There are very few things that can make spending a nice summer day in the park better. One of those few things is watching Raphael Saadiq perform on said day. The former front man of Tony Toni Tone performed for a packed house this past weekend in Central Park's Rumsey Play Field and brought a few of his friends with him.
The opening act was a hip hop/spoken word artist by the name of TK Wonder. TK wasn't my cup of tea. It probably had something to do with the fact her image didn't match the type of music she performed. The music is deeply rooted in hip hop with a strong nod to jazz. Her fashion was a different story. She dressed more like an acid child from the seventies. Another problem was her being a female MC from Brooklyn. The only reason that's a problem is because Jean Grae is the illest female MC repping Kings County, so naturally, there would be comparisons. TK Wonder doesn't hold a candle to Jean Grae. But it was
a good attempt, I'll give her that.
Philly soul singer and DJ, Vikter Duplaix, spun records in between sets. His song selection was excellent. He took everyone on a journey through soul music. Everything from The O'Jays to Mary J. Blige blasted throughout the park. Vikter Duplaix had people feeling like they were at a neighborhood block party, instead of a concert. It was just a little too hot to dance. But I just wished his transitions from one record to another was a bit smoother. He did his thing, otherwise.
Next up was the New York City debut of soul singer, Aloe Blacc. This Los Angeles native took to the stage with so much style and enthusiasm. He sang a few of his songs like "I Need A Dollar" and "Femme Fatale". Yet, what really made him stand out was his blues/jazz fusion cover of "Billie Jean". The beauty of Aloe Blacc's cover was how he made Michael Jackson's hit his own. Blacc's version sounding nothing like the original, which was refreshing.
After another great set by Vikter Duplaix, the headliner took to the stage. Decked in an all white suit, Raphael Saadiq opened the show with cuts from his latest effort, 'The Way I See It'. The crowd rocked and swayed as his tunes dipped in sixties and seventies soul filled the air. Raphael, then, jumped into the fan favorite, Lucy Pearl's 2000 hit, "Dance Tonight". His back up singer gave her best effort to sing Dawn's verse to a lukewarm response. Mr. Saadiq brought the crowd
to its feet when he ran through some of Tony Toni Tone's hits such as "Ask Of You", "It Never Rains In Southern California," and "Anniversary". Once he felt his audience was satisfied, he introduced his band and thanked everyone for coming out.
Raphael Saadiq is a man after my own heart. Get in, get the job done, and leave before you overstay your welcome. And being in the park for this concert was definitely a great way to spend a Saturday, if I do say so myself.
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