The ORIGINAL Ms. Hill

YES! I doubted Lauryn Hill's return and lived to sallow my pride and my words. I heard she was real dope. I avoided Twitter for most of the night as there were constant tweets from the Indig02.

I sat in my house kicking myself, wishing that I didn't wait til the last hour to get tickets, so I guess I didn't really doubt her!


Just to make me feel better... or even worse - the clips from the Indig02 14th April 2012, Lauryn Hill.

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.

The Thiller Continues!

SHE’S STILL GOT IT!

After 13 years, Miss Jackson made her way back to the UK for her Up Close and Personal Tour. The legendary pop singer gave a superb performance of a selection of her number one hits from her amazing back catalogue.

London's Royal Albert Hall became royal grounds as the Multi -platinum award winning superstar served up more than 22 of her global smashes. Male and female fans from all ages left every seat empty as they reminisced to her music on their feet.

She opened up with the 1986 classic Nasty in the tightest white blazer and matching trousers showcasing how incredible her dancing skills were and still are.

Even seven years after that wardrobe mishap, the 45-year-old, was still able to do those iconic dance moves with surprising vocal control.

I mean, it's no secret that she has not got the strongest voice, but a distinctive mezzo soprano was extremely well trained for this tour.

After dedicating the 'Nasty' video to her London fans, Janet stormed onto the stage and straight into a medley of songs from her breakthrough album 'Control'.

Coming to the end of the first half she presented a her show reel of acting appearances, those of which included Diff'rent Strokes, Poetic Justice (with yes, that monologue) and also her recent role in Why Did I Get Married.

Being an ex (and run-down) dancer, I could only envy the talent of what I can only describe as art in movement as I watched the enthusiasm and attention to detail from her team. I sat there in amazement wishing I never gave up, although knowing me; I tried to recreate the moves in my room #EPICFAIL

For that reason, my favourite performance was Rhythm Nation! She had changed into a simple black outfit and flat boots - now that was my cue to get out my seat, coz I knew she was about to throw down some serious dancemoves and her mother! She even took it one step further and blended it with Scream - Absolutely Epic!

Michael's voice echoed through each beat while the music video played on the screen. As you can see, Janet did the song justice as this performance was perhaps the most electrifying of the whole night.

Other favourites were, What's it Gonna Be, which unfortunately, had everyone thinking they were as good as Busta Rhymes, Anytime, Anyplace, and That's the Way Love Goes.

Without a doubt, Janet did the works, and handed it on a plate. Conversely, I was expecting more from the creatives of the show, there were no evevations from the ceilings, no flying above the crowd, not even a clear theme in sight... Just her number ones. I mean, it's Janet Jackson, was I asking for too much?!?

Nonetheless, I can't fault her, she is, in my eyes a legendary entertainer, it's not every day Janet Jackson comes to town!

Now, my views of Michael Jackson's passing may be... let's say unorthodox to say the least, but funnily enough, I could feel him there (... coincidence? I think not)

She dedicated her last performance of Together Again to her late big brother as the confetti fell and the nights came up. A nice sentimental touch, thankfully leaving out a cringe-worthy speech about "Blanket".

An 8/10 for Miss Jackson, yeah, I’m nasssstay!

Dwele @ Jazz Cafe 11/4/2011

As you know, I can't stay in my house every week! I need to find places to go! So after numerous BBM broadcast messages, I found myself at the last night of Dwele's European Tour! Yay me!

To be honest, i'm not a Dwele enthusiast, as I think all of his ishk sounds very similar and almost monotonous, but he did rock the crowd!

I didn't arrive early enough to catch the opening act, because, well... I couldn't be bothered! I got there just in time to catch the Grammy nominated star hit the stage... in the same outfit he wore the show promotion material! Haha!

I don't think he cared though, as he strutted through the crowd and onto the stage to Kayne West's Power.
After his second entrance, as he was not impressed with his first reception, he made sure that he conversed with the crowd, asked them their name, serenaded a lil'!

Admittedly, as good as he was, I was disappointed that he didn't perform Travellin' Girl or Weekend Love, because, to me, they were turning points in his career. Nonetheless, I was enthused by the energy that he and his band acquired throughout the show. His key player has to be the most eccentric, dread wearing and excitable keyboard player I have ever experienced in my 5 years of music journalism! I am so sure than if that keyboard was not attached to the stand, he would have been doing backflips and playing upside down. I'm sure I got a whiff of dread in my eye, and I was by the back, no need for HD!

He rocked the mic with favourites, I Think I Love You, Cheating and Find a Way. But also reminded us of what brought us to the venue in the first place. Namely in the acoustic arrangements in my personal favourite Open Your Eyes (original by Bobby Cadwell, and also used for the hook in Common's The Light), and his tributes to Frankie Beverly and the late Nate Dogg.

He also performed tracks from his current album W.ANTS. W.ORLD. W.OMEN (W.W.W). Namely his album consisting of his alter ego his world documenting and his love for Women, because we can't forget that "baby making, bubble bath and audio hallmark card type of music."

Now, you know me - I can't not get my piece in! In closing the show, he swooned through the audience, serenading the ladies. Naturally, he came in my path, and I managed to give Dwele a little dance while he performed What's Not To Love.

It wasn't as bad as the Chris Brown Fiasco in 2008, but let's not go there!

The Script Concert, 25th March 2011

Being a music journalist, I've learnt to appreciate all types of music. So, contrary to some ignorant beliefs, I am in more than just bashment, R&B and Rap *shock horror*

Certain moods drive me to different genres, so when I’m walking home from work and wanna make noise tryna reach the high notes when walking through the subway, the Script is usually the first on my playlist!
Admittedly, I wasn't hooked when they first came on the scene with We Cry in 2008, because, to be honest, it was a little bland, and it took longer than a while for the song to grow on me. However towards the end of the year The Script became more than just that-other-Irish-band, they had coined their mark in indie music by ending their year on a high and becoming an award winning success.

So naturally, going where the music takes me, I go to my box at the 02 Arena, just as the Script got on stage.

The atmosphere in the 02 was absolutely electric! Fans had banners from pillar to post, face painting, and patriotic symbols - because we know London probably has the same amount of Irish citizens as Ireland!

Live Like We're Dying opened up the show and had the crowd going wild - flags flying, girls screaming and Guinness' opening!

Lead singer, Danny O'Donoghue made sure he made a real connection with his audience. Talking about his inspirations to write particular songs, which ones meant the most to him, what he was going through when we wrote Before the Worst. All of which really explained the tone of the album.

He was very engaging; he got into the crowd, as far as security would let him, taking phones and cameras so his fans could get the best footage.
Personally, as great as it was, I was expecting more of a shout-the-words-with-me, air-guitar-solo and guitar smashing performance! I wanted to shout the words at the top of my lungs and sing along to songs I loved, with words I didn't know, with my arms wrapped around a strangers shoulders! But I guess The Script are too cool for that!

The best part of the show, ironically, contained the most annoying climax.

I understand the need to build up the anticipation of their final performance of the night, but whoever made up the unwritten rule that acts should pretend go off stage, only to come back on again, should be stoned! It creates an anti climax, and for anyone over 21 years old, it is slightly roll-my-eyes, do-they-still-do-this? moment.

As I was in the box, my camera footage isn't as great as it could be (- well, that and maybe the cider that I had in the other hand). But it shows the artistic integrity of the atmosphere, and as a journalist, and not a photographer, this is what we try to create.