Sh*t, Damn, D'Angelo...

After his twelve year hititus, fans eagerly waited for his two night show at the Brixton 02 Academy. Ques stretched around the venue, starting behind people who had been outside in the minus temperatures from 1pm that day in order to get the top spot.

Even the most cynical of fans doubted he would come back reminiscent of the Voodoo guy we once knew, but the soul sensation who changed the game back in 1995 came with one thing to prove.


The stage was equipped with a full drum kit for Chris Dave, two backing vocalists, one multi-keyboard player, three guitarists, the lead one being Jesse Johnson of Prince and The Time, Pino Palladino and an additional one for the man himself.

Looking like Jimmy Hendrix from where I was sitting, which was FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR, he was on the stage with some uncombed hair, leather jacket (which he did take off to reveal those rather firm biceps) and these... these baggy, trouser/pant combustion which was just beyond me!


Before he got on stage the crowd were sweating with anticipation, giving a stand ovation five minutes before he even got to the stage. And after that first note.... sighs and cheers of relief to hear that D'Angelo's still got it!  Some women,  people may have set their visual standards too high expecting him to come out with his shirt off and make the "gained weight" gossips eat their words (pun intended), but he's not 21 any more!
But he is the talented, multi-instrumental singer/songwriter that we remember. He still has the Barry baritones and the Prince falsettos and opened the show with his new music.


Now, this was not the concert of D'Angelo: Live at the Jazz Cafe album I was hoping for, but this was D'Angelo revamping himself and being a aggressor of the blues/funk era. With his iconic band member firmly planted in that genre and being blossomed from Minneapolis they FUNKED UP the venue! They had people dancing, not one seat was sat on for the first hour of his performance and for his cover of Parliement's I've Been Watching You.


What he did, and his talent was immense to say the least, BUT... he was tooo self indulgent. In trying exhort all the funk and the Prince-like elements of his music, he didnt give the audience what they wanted enough, with many leaving before his unoriginal version of Brown Sugar!!! YOU CARRRRNT DO THAT! One of his most iconic tunes, you have do a version that equates the tone of the original- at least at the beginning, especially as it was the finale show, causing many leave dissapointed without staying for the encore. 

If he incorporated his signature sound with his specialised band, I'm sure it would have been more than welcomed to experiment with the arrangements and be a side of Prince with an undertone of Rick James if that's what he wants to be these days. But as it's so rare for people to see him, he needs to remind them with a just a few tastes of why they bought the tickets playing things a bit like they were, especially if he wants to bond with a fan base for any new music coming. 


In saying that, his 15 minute keyboard solo set was stunning. Almost worth it in itself. But you heard the reaction to the way too short snippet of How Does It Feel...the roof lifted off!!! And with only a verse and a half of Crusin', can you imagine if he did just that one song with the full band...the crowd would have gone home happy securing his legend status and he could have played rock funk for the rest of the set. Instead many didn't get what they came for.


Personally, I thought it was a tad selfish to pull a whole concert like that when you take so long to do a concert. If you went to for the soul, i hope you had a seated ticket. But if funk is your thing, make sure you get one of those tickets at the door for tonight! 

Grammy Award Winning Legends: Boyz II Men

Saturday 28th January saw the record breaking, most successful R&B group of all time grace the stage of the Brixton Carling Academy, Brixton.
Fans of all ages and all nationalities qued around the block, down the road and along the back roads to get the best unreserved seat for their one night performance.
Recognisably quoted as the Most Successful musical group of the 1990's by Billboard, Boyz II Men opened the show in true 90's style: black trousers, white shirts, waistcoats and black ties with nothing but a mic and a chair each.

As much as I love Boyz II Men, I was disappointed at the lack of production for their gig. There were no instruments, no on stage production, no live band :( Just singing to a backing track.
In saying that, this is Boyz II Men, the group to have the longest number one of 14 weeks on the US Bilboard Charts, so they have their voices to compensate.
The crowd didn't mind AT ALL, with Shawn Stockman as their "spokesman" for the night, Boyz II Men were able to connect with audience show their appreciation, even though the crowd's roar were too loud for the group to hear the music through their ear mics. With that being said, I can see how that would have caused a problem for the mediocre cats in the industry today, but they encouraged the jungle of cheers and continued to harmonise perfectly.

Best known for their soulful ballads and a cappella harmonies, romance filled the air as they performed ground breaking classics such as, I'll Make Love To You, On Bended Knee, Doing Just Fine, Four Seasons of Loneliness, End of The Road  and covering Take That's Back For Good pitch perfect. They also tributed their signing namesake Motown and showcased songs from their 2007 album Hitsville USA, covering the Four Tops I'll Be There/Reach Out and Barrett Strong's Money (That's What I Want). 


