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. more ›