Music Addikts

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.

Since my discovery of PJ Morton, during a live show in Atlanta back in 2006(Kings of Underground Soul), I have been ADDIKTED to his music. There is something about his voice and the quality of his lyrics that make me  support whatever he does.  He’s also a pretty nice guy, which doesn’t hurt.  PJ Morton has returned with his highly anticipated album, Walk Alone.  My first thought was, ‘hmmm, what an interesting title’ and I was quite curious as to which direction he would go with this album.  So being the eager beaver I am, I pre-ordered and got the album in no time!  I ripped it open and immediately put it in the player. *Disclaimer: These are my own personal interpretations as I hear it.  The beautiful thing about music is, you can have your own.*

The beginning of the album sets the tone for describing what we can assume is a relationship gone sour and now he realizes he’s left to “Walk Alone”.  However, it can also be interpreted as any relationship, not only a romantic involvement. After my first listen, I thought – “how sad”.  PJ Morton surely has had to “walk alone” especially with him choosing to follow his musical career and not sing gospel music.  Growing up in the church can add a lot of pressure to life, especially being a “PK” (Preacher’s Kid).   This song has depth.  If anyone has ever walked out on you(especially after claiming they’d always be there), you can identify with this song.  It’s pretty touching and more than anything-real. 

And why is it every time you end up being happy with a new significant other, people come out of nowhere? Riddle me that! PJ’s song “Girlfriend” puts a cute spin on something many of us have experienced.  One of my favorite songs on the album is definitely, “Don’t Ever Leave”.  This song hits me a little personally and it’s reminiscent of classic PJ material.  And after he’s asked her not to leave, he turns around and “She’s Gone.” This song is big.  I mean he explicitly describes *insert expletive here*  up and admitting it.  How many people really do that? Thank you for recognizing your mistakes.  Men, take notes.  Ladies too!  When I listen to “The One”, it makes me want to two-step.  I dig it.  The soul-clap infused “I Need Your Love” continues the theme of missing someone you once loved and the expression of longing for them. Missing  and longing – two concurrent themes I immediately recognized in these melodies.

 The next few tracks take the album in a different musical space.  More happiness. More inspiration. With songs like “Love You More” ft. Tweet and “Mountains and Molehills”, it gives the album an emotionally balanced feel.  To change lanes a bit, we get some encouragement on the last song. If you know anything about Gospel music, you are no stranger to Bishop Paul Morton.  As an added bonus, PJ collaborates with his father to deliver an enlightening message, called “Let Go”. 

The album is honest.   An aural investment.  This has been officially approved by an ADDIKT! 

Please support honest music! You can get the album on iTunes, in-stores and on his website. Also be sure to follow PJ Morton on Twitter.

keep your soulHIGH!

The ADDIKTS are hosting two giveaways:

1.) A pair of tickets to the PJ Morton album release party in Atlanta

OR

2.) An autographed copy of PJ’s latest album “Walk Alone”

Enter here for your chance to win!!