Soulsters! It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? I ended up scoring a lovely promotion at work, and the last couple of weeks have been brutal! But you know how your girl does!!
I am back on the scene ready to pick up where I left off.
With that being said – the week before I started the new gig, I was invited to check Canada’s own Queen of Soul and R&B – the incomparable Jully Black at The Paintbox Bistro with show proceeds supporting the Archie Alleyne Scholarship Fund. May I add, a fund that has given away 22 bursaries since its inception. Fantastic! I couldn’t think of a better way than that to commence my week and indulge in a little concert fix. I know it is way past the date happenings, but let me give you a quick rundown of the events that night.
There are artists who are simply born to perform, exuding confidence and their God-given gift. Jully Black is definitely one of those artists. Her strut was mean, her vocals were pure and measured, and performing at a smaller venue made her down to earth connection with the audience tangible. As soon as Ms. Black stepped on stage, she commanded attention with her power, vocal range, choreography and energy. Belting out her new track “Here To Love You,” from her upcoming release Made In Canada, Jully packed a wallop vocally while parading across the stage kicking ass in her 4-inch heels. Of course, Black also touched on a few fan favourites with “Running,” “Between” and “Sweat,” leaving no one in the house disappointed. Just when I thought the art of the encore was dead and buried, Black emerged from backstage answering to the cheers and calls from the already energized audience with the funky Motown-vibe of “7 Day Fool” and the grooves of “Feels So Good.” It was nothing less than what you would expect from a Jully Black party – pure vibes, sweat and utter niceness!
The back-in-the-day Jully medley, along with her dancers Hollywood and Irving, were definitely highlights of the show as well. Those two are non-stop dancing machines! Taking hold of every single note and rhythmically obliterating it through beautifully arched and timed movements were simply superb to watch. I have seen Jully perform before, but there is always something more to gain and be said about seeing a stellar artist in an intimate space. It was an incredible soiree that definitely started my week on the good foot.