Boyz II Men delighted the crowd, explaining the release of their new album, signifying "20" years in the business, performing new tracks and handing out long steamed roses to the audience before running(man)  into I Can't Let Her Go and my favourite Motownphilly. 


With every seat and isle of the Brixton Academy packed with loyal fans, each person left grudgingly left with satisfaction and some even left with personalized gifts from them....

Coldplay at the 02

Yellow chart toppers Coldplay absolutely sold out the 02 Arena this weekend.
The arena saw almost 20,000 fans gather to watch the seven-time Grammy award winning alternative rock band perform worldwide hits including Viva La Vida, Paradise, The Scientist and my personal favourite When I Ruled  The World.
The thing that impressed me most about this concert, was the stage production and the band's energy. 
The set was amazingly vibrant was portrayed the theme of their current album Mylo Xyloto. Bright flashing lights infused with colour made the artwork backdrop the most creative sets I have ever seen!

For every song, the production element stole the moment - there was always something new to look at! Giant brightly coloured balloons descended from the rafters bouncing among the audience, plumes rose from the ground shooting confetti into the air, laser beams, band played on a satellite stage, the lighting rig swayed and shifted, video screens flickered. And then there were those wristbands:
Each person was given a wristband as they entered the concert. I thought it was a free souvenir, however, at the touch of a button by the tech guys, each wristband flashed to the rhythm of the song that was playing! Imagine- at any given moment in the dark arena 20,000 multi-coloured lights flash at the beginning of your favourite track! 

Ahh - I love it!
I think that set the group off, because lead singer Chris Martin was drenched with sweat and fell on stage- and who could blame him? He ran up and down from stage to stage, the band moved on a giant X at the centre of the arena where they played the new gem Up In Flames, the classic Don’t Panic and the touchy Us Against The World, down with his face to the keyboard and finally a smash of a guitar! You know how long i've been waiting to see that at a live concert! 
What was also quite impressive, although it may be down to my shameful lack of knowledge of the band, is that the other members of the group can also sing and were commendably applauded by the fans!

The festival-like atmosphere that filled the 02 made this the concert of the year!

Miguel at Forum, Kentish Town

Last week saw the welcoming of LA rising star Miguel to London’s HMV’s Forum, Kentish Town.
Although Miguel was signed to Jive Records in 2007, his debut album was only released in November 2010, only to be prompted by J Cole’s single All I Want is You.
A year later, he headlines his own gig, supported by the UK’s own CleoSol and Bluey Robinson.I’ve been a fan of CleoSol since her days of performing at iLuvLive, so now it’s great to see her really coming into her own. I really loved the way she saluted Jill Scott’s presence by opening her set to “The Way”, which really complimented her soulful jazz sound. Even though she soared through Free My Mind, it’s a shame her band out-noised her. She definitely increased her fan base that night, but it was apparent that

Bluey Robinson had a much stronger fan-base. Surprisingly, this is the first time I’ve managed to catch Bluey Robinson and I got a warm welcome as he open up with an acoustic version of Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much.

With just him and his guitar man, he also covered Craig David’s Fill Me In and Frank Ocean’s We All Try before performing his own track Show Girl. I love this dude; his sound reminded me of Justin Timberlake at his peak. Understandably, all the girls loved him.

The girls were on absolute heat at this concert as Miguel entered the stage in a grey fitted suit and approached his red-lit mic stand. His energy is very Monae-like! Although his dance moves are questionable (thank God, he’s stagnant in his videos), it is clear to see that he is inspired by Prince and made sure that it was evident in the musical arrangement of his band and his stage production. Although he puts on a great show, this may be the first time I’ve seen a show that does not give stage time to the band, or even have backing vocalists! I was disappointed by this as is this is usually the highlight of a show for me, but admittedly his energy and connection with the crowd pleased his audience – not forgetting his female fans, who were clearly aroused by his various display of “talents” that even Trey Songz would have been shocked at. But evidently, his biggest track Sure Thing is now big enough of a song to carry without having a great display of vocals.

He Couldn't Hear Me Over the Music: Eric Roberson

10 year veteran, Grammy-nominated Eric Roberson graced the Indig02 to reunite once again with his loyal fans.
Arguably named as the God-father of Neo Soul, Eric Roberson has consistently produced quality music, ensuring that his fans are never disappointed.
As no stranger to the scene, being a writer and vocalist for Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott and Dwele he was anxious to ignite the stage with his one-night shown at the 02's sister venue, coinciding the release of his 8th album Mister Nice Guy.
Starting promptly at 9pm, he opened the show, looking sharp in his suit with Newness and immediately got the crowd excited, filling in for Phonte.
He also performed his impressive back catalogue including Been In Love, Dealing, She and my favourite from him thus far, Howard Girls.

