John Legend performs in Central Park for Good Morning America:
Sexy, charming, seductive. These are all adequate descriptions of R&B singer, songwriter John Legend. While his smooth style and perfected boyish smile may win him points with the cougar moms, his sultry, soulful voice is what makes my heart melt each time I hear him! I've been a huge Legend fan for years, of course dating back to his most famous song, Ordinary People. He has a blend of catchy, female inspired pop songs, as well as numerous slow, sentimental drop-the-panties love ballads.
While this show was outdoors at the crack of dawn on a Friday morning, it was totally worth the wait and rainfall that joined us. We were so close that I felt like I could reach out and grab him. Although we stood in the rain for two and a half hours through sound check, GMA filming, and another 30 minute set, we all walked away feeling rewarded and ecstatic. His stage presence, humbleness, and the way he caresses the keys on the piano is so enchanting, it chills you to your core. Legend is such a raw, natural talent. His singing and musical prowess has everyone wanting more. Women and men alike love him. With his casual coolness, you can't help but feel like he's your friend.
Most of the songs he performed were from his third album, Evolver, although he sang a few of his classics. I am proud to say that I knew every lyric of every song he sang. There are not many musicians I can follow so religiously, but with Legend I was hooked from day one. I respect him as an artist, philanthropist and human being. There aren't enough people using their power and celebrity for the greater good, such as he does. I'll be a lifetime fan, and I'm sure once you hear him, you will be too.
The downside: Friday morning at 6:30AM is the time people start lining up for this 8AM show.
For more info on John Legend, go to: www.johnlegend.com
Blonde Redhead in Prospect Park, Brooklyn for the Celebrate Brooklyn! festival:
Blonde Redhead is alluring and ethereal, dreamlike and demonic, they are a mulitcultural trio of oddities served on a rusty silver platter. Popularized mainly in the Indie, Dream-Pop genre, this New York based underground band, has a somewhat exclusive fan base, that has slowly matured since their 1993 formation. The threesome, is made up of Japanese born lead singer Kazu Makino, and Italian twin brothers Amedeo and Simone Pace, who play the bass and drums respectively. At first sight they come off as a band of misfits. They seem to have honed their craft by being reclusive loners. Their peculiar sound resonates in the various instruments they all play, and is intensely mystifying from beginning to end.
Kazu's singing is reminiscent of Bjork, but with a higher pitch, it's somewhat eerie, seductive, maybe even elusive. I was entranced by not only her voice, but the slow, awkward swaying of her body that was somewhat sloth-like. She often hides her face in her long black hair, which reminds me of the girl from the Grudge. Many people say Japanese people are from the future, and Makino encompasses that by her bold actions, unlikely alternative pop star attitude, and her experimental, maniacal movements, and aloof behavior. She is delightfully haunting. Kazu and her band mates are pushing an envelope that is not a part of this world.
As far as the other members of the group go, Amadeo also sings on some of the bands tracks, his voice is somewhat slow, and nasally, but a necessary balance to that of Kazu. Simone's drums and percussion keep the trio in sync, and without him, the show would've been a disastrous mount of screams. They are an usual group with an uncanny ability to blend beautifully. Their sound is enchanting, and makes you wish you were high on something if you already aren't. Each time I closed my eyes and swayed to the melody, I honestly felt like I could float away or fall into a deep hypnosis.
With impeccable timing and lighting, some of the highlights were hearing my all time favorite BR song, Equus, which is a tribute to Makino's almost fatal accident, in which she was trampled by a horse. This track is featured on probably their most popular album, Misery Is A Butterfly.
While we were fortunate enough to have a full hour and a half show for mere pocket change, a suggested donation of $3, the food selection at the park was limited, and the rain beforehand caused the grass to be muddy. However, this in no way deterred us from trekking our asses to Prospect Park and making our way to a man made amphitheater like setting. With more Brooklyn hipsters than you could ever imagine in a 5 block radius, there was weed in the air, and beer in hands. The mood was mellow and inviting. The rain stopped just in time for the show, and the weather was mixture of warm and windy. Concert goers listened and danced under the setting sun and approaching moonrise. It was truly a perfect summer night.
The downside: Weather. Since most of the summer concerts are outdoors, make sure you check the forecast and prepare for rain. Also, if you can, eat ahead of time or bring in your own food. The selection is sparse and overpriced!
For more info on Blonde Redhead, or to listen to their music, go to: www.blonde-redhead.com
If you want to learn more about FREE or cheap summer concerts in New York parks, go to:
www.summerstage.org
www.freeconcertsnyc.com
Remember to email me for more info, questions, suggestions or concerns: SeattleNative1@gmail.com
Happy Summer!
Seattle Native
