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Roachford
  Roachford  
  Andrew ROACHFORD plus support acts John Newman, Big Ian and Scarlette Fever

Twenty years plus from admiring the talents of Roachford, the night more than met my expectations with the natural depth and expression in his performance and eclectic sounds from a back catalogue of songs and musical influences.
 
Review
Roachford @ Brudenell Social Club, Leeds [Apr 28th, 2010]
 

The owners of the Brudenell Social Club provided a feast of music for our listening ears on Wednesday 28th April 2010. The venue is a minute away from the famous Edwardian Hyde Park Cinema. It was a stunning night with 3 supporting acts to help pave the way for the arrival of the man himself. The venue had a casual atmosphere with good acoustics, the soundman keeping it at a comfortable level in which you could appreciate the music without distortion, welcoming/friendly staff and an appreciative and attentive audience. John Newman started the evening; a promising young talent with tones of Jamie Lidell/Antony and the Johnsons/James Morrison and did an engaging tribute song to British cyclist Ben Ineson who tragically died in a car accident. Catchy sounding track ‘Take’ ended the set leaving heads popping around the venue. Big Ian (The Joshua Trio) followed, reminiscent of Tony Hadley with semi-acoustic guitar accompaniment and played Al Wilson’s “The Snake” a homage to Northern Soul, plus many of their own tracks ending with the Bill Withers classic soul song “'Aint No Sunshine.” The last artist before Roachford came on stage was Scarlette Fever. Highlights were “Crash & Burn,” a strong, catchy track with good guitar accompaniment, “What Would You Do,” “It Was A Good Day,” “Cheating” and well-delivered “Hour of Sunshine.” Although Scarlette said she didn’t enjoy being sat down and playing keys, this is where I felt she was at her strongest. Roachford swaggered on stage referencing Coronation Street and opening with “Beautiful” which described how the set started - from the build up by the band (which included his brother Stephen on rhythm guitar, upright bass player and drummer) to the anticipated vocals and keys of Roachford. With almost twenty songs played on the night there are far too many to name individually but included “River Of Love,” “Hello Friend” and “I Get High…” when I’m with you, together with the heartfelt “Naked” and new song “Addictive” leaving me just that; blending well in to the haunting REM track “Losing My Religion.” Roachford spoke with and involved the audience getting us to sing along to “The Way I Feel” and others and included his classic track “Cuddly Toy” and favourite of mine “Ride The Storm” with feeling. When an artist sings each song with a passion as if it were the first time they have sung the song, respect is due. Rousing “Only To Be With You” added to the flavour of the night (this track always reminds me of the late, great Phil Lynott) ending with the Candi Staton song “You Got The Love,” with Scarlette Fever joining him on stage. Leeds, I am sure, will forgive Roachford for saying he thought he was arriving on Coronation Street (after seeing the red brick houses) and singing the Mancunian anthem Wonderall. Roachford not only sang but also put on a show for our enjoyment, complimented by an infectious smile and fun, funky manner. Twenty years plus from admiring the talents of Roachford, the night more than met my expectations with the natural depth and expression in his performance and eclectic sounds from a back catalogue of songs and musical influences. Roachford's quality song writing deserves credit too, making you not only enjoy the vibe but listen to his lyrics. Leeds got the groove and has missed you. Come back soon with your new album. We are here, eagerly awaiting the return of you and your band. Maybe think of a Leeds Anthem next time - something like “We are Leeds, We are Leeds, We are Leeds” or “I Predict A Riot” by the Kaiser Chiefs.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Raphael Saadiq
  Raphael Saadiq  
  He's Still The Same Ol' Ray!
Raphael Saadiq performed an amazing concert reminding his fans that the roots of R&B and Soul still exist. His flawless enthusiastic performance is one that fans will remember.
 
