The dynamics of life and music are found in the collaboration of band members. The guys of Calmodee take that knowledge and put into their work.

Calmodee (pronounced Calm-O-dee) is a five-piece band that meshes together live instruments and lyrics to create a refreshing jazz approach to hip-hop.

“It’s hip-hop for people who like music,” said Lexxx Luther, one of the band’s two MCs.
The group use a basis of jazz to create a sound they feel has been long forgotten in the genre.

“The live instrumentation breaks away from the bad connotation of hip-hop,” Luther said. “We’ve moved the idea of hip-hop away from rap, and it will open ears.”

Calmodee’s ability to fuse sounds might be derived from its ability to collaborate.

Sanford Barnett plays guitar, Lex Razon percussions, Mic Blake is an MC alongside Luther. Newest band member Andre Marshall on bass and keys.

Calmodee co-founder Lex Razon is no stranger to collaborating with others to create music and the challenges that coincide. Razon and Luther agree getting down to it and working together can sometimes be difficult.

“Making music is an intimate thing,” Luther said. “You have to put the work in and understand how each person works.”

Razon compares being a band member to being in a marriage. You have to have dedication and be willing to make sacrifices.

“Some people have to take their time and some people have to get it out. That’s the dynamic of life and music is a microcosm of that,” Razon said. “That’s the hardest part.”

Recording sessions might be challenging but they make it work.

“Despite the trials and tribulations, when you have something that sounds great, those people become the closest people to you. You feel that magic,” Luther said.

All the challenges and persistence in the studio can be seen in their upcoming album, “First Born.”

Appropriately titled, it’s their first venture together. It has 11 tracks and it was co-written by every member.

With contributions from everyone, they said the album highlights their versatility.

“It’s less of an album in the traditional sense and more of a representation of what we can do,” Luther said.

Oakland rapper Too $hort appears on one track.

The album has yet to be released but people eager for a first taste can see them play two free shows at Moody’s Bistro & Lounge in Truckee at 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21.
The band promises a fun show with lots of audience interaction.

“Things are so crazy in our country and in our state. Let’s forget all of that and have a good time,” Luther said.