I was more than impressed with his innovative 70's, go-go and OutKast sets! He rocked out with his band, and actually tried to dance (looking like someone's dad... #sustained).
But, he really enjoyed performing to his loyal fan, taking the time to connect with the audience, and signing autographs after the show. He proved his excellence once more by doing a freestyle and nailing the damn thing by taking random words from the audience.
Me and my girl @ri_starc5 enjoyed the hell out of ourselves, no way we were gonna miss this!


"saltfish", "expalidoscious", "toothpaste", "octopus" & "breastmilk"

ERRO, I SALUTE YOU!

More Music, Less Noise

More Music, Less Noise presented a brilliant night with full of eclectic live talent, complete with an in-house band and after party.

My girl Emma (@officialmusicjunkie) and I love seeking new talent - it's in our blood, and embedded in our  career.
Last night we went to More Music, Less Noise, which was one of the best events i've been to in a long time!
Situated at Adam's St Members Bar, it was the perfect location for a sleek event with a very relaxed vibe.
Unbeknownst to me, I ended up talking with the host of the event, Alim Kamara. Alim is also an hip hop artist from the UK. What attracted me to him was his merchandising.
I tend to be drawn to all sorts of creativity, but I have never been handed a bottle of Poetry!
A bottle!
Sorry, I was intrigued by that!
Anyways, performance-wise, i was very impressed with the set from AKS. He gave a very strong performance and his stage presence was eccentric. The house band complimented his sound and gave an accented soul to his set which very much emphasised the vibe of the night.
I also managed to catch my one of my favourite singers of the moment, Nadine Charles,who I discovered at the Glenn Lewis gig  and always makes her performance seem so effortless.

All acts were able to encompass the vibe of the event by providing an acoustic sound that the audience enjoyed.
I personally have never been at a party where Common and Talib Kweli is played in the same mix as old skool funky house, but Less Is More Music made it work, and made it work very well!

Definitely a must-go to event!

This event was brought to you by Less Is More Music, primary organisers and promoters of More Music Less Noise.
For more information  on upcoming events, please visit the OnIt! website

Soul-D-Out UK

I had a fantastic surprise this weekend! I got treated to a wonderful West-Indian meal at Cottons Restaurant and Bar (Islington Branch). Very good value for money, seeing as I was pop-belly, full-of-meat- full afterwards, coz you know me, I need some something dead on my plate to make me feel like I've eaten, I mean, I'm not a rabbit! lol

Focus of this post: Soul-D-Out at Rhum Jun Bar, Angel.

Every second Saturday of the month Rhum bar presents this small bar with the welcoming sound of acoustic and original UK music. NO, not just "neo-soul"

The venue it's self is pleasant, but also selective in it's simplicity. The lighting was just enough to set the tone of the night, intimate table spaces and comfortable sofas. The bar is quite small, but Happy Hour always makes up for it!

The house bands at these events are always talented and makes you appreciate the creative process behind the piece and blahblahblah.. ANYWAY> The acts:-

Atlanta Smith

Hailing from Pecknarm and bringing a pleasant start to the evening. As harsh as it sounds, it was just that, I wouldn't go out and pay for background music. However she did have a song called Closer, which I can't find on YouTube, which had a Black Coffe- soulful-house sound to it. Certified fan, of that track.

Talking of fans, the room seemed to become increasingly excited about Ayisha Renne. Now, aside from her undeniable upkeep and shoicidal footwear, this girl had a voice. I know I say this too often, but her voice had a very earth-toned depth to it, which was highlighted in her cover of Cam'ron song, Daydreamin'. She's been about for a hot minute now, bringing and leaving with a lot of the crowd, more fool them coz they missed, who I believe was the highlight of all acts. No! Not Lifford that sung Please Dont Turn Me On with Artful Dodger.

No. no *wags finger*

IN'SGHT

The duo graduates from the BRIT school gave the vocal performance of the night - HANDS DOWN.

Their harmonies created timeless and emotive melodies that the Blind Recognition house band was able to accentuate with ease. Performing original material, their combination of R&B, soul,

acoustic and commercial pop.They also covered Adele's Someone Like You and gave it a soulful and harmonic sound. These guys harmonies give me goosebumps.

They're no BoyzIIMen or N Sync, but this is the best harmonies i've heard as far as duos go.

But don't take my word for it, see for yourself....

