Digable Planets). While these efforts maintain the solid groove of hip-hop, they ignore the improvisational elements and harmonic sophistication that is the essence of jazz. However, there seems to be a small group of artists emerging who are attempting this fusion while staying true to both traditions. Among them are the District's own Motel, as well as trombonist Sarah Morrow (pictured), who is performing tonight at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club.

"This record is very personal to me," Morrow said, speaking of her album, Elektric Air, which will be released in the fall. "It's something that I spent a lot of years developing and it's combining jazz with urban elements, but it’s still jazz."

Morrow, a native of Ohio, got her big break playing with the great Ray Charles in the mid-1990s. That gig led to stints with former Miles Davis collaborator Foley, jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, and others. These tours gave Morrow exposure in Europe, which in turn lead to her signing with RDC Records, a French label. One requirement of her contract was that she relocate to France, a move that proved fortuitous.

"Just by chance, I also happened to be in love with someone in Paris," Morrow admitted laughingly.

Morrow wrote the material on Elektric Air with specific musicians in mind. Her recording band included pianist Robert Glasper, bassist Derrick Hodge, turntablist Jahi Sundance Lake, and most notably drummer Chris Dave, who has performed with artists ranging from Me'shell N'degeocello to saxophonist Kenny Garrett. While Jahi Sundance will be performing tonight, after having performed at the KC Jazz Club with his father last fall, scheduling conflicts require a substitute band that will include pianist Sam Barsh, bassist Earl Travis, and drummer Nate Robinson. This is the same lineup with which Morrow has toured Europe.

"For this style, I felt that I really needed to bring guys from the States," she explained. "In France, hip-hop is kind of a baby."

While Morrow certainly stands out from the jazz crowd because of her musical groundbreaking, there is also the unfortunate reality that she is one of few female horn players getting widespread recognition in today's jazz world. Still, Morrow retains a hopeful attitude and remains optimistic.

"It hasn’t been easy, and anyone who says there isn’t prejudice is living in a dream world," Morrow said. "But the good news is that things are a lot easier now than they were in the beginning."

To the up-and-comers out there, she said, "For other young women who are just starting, the problem comes when people start to get bitter, but I feel really lucky because I work with great musicians. It’s an exciting time."

Sarah Morrow and her group will perform two sets at the KC Jazz Club tonight at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are sold out, but it is always worth contacting the box office for last minute cancellations.

Image from Sarah Morrow's website