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!)

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 Younger Brothers - an Angie LeMar adaptation. FairField Halls

In 2006, LeMar produced The Brothers which was showcased in the Hackney Theatre and became the fastest selling show and box office sell out since the theatre's showing of Hamlet.
Four years forward, aspiring director Natasha Cox and her team amended the script and re-crafted the piece, birthing The Younger Brothers.

This adaptation, to be set in East London University, as opposed to East London, Docklands, follows the lives of three young men, finding themselves in love, in problems and in trouble, coupled with betrayal and deceit.

Aaron Fontaine, Mikel Ameen and Travis Jay were the chosen actors that were put forward to personalise characters previously played by Chuky Venice, MC Harvey and Jason Barrett. This allowed the actors, to erase the stigmas attached to the previous character and give them the creative license to drive in another direction of the play. Alongside starred upcoming, award-winning actresses Kyla Frye, Elizabeth Kareklas, Annabell Nartey and Elysha Myton.

As this was a press reading, there was no elaborate staging, effective use of lighting or levels used. This was simply a showcase of the beginning works of a creative piece that was out, birthing potential. The intimate crowd consisted of editors, funders, organisation leaders and close family and friends of those taking part.

Usually, a press reading is, quite literally, the actors reading from the script to give the audience a brief overview of the concept; surprisingly however, regardless of six days rehearsals, the Thespians had down-pacted their characters so much, they were able, not not only learn the script, but unlearn, revise and rebirth the characters.

"It took a while for me to make this character my own" explains Travis Jay, "watching the production of the original so many times, I had already known my lines , by observation alone, so learning wasn't the hard part, it was learning them for myself and creating my own character, rather than producing what had already been done, was the hard part."

Throughout the viewing, this was evident. The cast has personalized their characters very well through, what is considered as a very short time of character development. During my own studies of Drama and Theatrical studies, being an actor is not just being able to remember lines and attach a feeling. It's about being able to make fiction a reality. (I'm about to go into theatre mode, so i'll stop here about that lol)

"Im nothing like my character, she was her own person, I had to learn her, but her in different situations, know her background, from her heritage, what type of education she had, how her past relationships had an effect on the one that you can see in the play - My job is to make sure that this information comes across through my character".

That it did! Mylton's character, Sonia, had to be my favourite, and she was probably my favourite actress of the night! Her tone of voice was on point, her centre of energy was apparent and rightly so, Sonia was someone that everybody knew. You know that person who just can't sense the tone, doesn't know how to talk in delicate situations? - Yup!

As I said, it wasn't a full blown theatre performance, but with six well, trained actors potential is brought from the power of the pen.

Angie Le Mar stood proud as she examined her work, taken into someone else's hand.
"It took a lot of trust, but sometimes, that's what it takes. Watching that made me feel like Shakespeare". I'm very proud".

The Younger Brothers is due to be in full production and on tour in the summer. Watch this space! You cant see the play just yet, but you know how I like to tease:

TRAILER: Younger Brothers Trailer » Angie Le Mar

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.

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!

The Brown Mound of Sound! Brian McKnight

Another one of the most under rated artists around graced the Indig02, London in December.
Brian McKnight holds the record for having received 16 nominations without winning a single one.

The voice behind a lot of the all time heartbreak-cry-your-eyes-out-feeling-sorry-for-yourself music started his career in 1992, and although he has been successful, he still remains under rated, but nonetheless highly appreciated by lovers of real, heartfelt lyrics.
The man of the moment has females (and worryingly, males!) of all ages screaming when he opened up the show with Find Myself in You. He wore a muscle clinging t-shirt that reminded ladies, although he may not be as young as Trey Songz, you must remember where Trey got it from!
It’s no surprise that he felt comfortable being on the stage although he has been away from the UK for a hot minute. He reminded me of that cool uncle that you see at wedding that is always just so smooth with it! Still doing his two-step, simple but so contagious dance moves, showing that he's still got it!
That may have been his objective for this show, and he definitely exceeded vocally when he performed what I have prematurely quoted as my wedding song Only One for Me.
UNLIKE, MusicSoulChild he did not ruin the song, but enhanced its beauty and made me visualise myself going the isle (even though it may be no time soon)!

...AND he mixed it with 1000 Kisses! Getting the crowd on their feet and sharing the mic with the front row of the audience. He also did an emotional, heartfelt version of She's Out of My Life complete with a beautiful back drop of Michael Jackson and a very acoustic version of Sexual Healing.
He was VERY appreciative of his band, and to the audience. One lucky lady called Simone (Imagine- the girl had the cheek to use my name!) was "brought" up onto the stage (you know sometimes how these girls are pre-picked) and greeted with an arrangement of flowers and serenaded by the man himself as he sung an extraordinary beautiful song Another You. This is the same song that he sung as he proposed to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day of this year.
Personally, if I was his fiancé, wouldn’t like if he serenaded a fan in the same way- but hey, this blog isn't about that!

What I applaud him on, is his versatile performance attribute! Not only is his voice impeccable- he sat down on the keys, played and sang, and also took over a bass guitar!
So, not only is he a multi talented, but he passed on his talents on his off spring and took a back seat as they graced the stage.


Not many people would do this, but willing played the bass and the piano as they performed Why Can’t She Be More Like You, and also allowed them to do their own tracks.
His son was more than eager to please as he got off stage and walked into the audience, just to be close to his audience. Now, I’ve never seen an artist do that, so I was highly impressed.
Of course Brian McKnight did his classics, including Anytime, Still the One and 6,8,12. Although he didn't do You Should Be Mine, I'm very glad I didn’t miss it.