Category Archives: Let’s Rock: Concert Reviews

Music Is The Sweetest Hangover

12 Thursday Jun 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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by vivrant thang music hangover

And hungover is just how I feel!

I hope everyone plans to take in some great live soul music during Black Music Month (even though every month is Black music month for your girl – but whatever). I probably celebrated enough this last weekend to last me all month. It’s taken me all week to get myself back together. I’m officially in my thirties now. Just can’t do it like I used to.

As I mentioned in my ode to underrated Philly soul singers, I spent the weekend in The City of Brotherly Love partaking in Roots Picnic festivities. However, before I made it up there, I had to see my man Bilal in Baltimore where he opened their Jazzy Summer Night music series. I know this may shock and surprise some of you, but I have to say it was a less than stellar performance. I don’t blame him though. I imagine that 80% of the crowd didn’t even know who he was. It was a nice night out and it was free – that’s all they knew. They were giving him absolutely no energy. B, if you’re listening, cancel that appearance at the African American Heritage Festival. Bmore doesn’t appreciate you. Come on down the road to DC. We act like we know!

Early the next morning, me and my fellow music stan / road dawg headed up 95 North and barely had a moment to throw down on our rib dinner before we headed out to TLA for the Pre-Picnic Jam Session. Another nice Philly music venue. DC, get your shit together, please!

I was annoyed that I wasn’t posted up at the very front – because of course I should have that right at every show. However when we pulled up to the South Street venue and saw the line wrapped clear around the corner, I wondered if I would even make it inside before the show started. Finding parking in Philly is worse than DC. Luckily, once I did get in line, everything moved quickly and was very organized. Kudos to whoever chose this venue.

The energy was high from the moment the first act to took the stage and remained that way – as there was little to no delay between artists. More kudos on that format. Artists of note that performed were Tu Phace, Dice Raw, Santogold, Janelle Monae, The Randy Watson Experience featuring Bilal, and of course the legendary Roots.

One of the things that attracted me to these two events was the diverse music styles represented in the lineup – which drew an equally eclectic crowd. Ya’ll know I’m soul music head all day but I also know I’m missing out on some good stuff that might fall outside that box. Nothing wrong with rocking out sometimes. My wild curly mop actually lends itself to that genre quite well.

That night I particularly fell in love with Santogold aka “Ms. Jaleesa Vincent.” Her music is described as punk rock or ska – which I never saw myself taking an interest in. Apparently I was late to the party because the crowd couldn’t get enough of her. She was originally supposed to perform at the Picnic the next day but had to bow out due to a scheduling conflict. I am so glad I caught the jam session or I would have surely missed out.

Here are two of my favorites from her:

Unstoppable

Creator

Janelle Monae has been on my radar for a while but I never really gave her a listen. When I heard she signed with Bad Boy, my side eye exploded. Not quite sure what will happen to her there but I will say that I love her voice and her live performance will certainly hold your attention.

Violet Stars

You should already be familiar with The Randy Watson Experience. A very high (on life that is) Bilal joined them for a couple of songs, including “Everything In It’s Right Place.”

The Roots were…well, the legendary Roots. They do what they do and they always deliver. Black Thought can do no wrong in my book. He has my vote hands down for the dopest MC out right now (make sure you cast yours too!).

You Got Me

Rocking out to Jungle Boogie / Band Solos

The next morning, someone had definitely turned the oven on outside. The venue didn’t allow folks to bring in chairs or much of anything besides a bottle of water. We had complained about that all the way up the road so I was resigned to it just toughing it out and hanging in there as best I could. Turns out I also had to go it alone as my road dawg had a mishap and eventually ended up in the ER (long story).

Fortunately we were staying about a mile up the road but the heat made it seem like 20 miles. I slowly made my way down Purgatory Lane and arrived just as The Roots were taking the stage for the first time. Their sets were interspersed throughout the lineup which included Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Esperanza Spalding, J*DaVeY, The Cool Kids, and Gnarls Barkley. Diplo and Deerhoff also performed but I didn’t check them out. It was also nice to see DC artist Muhsinah performing on the smaller stage as well. Lots of different sounds represented – which of course drew a very large, diverse crowd.