Review
Raphael Saadiq @ Phoenix Concert Hall, Toronto [Mar 17th, 2009]
 

With Raphael Saadiq's new album release and hungry fans that were in need some of real R&B music, Raphael Saadiq wasted no time in entertaining his eager Toronto audience at the Phoenix Concert Hall. From start to finish, Raphael Saadiq dressed in a slim suit, glasses, and slim tie like from the Motown era, he and his band dressed similar entertained the audience with songs such as "100 yard dash" and "Big Easy" from his new album "The Way How I see it". Teasing his crowd midway through the concert he started singing classics from his Lucy Pearl days with tracks like "I Wanna Dance" which female audiences adored and love. Singing Dawn Robinson's part was his back female singer who not only impressed Saadiq with her enthusiasm but also the Toronto audience who adored every lyric and note she sang. Saadiq again then performed more songs from his new album such as "One Kiss" and "Love that Girl" all bearing that motown smooth sound that seemed infectious to the audience and being impressed by the energy he felt from the audience, Saadiq once again teased his audience with tracks from his Tony Toni Tone days such as "It never rains in California" as well with some of his solo songs such as "You should be here" and "Still Ray". Raphael Saadiq?s performance was not only just amazing, it was soulful, nostalgic, a revitalizing but also comforting to those who thought R&B and soul music was dying.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Adele
  Adele  
  Impressive!
Adele wooed her audience with her wit and down to earth charm and her voice more than lived up to each lyric sung with impressive emphasis.
 
Review
Adele @ York Opera House, York, UK [April 28th, 2008]
 

Acoustic Soul/Pop artist Adele (née Adele Adkins) visited the historic North Yorkshire walled Roman City of York, playing to a capacity audience, supported by Elviin from South London (vocals & keys) with his rock/soul sound reminiscent of the Kooks and Coldplay, with a Nate James soulful edge. The band sounded well, with Randall Phillips on drums playing a good set, accompanied by Tom Wylds and Tom Warner on guitar. Elviin had a good overall vocal performance, with a little work needed on one or two of the higher/stronger notes, but this didn't detract from the overall sound. They were warmly received after each track, which included "Live It Up", "Control" "That Road," "In Colour" and "The Sun And I." A good performance and with more experience, I’m sure we will be hearing more from Elviin in the near future. Adele came smiling on to the stage, saying she felt a little nervous. However, the nerves weren’t apparent to us, as she delivered mature and powerful live vocals making it easy to forget she was just nineteen years of age and due to celebrate her 20th Birthday the following month. Dressed in a smock-type pinnie dress with layers of spandex underneath, in her own words “in the interest of wanting to look slimmer,” it made her feel hot and thirsty later in the show, sipping water due to a dry mouth. Adele engaged her audience telling us she had met many of them before the show, waving to a few she had met and also saying she would sign the backs of tickets if anyone wanted to say hi later. Adele sang all the tracks from her 2008 album “Adele19” (“Right As Rain,” the incredibly soulful unrequited love song “Melt My Heart To Stone,” “Daydreamer,” "Best For Last" with Adele wearing her heart on her sleeve, wanting to hear loving words from her guy, telling her she is all he needs, but it’s just not happening, “Cold Shoulder,” “My Same,” “First Love,” the Bob Dylan cover "Make You Feel My Love," “Tired,” “Hometown Glory ” and “Crazy For you.)” Adele wrote all the tracks herself, with the exception of the Bob Dylan cover "Make You Feel My Love" another two well-chosen covers she sang, The Coral’s "Dreaming Of You" and the Etta James song "Fool That I Am." With Ben Thomas on guitar, Steve Holness on keys, Tom Driessler on bass, Donovan Hepburn on drums and String arrangements by three members of the “The Wired Strings,” the overall impression was beefy and made for a pleasing sound. Adele sang 4 tracks acoustically, simply stood in the centre of the stage, with her guitar making quirky little sideward hand movements and outward foot kick/flicks displaying her fun side and natural artistic expression. After a minute’s interlude Adele returned on stage, singing a stripped down version of “Crazy For You,” just her voice and playing guitar and then the beautiful Etta James cover "Fool That I Am." Ending the night with her popular and eagerly awaited and called for UK hit “Chasing Pavements.” Adele wooed her audience with her wit and down to earth charm and her voice more than lived up to each lyric sung with impressive emphasis, as she displayed a mature vocal range. Promising to return to York - we look forward to hearing more from this gifted young artist. I hope her Management and Record label keep her music soulful, as it is here where her strength lies. Adele, keep it soulful, natural and continue to acknowledge your audience and I’m sure your audience will return to see you every time you appear in the UK - an outstanding performance from such a young artist.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

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