So, I'm gonna check out their mixtape on this site

And a give you a cover, coz i'm nice like that ;)
(But the kitchen... Don't blame me!)

They Still Got iT! SWV and Faith Evans Gig Review

Long before Destiny's Child and 702, we had TLC, Total and SWV.
When I found out that they were coming to town for a few nights, I was unsure whether if I wanted to go. Being an 80's baby, 90's Kid, I grew up listening to 90's R&B and I still stand and say that the era was the turning point of R&B. I remember being, like, 8years old, watching my sister and her friends getting ready to go out. I would sit on the end of her bed while she got glammed up with Mary Jane girls and Jodeci playing in the background. Not forgetting the times when my brother would have a party in the house and I wouldn’t be allowed to join in the fun, yet watch from the top of the stairs... yeah, good times!
I didn't want to taint the fond memories that their music brought, but SWV knew that had to bring the heat, and they put that Ingid02 on FIRE!

Courtesy of Chris Philips, I anxiously, I sat with him and my girl from Choice FM (shout out to my girl Zorica! Check her views on the concert on her blog waiting for one of the greatest girl groups of the 90's to grace the stage.
The were welcomed with a roar of applause from eager, loyal fans as they entered and were very thankful for each and every person that came out to support them after 18years.
Now obviously, they didn't come out in their tight PVC attire the big hoop earrings that they are remembered for, nonetheless they looked stunning in their sequined leggings and flattering cat suits!
Bearing in mind, it has been 18years and women’s body fluxuates in a matter of weeks; they still looked good- you can’t expect everyone to be able to stay the same size they were almost two decades ago!
They opened the show with their debut track from 1992 Right Here. Which lead them to one have one of the longest running number-one R&B singles of 1993.

The performance of their 2nd song So Into You automatically had the audience on their feet providing an aura of a 9o's party. Everybody with seated tickets was out of their seats, out of their rows, in the isles, whippin' their hair along with Lelee, grown women screaming and reminiscing on their throwback days. The way they interacted with the audience was impeccable

One of the highlights of the show was when they selected genuine members from the audience and asked to join them on stage.
A particular young guy was celebrating his birthday, gushingly, he took centre stage and was serenaded an SWV special of Happy Birthday.
Unknowingly, sitting behind me was Vula. Vula opened up for Musiq SoulChild when I reviewed his gig here, and was also selected to be on stage with the girls and sing Weak.
Getting as much love as the act, the three fans made us cheer, laugh, singing along and loving every minute.

They performed all of their biggest hits and Coko also did a LaBelle cover of If Only You Knew How Much I Loved You which crowned her as a young Pattie.
Shows like these don’t always go according to time, especially when the host keeps bringing the
acts back on stage - Not that I’m complaining now! But Faith Evans appeared (just as my battery decided to take a chill pill), and kept the show moving!
She too, thanked her loyal fans for their continuing support, standing in the crowd with 'I Love Faith' T-shirts, and said he was surprised to come to London because she was unsure that people remembered who she was.
She soon reminded them that the Grammy Award winner deserved her title as she performed tracks like You Gets No Love, Can't Believe, As Soon As I Get Hone, Love Like This Before and a funk version of Burning Up. Oh yes, she went to TOWN on that song! Throwing her towel down in passion-She worked the stage until her clothes were literally drenched in sweat!

My favourite performance from her was Never Let You Go. She delivered that song with so much emotion, on her couching-tiger-hidden-dragon ishk! Excuse my language, but this girl SAAAANG from the crack of her ass with that tune! Her adlibs were on point, her stage presence was précis and you would feel every word she was singing was from raw unadulterated emotion. It’s a shame my battery conked out before I could capture it, because that too, was one of the highlights of the show.
Faith Evans is an artist that has no shame about the negativity that comes her way, being in the industry. Her relationship with Biggie was depicted in the Notorious Film and she was highly blamed for her husbands’ unresolved drive-by death and her involvement in the EastCoast-WestCoast rap rivalry. As most artists do, they project their pain. When she sang Again, she gives all her praises to God for everything that she has been through and she wouldn’t change a thing.
That to me was the most touching part of the concert. I sat back on my chair and allowed myself to be taken into the lyrics that were being sung.

"In ATL I caught a case
And the media tried to say
I had a habit
I couldn’t manage
and I am throwing my life away .....
If I had to do it all again
I wouldn’t take away the rain Cuz I know it made me who I am
If I had to do it all again
I’ve learn so much from my mistakes that’s how I know He's watching me"

Because of these reasons, I would have to quote Faith Evans and SWV as having the best concert that i've seen this year.
Shout out to Chris Philips for sharing his tickets with me, so much love!