As hot as it was, the energy stayed high. These were some serious music lovers I was hanging with. I was surprised at how people largely stayed pretty congenial throughout the day. Personally, the sun was whooping my ass and the angry black woman came out in full effect. I would have been much more pleasant had I been able to sit my tail down and chill with some decent food and libations – like I did on Sunday at the Capital Jazz Fest (check for a review of that in an upcoming post). Hopefully the feedback we gave on OKayPlayer will translate into a different venue for next year. While I did enjoy being out on the water, I felt not a hint of summer breeze to make me feel fine.

Let’s get to the music.

You already know how much I heart Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. It was my second time seeing them and as usual Sharon was one sanging, entertaining ball of energy – even in the heat! I love the way Quest introduced them by saying they were around long before Amy Wino and her Back to Black album were even thought about. And I would bet the farm that they will be around long after Amy is gone.

Esperanza Spalding is a name you should watch out for. Little woman with a big bass – and a big fro. I loved the way she connected with the crowd and jazz lovers should definitely be digging her sound.

Check out Body and Soul

I’ve been feeling J*DaVeY for a minute and have been (im)patiently waiting for them to bless DC with another live set or two. They finally stopped off here for a what I hear was a hot show before heading up to the Picnic. One of the best descriptions of their music I’ve seen has been “punk funk.”

The duo is being heralded as a cross between Prince and the B-52s, with traces of funk, surf, and soul fused together into its own unique recipe. Read more.

Prince and the B-52s?! That’s saying a lot! Keep your eye on this duo ya’ll. This is real music.

Slooow

Fast Auto

Just a little taste of what I experienced this weekend. I’m still uploading video, which is part of the reason I’ve been away so long. It’s tiring work. There’s other videos from this show on my YouTube channel and I’ll be uploading more daily. So be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss out.

It was also really cool to run into one of my readers who I originally met at Bilal’s last DC performance. What they say about birds of a feather?

At the end of the day, as dramatic as the weekend was and despite the fact that I had to leave before Gnarls Barkley or I would have faded to black right there in front of the stage, I can say I was at the first ever Roots Picnic – as I’m sure they plan to make this an annual event. How cool is that!

The Night I Fell Back In Love With Hip-Hop

29 Thursday May 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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by vivrant thang on feeding the music jones

Actually the title is a little deceiving because this love affair started up again last year with the Hip Hop Honors Tour. 

I’ve never been a hip hop head per se. Always been more of an R&B junkie. Mary, Total, Faith, Jodeci, Mint Condition, SWV, Dru Hill, and Zhane were a fewof the artists playing on the soundtrack to my life in my formative years. However, in between my obession with the New Jack Swing Era, emcees like Biggie, Big Daddy Kane, Salt & Pepa, MC Lyte, Snoop, and LL still got play on my pink boom box. To this day, I can still recite most of the lyrics to all their songs. And I’m proud of that.

Will these kids growing up today be able to do the same thing in 10-15 years?

Hell no because half these fools with songs in the rotation today ain’t saying shit. Who can even understand what they’re saying? And who is even listening? Doesn’t matter because it’s all about the beat and whether it can make asses bounce in da club and on the television screen.

I’ve been gone for a minute and didn’t mean to come back ranting. Besides, surely I’m preaching to the choir. It’s just that seeing KRS-One perform over the holiday weekend just took me back to the time when I was listening to the lyrics…taking them to heart, committing them to memory because they meant something. When battling was done on wax and not in the streets with heat.

When I’m in a jam, with my homegirl Jill
My cousin Trey across the room with a posse to kill
So I step in the middle, shake it just a little
Wait for some female to step up and pop junk
Give my cousin a cue, treat the girl like a punk
Now I’m not tryin to say that I’m into static
But yo if you cause it, yup, we gotta have it
Cause I ain’t goin out like a sucker no way
So I sit around the way for you to make my day
We can go for the hands, better yet for the words
Cause you’ll be ignored, and at the same time, I’ll be heard
throughout the city, the town and the country
The beat is funky, my rhyme is spunky
There is no delayin in the rhyme I’m sayin
Neither are the flaws of what my DJ is playin
So SIT BACK Jack, and listen to this
It’s 10% Dis..
cause I’m just about ready to fly this fist
against your lips!

