Deuxième is a story of convergence: hip-hop, jazz, indie, groove, technology, tradition. With Rick Mitarotonda on guitar and Doug Bogan on keyboards/production, the duo is seeking to redefine what it means to be a musician these days by straddling both the electronic and acoustic worlds.
Growing up together in the suburbs of Connecticut, Rick and Doug played in a soul/groove group for many years. After a long hiatus, they came together again to start Deuxième, which draws on its members’ extensive formal training as jazz/classical musicians to create a unique hybrid of genres. The result is an entirely new electro-acoustic groove.
The track is an energetic journey that is highlighted by a beautiful progression, capped off with a soulful electric guitar solo to close things out. I was left wanting a bit more at the dropping points, but high marks for Deuxième's first release regardless.