R&B Live is a music showcase that highlights the up and coming artists in the city as well visiting artists from out-of-state. I had an opportunity to attend the latest one at The Music Hall jazz Cafe, Acoustiq Musique this past Friday, December 9th and I assure you this is not an event you want to miss the next go ’round! The show was hosted by Jay Michealz and had a nice roster for attending patrons ready to have a good time.
The show opened with an R&B duo by the name of Mirimage who gave us the right grooves to set the tone for an evening of feel good music. Britney Stoney took the stage next with a percussionist and her famed guitar, serenading us with original pieces, “A Plus” (for the haters), “Dreamality” (make your dreams reality), “My Favorite Song”, “3″, and the famous song known by many “Rebel”. Ms. Stoney definitely left the audience wanting more and put on a heck of a show despite technical difficulties trying to deter her energy. It didn’t work- we were served with awesome stage presence, material and creativity.
Next on the roster was Matt Reed & TGP an ecclectic fusion band hailing from Backlick, Ohio. They gave us a lot of energy, funk and individuality with their mash-up of electronic and hip-hop music.Once we got done riding the Matt Reed & TGP train, we were introduced to a very talented local band who did a host of covers as well as originals, named THE HTS Band featuring Kendrick Hardaway & Elise King. They wowed us with an Arrested Development,“Everyday People” vibe, making us feel like they’ve been around all along and we were just catching on.
Pato Margetic was next on the list and he was a special treat in my eyes. As he leaned into the microphone and crooned with a voice that was very subtle yet demanding of attention, we were caught up in the rapture of his acoustic spell. And just to tease us even more of his limitless ability to croon us with any song via guitar, Usher’s “Nice & Slow” was the next song selection that proved a hit for the audience. Next, Pato invited a local artist and collaborator,Keely to sing “Love Still Works”. He was a hit with the audience and I couldn’t wait to get home and fire up my laptop so I could hear and learn more from the Detroit artist. Discovering new talent in my city is like a kid attaching him or herself to a new video game- I have to find it, buy it, and play it out!
Although the acts before the opener had us pretty full, there was still room left for dessert as the sweet Charity and her guitar graced us onstage. The love was warm in the Jazz Cafe and as she started to strum her guitar to the melody of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”, the feeling expanded. The next was one of my personal favorites, “Pink, Purple & Gold” (which I am highly anticipating her album for) and she added an excerpt of another classic Stevie Wonder Song, “Isn’t She Lovely” but with her acoustic twist. The final song for the evening is a song that is available for purchase on itunes, entitled “Sounds Like Love” which is already a smash well within its right (check out the video). Not only did Charity serve us wonderful lyrical content, spellbinding vocal riffs and a personality fit for the stage, she also gave us the sound of love.
The entire show was well worth the ticket price and there will be plenty more. I encourage everyone to check out each and every artist that was on the showcase and be on the look out for upcoming ventures from R&B Live Detroit featured here.
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