You were rapping along weren’t you?

So with the exception of a few emcees in the game today that I like – ones that “don’t be getting no airplay,” I choose to live in the past. Seeing KRS-One perform reminded me of why I’m dropping $80 to be three rows from the stage for this show.

Needs some girl power though. Was Lyte too busy promoting Almost September?

KRS-One, backed up by Chief Rocka Busy Bee, came through and delivered the message. I saw him last year at the Congressional Black Caucus Black party but the experience wasn’t quite the same with what I affectionately like to call the “Martha’s Vineyard crowd.” True hip hop heads of all races were packed into the venue to see a true emcee take the stage. You could literally see the excitement on everyone’s faces. When he finally came on, I didn’t think I was going to be able to hold on to my camera!

Throughout the show, folx were passing wax, kicks off their feet, t-shirts off their backs, hats off their heads- anything they could get their hands on for him and Busy Bee to sign. The energy was high and the temperature was on hell, just like a real house party.

There were some young boys in the audience, as you’ll see on one of the videos. Had to be no more than ten years old which got the major side-eye from me. We were at a bar, after midnight, where folks were dranking. What were they doing there?! However, after KRS pulled them on the stage and showed them what real hip-hop was, I was glad they were there (sort of). One of them might even be on that stage ten years from now spitting the real hip-hop – which I hope was the idea.

They also threw autographed tennis balls into audience. I got mine signed by Busy too. Gotta put that up for safekeeping along with my wax. School Lil Vivrant one day. Who knows what she’ll have to listen to by then? *shudders at the thought*

Enjoy some videos from the show and fall back in love (or deeper in love) with REAL hip-hop. More on my You Tube channel.

Are you still in love with hip-hop? Which emcees keep that love affair going?

Medley of songs including one of my favorites, Black Coppppp!

Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Now tell me what the f*ck am I supposed to do?)

KRS-One breaking down hip-hop so it can forever and consistently be broken (how many of these songs can you name?!)

“You Must Learn” and “Criminal Minded”

 

Old School Friday: Men With Perms

25 Friday Apr 2008

Posted by in Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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by vivrant thang on old school fridays

Lawdhamercy, they really showed out when picking this week’s theme.

There was a plethora (love that word) of artists I could have chosen whose doobies were and are tighter than mine ever was.

I give props to all of them, especially Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire who I KNOW has to sit up underneath that dryer for at least 2-3 hours. No ma’am!

I figured your Purple Royalness would be a popular choice for this one so I decided to dig a little deeper.

Before Prince, there was this man.

Any guitarist worth his salt today has to bow down to the memory of Jimi Hendrix and how he revolutionized the soul (and rock) music genre.

I went to a live show a couple of nights ago where the guitarist did all kinds of funky things with the instrument and some machines (see how much I know about it). All of the artistry and techniques he used can most certainly be traced back to Jimi.

“Jimi Hendrix expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured before. Many would claim him to be the greatest guitarist ever to pick up the instrument. At the very least his creative drive, technical ability and painterly application of such effects as wah-wah and distortion forever transformed the sound of rock and roll.”–From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

 

And his ‘do didn’t look half bad either.

Voodoo Chile (Live at Woodstock), 1969

Hey Joe, 1967 performance
(plays with his mouth – talk about making love with to your instrument..sex-ay! )

All Along the Watchtower, 1970

I’m a bass guitarist-loving chick myself but I had to post a couple of videos from some current day guitarists I love.

Van Hunt In Concert at The Black Cat, 10/28/07

Curt Chambers covering His Purple Royalness’, “U Got The Look”, 1/4

The party doesn’t stop here. Take a stroll down memory lane with the other Old School Friday participants.

