[music] MVP

The best way I can describe MVP frontman Nicholas Barron is a cross between Al Green and David Byrne...eccentric to a fault, but with undeniable charisma and oozing soul. The band describes itself as "acoustic hip-hop and soul," combining slinky grooves with acoustic guitar, occasionally improvised lyrics, jazz sensibility, horns and a revolving door of stellar musicians. Barron and drummer Steve Gillis anchor the group, and while I still think the band is great in it's current form, they lost their secret weapon when trumpeter/vocalist Peven Everett left the group in late 1997 or early 1998.