Yesterday night I returned home totally intoxicated. I was giddy from one thing and one thing only-a good concert. There is something that a live performance does to you. The energy of the performers and the crowd fuses together into this almost spiritual vibe. Phredley followed by Rapahel Saadiq and his crew were the performers, and an intimate group of a little under 500 people was the crowd. Susie, my concert buddy for 10 years now, and I were apart of that crowd.
Phredley, an up and coming artist, is hard to categorize, he's acoustic, soulful, raw, and full of energy. In a way he's sort of like a younger male India Arie. This is a young man to keep your ear out for. Phredley connects with the audience, has a beautiful voice, strong lyrics, and can play that guitar with passion. He played some original tracks and one cover. Soon after his session ended Rapahel Saadiq's band hit the stage.
The six piece band started with a soulful rendition of 'The Age of Aquarius' while the two background singers-one woman and one man-came on and started dancing; the vibe went from excited to electric. Next Saadiq himself came on the stage and played his guitar a little. Saadiq and his singers had some fabulous dance moves. All you could think was how fantastic their voices were and how smooth the dancing was. Talk about a workout! The band and backup singers played off of each other, Saadiq, and the crowd. The theater was so intimate that wherever you sat you had a wonderful view. Sue and I were seated on the right and five rows back-absolutely divine.
While Saadiq and crew played songs from his new album he also played songs from his Tony! Toni! Toné! days like 'It's Our Anniversary' and 'It Never Rains in Southern California'; Lucy Pearl days 'Dance Tonight'; and previous solo work 'Be Here'. I would say my favorites from the latest album are: '100 Yard Dash', 'Staying In Love', and 'Oh Girl'.
There were two special moments of the evening besides the music. Saadiq discussed his heartfelt appreciation of working with Paul Riser the renowned Motown arranger, one of the Funk Brothers, and Stevie Wonder. Riser was present and Saadiq introduced him to the home crowd in Motown. Saadiq also invited a young man on stage who proposed to his girlfriend. To the cheers of everyone in the room, the young lady thankfully said yes!
Saadiq had one encore with a musically upbeat, but lyrically meaningful song he wrote in remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, 'Big Easy' and then rounded up with a refrain of 'The Age of Aquarius'. I felt it ended all too soon and would have enjoyed another hour at the very least. I'm still feeling ecstatic and energetic!
The pictures above are: Saadiq's wonderful backup singers;Me & Susie; Saadiq on Guitar; and Me & Phredley.
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