  • Electronic Village
  • Chatting Over Cocktails
  • Ms Grapevine
  • Quick
  • Marcus LANGFORD
  • Cassandra
  • Danielle
  • Lisa C
  • Chocl8t 
  • DP
  • Kreative Talk
  • MarvalusOne
  • Regina
  • LaShonda
  • AJ
  • Sharon
  • Invisible Woman
  • Rosemarie
  • Dee
  • SJP
  • sHaE-sHae

    • The Real Thing…In Stereo: Jill Scott Concert Review

    23 Wednesday Apr 2008

    Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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    by vivrant thang on jill scott: o how i love thee…let me count the ways

    We’re only a quarter of the way through the year but I think it’s safe to say that The Real Thing tour featuring Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and Raheem Devaughn will easily top my list of the best shows I attended in 2008. It’s been almost two months since the show and I still haven’t come down from the Jill Scott experience.

    When her tour dates were announced, there was no question that I would be hitting Philly for the show.  Whenever possible, I prefer to see an artist perform at home. When I heard Musiq was added to the lineup, it was a done deal.

    Raheem opened the show to a bunch of empty seats. They don’t play that CPT at the Licouras Center. No matter. The way Rah worked that stage, you would have thought he was playing at home in a packed DC venue. He was all dressed up in his Easter suit, looking suave and debonair, showing Philly what he was all about. He performed a couple of songs from the first album, The Love Experience (which remains my favorite) and a few from his latest release, Love Behind the Melody. He closed with the sistas anthem, “Woman.” Of course we were all on our feet because we all just know he wrote that song about “you and you and you.”

    Mama is so proud of that boy! Up there opening for Jill Scott. What I love about Rah is that I believe no matter how big he gets, he will always stay humble. He wasn’t an overnight success. He paid his dues, unlike many of these fools in the game today. So he is actually grateful for our support. And I’m sure he’s even more thankful to be doing what he loves and making some cheddar! So Rah if you’re listening, all is forgiven for this blasphemy. You go boy!

    Musiq was up next. This was my second time seeing him perform live. Not the most exciting performer in the world. I wouldn’t go so far as calling him the musical equivalent of a sedative. I’ll just say that Musiq’s strength will always be in the fact that just listening to his songs makes you feel good. You don’t need him to do much more than stand there and sing. You’re not even really watching him – just reminiscing about dedicating “Just Friends” or “Love” to that special someone.

    I did manage to capture a few videos,  despite the sign on the doors that said “No recording.” I’ve always been a rebel. So they are a bit janky since this was a covert operation. You might hear some cussin’ in the background too. Deal.

    halfcrazy

    don’tchange
    (take a lesson, fellas!)

    By the time Jill took the stage in all her mohawked glory, the crowd was on fire. They would have still been on fire had they not been warmed up. This is their girl from the streets of North Philly. Look at her now. Sold out crowds around the globe. Three time Grammy award winner. Movie star. Published poet. Don’t get it twisted. Same old Jill. She’s going to throw on her hat and check out Eric Roberson with her people. No big deal. I do believe she will always be able to make us feel like she was just spitting at the Five Spot the previous night. Before we were asking “Who Is Jill Scott?”

    I just couldn’t be bothered with a track list. I was going through too many emotions. Too busy laughing. Too busy crying. Too busy singing. Too busy grooving. Too busy experiencing the REAL thing in stereo.

    I ’m more than a toy for your satisfaction
    I’m a pay-per-view on the TV screen
    Your main attraction

    Believe me, Jill. We know.

    The Real Thing (snippet)

    Gimme

    Cross My Mind

    As we know, I use “stan” pretty liberally on this blog. What does it truly mean to stan for an artist though? Me and an associate were discussing the shows I’ve been to and the conversation turned to Jill and the current album. She asked if I had heard it. I said of course! I had it the second Best Buy opened on 9/25/07. She asked how I liked it. Like? I LOVED it. She scrunched up her face and said “You liked that mess?” I literally had to restrain myself from slapping her upside her head a la Homey D. Clown. Vivrant don’t play that. No, you cannot have your own opinion about anything when it comes to Jill…around me. That’s just how it is. (Remember that in the comments!)

    Ok, let’s just say a particular song on the album wasn’t one of your favorites. By the time that woman is done sannnging the hell out of it live, there’s just no way you don’t take another listen to that song when you get home and fall in love. That’s a true artist. No straight album version with Jill. She’s always going to give you more than you bargained for with the live arrangements.

