Whenever we are able, we always try to give various perspectives on the shows we ADDIKTS attend. Below is a review of the PJ Morton “Walk Alone” Album release show at Center Stage Atlanta on Friday, April 23rd, told from 2 perspectives.

4daLove: Having just come off an interview with PJ Morton, us ADDIKTS were really looking forward to seeing him live at CenterStage last Friday. But, when I got to the venue, I was a little surprised. The crowd was a little light. There was no line at the bar or the bathrooms and everyone was sitting down.  The air and vibe before the show was definitely lacking something…

I had to wonder…would PJ be enough to move this crowd?

Turns out, he didn t have to be. With a colorful cast of opening acts and a stand-out peformance, PJ Morton found a creative way to weave religion into the show without putting people off. 

His show was a case study of how to pay respect to your religion and spirirtuality without beating people over the head with it.

Part MC, all comedian, Marcus Harvey got the crowd warmed up with his hilarious depictions of the antics that characterize Sunday worship service.

Then Decatur native, Nathan Angelo took “us to chuuurcchh” with moving performances of several songs from his 4 releases, “Love Sucks“, “Way Past “Love“, “These Ol’ Keys” and “A Brighter Day“.

soulHIGH: It had been a LONG time since I’d seen PJ Morton in concert. So the anticipation was high prior to the show. Not only that, but this show was a live recording to celebrate the release of his new album Walk Alone. His set began with a full band, with a horns section, leading the intro to “She’s Gone” and the crowd went wild.  At least, the ADDIKTS did.  I did notice a few concert-goers around us that seemed a bit stiff for a PJ show.  I’d hope that as the show went on, they’d get some energy.  Who comes to a concert like that to sit with your arms folded? Anyway, the ADDIKTS always bring enough energy to spread, so we masked their lack thereof. When Tweet graced the stage to sing “Love You More” with PJ, the audience responded well.  I think this is an album favorite. 

There was quite a moment that I personally experienced during the show, when he sang “Mountains and Molehills”.  If you listen to the words of the song, maybe you’ll understand.  I literally got chills.  Music is such a powerful form of expression.  At one point in the show, PJ called up his father to the stage and they sang “Let Go” and it was definitely felt in the room.  I respect the fact that PJ hasn’t forgotten where his roots are.  It was a beautiful thing to see father and son sing a song of encouragement and inspiration.  I’m sure someone in the audience needed to hear that- perhaps even me.

He also took us back to some of his previous albums by singing songs like “Jiborish”, “No Ordinary Love”, “How We Were” and the show closer – “I Need You”. PJ’s live show definitely leaves the ADDIKTS on a high…we’re still trying to recover! Support good music…

For more information on PJ Morton, check his website and follow him on Twitter.

CALLING ALL ADDIKTS!!!

The Foreign Exchange will be perfoming live at the Masquerade on May 21st. Be sure to get your tickets now by clicking here.

I must say, I was in sincere shock and awe walking into Cramton Auditorium on Saturday. Although I have never been on the campus of Howard University there was something familiar about the air. Perhaps the history and depth of importance of such an institution made me feel comfortable. I found myself looking around like a child, going to a toy store for the first time. Little did I know what the night had in store. Usually our reviews are written from the perspective of the show-goer, this will be from a bit of a different lens.

I had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes view of the Soul Symphony. With Ron Smith (Harmony In Life) and Rick Cook’s(The Xperience) magnanimous vision, a reality for concert-goers would soon manifest. I was humbled to be able to help out. As we prepped rooms, prepared for catering and put the final details on even the most minut things, we looked up and the clock read ‘6:05 pm’, 45 minutes until doors. I looked out and a few early birds were eagerly awaiting The Soul Symphony. Surveying the crowd, there were both old and young ready to experience an unforgettable evening of soul. As the doors opened, the energy was warm and genuine. People dashed to their seats and stopped by the product table; some seeming unsure of who the artists were. Others came ready to buy, but had a tough time determining which ones to purchase.

The show began and Marva King took us back with a classic “People Make the World Go Around”. Afterwards, N’Dambi sliced and diced “Starship”. She also sang “Can’t Hardly Wait”, from her lastest album Pink Elephant. Her Star Trek influenced outfit was so fashionably fabulous—’stron’jay’! Next came Navasha Daya(formerly of  the group Fertile Ground). Her spirit is like lavender. She and I had a very long conversation before the show. She’s happy with the new direction of her music and her life in general. Feathers in hair, she took us back with Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good”. Afterwards, Rhonda Thomas sang a few songs, including “Midnight Train to Georgia”. Ms. Gladys would have been proud! Howard Alum, Eric Roberson brought the crowd to it’s feet- no surprise there right? Actually, there was a surprise- Kenny Lattimore. They sang Stevie Wonder’s ”Love’s In Need” while photos of recent world disasters shuffled on the screen. Talk about a heartstring moment. After a brief intermission, Roberta Flack hit the stage with
grace and beauty. In all of her divaness, she sat at the piano and had fun entertaining the crowd.  She seemed happy to be back home(she’s also a Howard Alum).

To sum it up in one word would be impossible. I was just glad to play my part.

*Shouts to our Twitter fam, I met in person @Kavideo, @Soulcialista, and @ASultrySongbird.*

Stay tuned for the next Soul Symphony, coming to a city near you!

keep your soulHIGH!

DMV ADDIKTS!!! We’d like to call your attention to an epic event.  This is something you do not want to miss.  Hell, I’m even contemplating catching a flight up for the weekend.  A good friend and supporter of ours is directly involved with putting this together, so please support.  Can you imagine all of these artists(Navasha Daya, Eric Roberson, Rhonda Thomas, Bilal, N’Dambi, and Roberta Flack) on one stage…with an orchestra behind ‘em? Now that’s some GROWN ish! You might just see the ADDIKTS in the building!

Check out the flyer for more information. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com.

keep you soulHIGH!