As the newest member of this team, I am humbled by the level of talent I am working with. The trip to Japan has been incredible on so many levels but on the lastnight at the Blue Note Tokyo… Well, that changed me. The Blue Note (July 1st, 2009) was packed. It was standing room only and Tokyo fans brought it hard! The energy coming from the crowd was awesome. Everyone was geared up, smiling and brimming with excitement. I had planned not to shoot the final performance, instead opting to listen, but when the crowd is jacked up like that, it’s hard not to shoot. It’s the kind of thing that I want to be part of in some creative way and I’m glad I did. Not only did Raphael change the set list (throwing in some requests posted to the blog) but the usual improv that is ritual at a Saadiq show made me smile and nod my head many many times. See, musicians feed off of the energy of their fans and this show was all about that relationship between them and the band. For me, I feed off of that energy too. In fact, everyone feeds off of it. It’s an incredible feeling when an entire room is dialed into something that makes them feel good. Saadiq shows are all about this. They are about transforming a moment in time into something entertaining that you can take with you for years to come and on July 1st, the crowd got that once more. The entire venue was on it’s feet dancing and singing along for a complete hour and 20 mins and as the show ended and Raphael departed the stage, they were left with something extra. Band leader and lead guitarist, Rob Bacon, lead the 4 piece band into an ill head nodder outro that had me hoping it would never end. With Lemar on drums, Calvin on Bass, and Charles on keys, the Saadiq band brought the funk hardbody and closed out the show so dope I got chills throughout my whole body. This show was amazing, and just when I thought it was over, a double encore! Hell yea. The crowd deserved every drop of it and Saadiq smiled as he hopped back on stage to give the love back. Here are some photos from the night. You can also see more photos on my photo website, www.photobytone.com.
Raphael Saadiq will be playing TWO SETS this Sunday, July 5 at the 2009 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA. If you’re making your way to New Orleans and plan on catching one or both of the sets, times and location are as follows:
Sunday, July 5th
Lincoln Stage @ 10:00pm
Lincoln Stage @ 11:30pm
Last night at the Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan, Raphael performed 2 shows opening each set with “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5. Celebrating the life of Michael Jackson, a dear friend who greatly influenced Raphael, the band, our team and an entire nation. His music and spirit was felt in the Blue Note last night, especially when Raphael performed “Who’s Lovin You”.
“God, Thank you for giving us Michael Jackson, And thank you Michael for giving us real music, your legend can never die.” - Raphael Saadiq.
Konnichiwa!!! After a long day of travel yesterday - 12 hour flight from LA to Narita, Japan - we made it to Tokyo! I’ll be performing 5 nights at the Blue Note, 2 shows a night! Last night when I arrived at the hotel, I bumped into Roy Hargrove, he was on his way to the Blue Note to perform, I attended his show and ended up joining him on stage to sing a few verses, great way to start off the week! There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, luckily I have the newest member of our team, photog TONE along on the trip to document this whole experience. Keep up with us here on my blog and also Tone’s blog , check out his photos from yesterday. Send me a comment with suggestions of things I must see while in Tokyo or if you will be seeing my show at the Blue Note. What songs are you looking forward to hearing???
Philly trio Joe, Ann, and Bill - the wonderful folks of “Breakfast at Sullimays”, the amusing web series in which three elderly music fans review indie and hip hop singles over breakfast in Philadelphia. These are probably some of the most honest reviews you can get! Check out the video where they review Yo La Tengo and my record “100 Yard Dash”. This is classic.
Prolific producer and performer Raphael Saadiq warmed up a cold winter night in Boston with a nine-piece band performing the soulful songs from The Way I See It, his masterful new album that reflects his deep love for 1960s rhythm and blues. The special show took place at the Harvard Club, in the Main Clubhouse on Commonwealth Avenue built in 1912, and showcased the rich blend of funky grooves and smooth balladry that is Saadiq’s calling card. - The Artists Den
