Lianne La Havas’ Reign – 9:30 Club, Washington, DC 9.23.15

I’ve said there seems to be a lack of true r&b and soul music in this day and age. But there is one artist that disputes my theory – Lianne La Havas. I had the pleasure of seeing her live at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. She’s a London born talent, with more talent in her little finger than many of the pop stars who call themselves singers today. She put on a perfectly smooth show, making quick and easy transitions from song to song. She’s on tour to promote her new album, “Blood.” She performed songs from that album, as well as her debut album, “Is Your Love Big Enough?” She’s a guitarist, an arranger, a songwriter, and quite the vocalist. She combines soul and a little bit of folk and thew in a LOT of her heart to make for a beautiful show hour plus show. Here is a clip of one of my favorite songs, Au Cinema. I suggest you listen to her two albums, and catch her while you can. You won’t be disappointed. Standouts include, “Unstoppable,” “Au Cinema,” “IYLBE,” “Forget,” and “What You Don’t Do.” Her voice is heaven. Her presence is commanding. It was a beautiful night, full of beautiful music.

 

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Fly of the Leaf.

So on the 25th of May, last week, I went to see two bands play at the 9:30 Club in DC. It’s a great venue and if you are anyone you stop by this place when you’re in the nation’s capitol. Flyleaf and 10 years. I had heard of both groups but I have never really seen either band live before. And they were rockin’. It was a very very loud show but the crowd was on point. They were eating up both bands alive and amidst all of the sweat pouring (by the fans and the bands) was a general commune of togetherness for music. 10 Years opened up for Flyleaf and they had so much energy. I didn’t know ANY one of their songs but I was completely and utterly distracted by the lead guitarist named Tater, who kept giving me the eye. I love it when guitarists give me the eye. He was cute too. The lead singer’s voice was beyond strong and I was very impressed. It was loud, heavy, and fast. 10 YEars were music to my own ears and I highly recommend them to you if you listen to rock music. I immediately downloaded both of their discs when I got home. They were stellar.

Flyleaf was absolutely amaaaazing. I knew they were a christian rock band, but it was so beyond my expectations of christian rock. They did just that. Rock. The lead singer, Lacey, jumped back and forth on stage, spinning around, and engaging the audience with her stares. She had so much energy, as did her band. The lead guitarist was just sick – jumping off platforms and landing, guitar in hand, and in tune EVERYTIME. Right into the second song, he was just dripping with sweat and it was like that the entire night. The bass player was just plain scary. He jumped up and down with the mane of hair the was rivaled only by Cousin It on the Adams Family. The crowd knew lyric for lyric – every break down and cheer. It was such a positive vibe to see. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Immmenseeeeely.

So thank you Flyleaf and 10 Years for a kick ass night. I am an official fan for life:-0 Woot woot!! And even though I was new to the scene and didn’t know the words I still headbanged my heart out. Well worth the headache in the morning.

And all had a good night.