    I wasn’t able to capture what she did with “The Fact Is (I Need You)” because security must have thought I was going to bootleg and shut me down…temporarily. No matter – because I’m not sure I could have even captured it. Jill, backed by male soul singer, V, did a medley of “I Need You” and one of my favorite Atlantic Starr songs “Send For Me.” (What ya’ll know about ‘put a message in a bottle’?!) I literally had chills throughout the whole performance. I really liked that song from Beautifully Human but now I am in love with it because I’m always going to remember that live performance.

    Crown Royal (ya’ll know I had to get this – was my #1 song of 2007)

    Come See Meeeee

    Jill closed the show with “Lyzel in E Flat.” You still have to wonder how a love that would inspire a song like that could end. I think I know. Lyzel has got to be the dumbest negro walking this Earth. Jill’s a class act so she won’t say it publicly but I will. Man up playa! You don’t see Kendu acting a fool. He is right there chilling next to Mary in that Chevrolet with dollar signs in his eyes. I don’t care if we don’t know what went on behind closed doors. Because I’m a stan, I could care less. I know it was all his fault. Good riddance.

    After leaving the stage on that note, she came back out to share her wonderful news with us – how the television adaptation of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, in which she stars, has been picked up by HBO for 13 episodes. She encouraged the crowd to follow their passion and live their dreams. Preach!

    While I look forward to seeing more of Jill flexing her acting chops, as she is definitely a natural, I admit I’ll always be feenin for that next album…that next live performance. What can I say? Do you blame me?

    photo credits: ishootshows.com

    Music Makes Me Highhh!

    23 Sunday Mar 2008

    Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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    by vivrant thang on let’s rock

    beverlybond.jpg

    Just a quick post to talk about my musically delicious weekend. Will be very brief because I’m recovering from the strip aerobics class I took on Saturday that had me using muscles I forgot I had. I literally feel like I’ve been thrown down a flight of stairs. Ahhh, feels good.

    Friday night, I went to a party held at the Meat Market Gallery. I know. Got the side-eye from me too. More important than the promise of free food and open bar (sponsored by Hennessey), 9th Wonder was going to be on the wheels of steel. You should already know I was in there. He’s not local so when he’s in the area, I try not to miss him!

    As usual, he didn’t disappoint. I was pop locking, doing the snake and whopping it out like I didn’t have a care in the world. It was the perfect way to end the week. However, as is typical in DC, I felt like I was one of the museum displays because the fake-bourgeois folk must have forgotten this was the music they grew up on. The most they could manage was the cool head nod. Yes, it was one of “those” parties.

    Whateva.

    I couldn’t stay still and I was glad I brought along a girlfriend who also knew what time it was. She says she hadn’t danced like that in a minute. I proudly handed her a membership card for the 9th Wonder Stan Association.

    I spent a good part of the evening just looking up at him do his thing. He was up in this space above the party so I had a good view. The artistry of DJ’ing has always fascinated me…when he or she is in the zone and really feeling it. Totally different type of head nod.

    Don’t know what I’m talking ’bout? Check out DJ YZO of Industry Soul’s ode to the ones who keep your body rocking…and make you forget that you’ve been waiting over an hour for the next act to take the stage (looking at you, Bilal)

    I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out some of my favorite female DJs.

    I’m crazy for you, Mr DJ. Keep Playin.

    Saturday night was the Amp Fiddler, Fertile Ground and Tortured Soul show. I was anticipating this show because while I grew up on house music, being from North Jersey and all, I tend to get all caught up in soul music and forget my roots.

    I’ll have a full review and videos coming up in the coming days weeks. This wasn’t a concert. It was an all-out party. I felt like I was back home. I still haven’t come down from the high.  While I thoroughly enjoyed Amp’s set,  Tortured Soul has a sista clearing space on her stan list…as if it isn’t jam packed already. I must see them whenever possible.

    Here’s a preview. I couldn’t even get this posted without getting up for a dance break…sore and all.

    Play that funky music white boys!

    This kind of flava will have Vivrant Thang considering putting a little creme in her coffee.

    JKriv, call me! Something about those bass players.

     *photo credit: forever12