When a new, relatively unknown artist sells out an iconic London venue, there is definitely a weight of expectation on a reviewers shoulder. Is he that good? Who are all these people? And where exactly did this guy come from?
Tonight’s headliner - Jelone, is a smooth, slightly oddly dressed fellow – think 70s pimp meets Masi Tribesman – who, I have to say, did not disappoint. This tall willowy neo-soulster slotted-in easily with the laid-back sexy atmosphere and surroundings of Ronnie Scotts. This gig is the type of quintessential soul-jazz gathering that happens in live music rooms all over the world, which never quite seem to go out of style.
With his super-tight backing band, warming up the crowd with some typical impromptu ‘jazz club’ style jamming, Jelone waltzes on stage, tall drink in hand, with a certain flair that not many can authentically pull-off (in the same essence that not many could pull-off the fur coat, eccentric jewelry, scandalously tight jeans and leather sarong over the top of them either) and launches straight in to his first song, an upbeat melodic number called “Not Your Jesus”.
This seems to please the fan brigade down the front, and firmly sets the tone for the rest of the show. Catchy, clean, honest and polished soul-funk-pop. Think Prince-meets-Erykah Badu with a pinch of Jill Scott and heavy shake of George Clinton. This, ladies and Gentlemen, is archetypal stuff. Jelone and his music isn’t going to change the world, nor is it highly ‘original’ stuff, but it is performed incredibly well by a guy with excess charisma who clearly knows how to write an expressive soulful song. If you like Prince, Jamiroqui, Brand New Heavies and the like and want to know who are the up-and-coming young bucks in the scene, you’ll definitely want to give Jelone a whirl.
Jelone and co competently strut, weave and pucker through their forty minute set, resplendent with obligatory “introducing the band solos”, “clap your hands to this one” and of course “sing along to the chorus if you know it” – which some did. The silky blend of neo-soul-pop had the audience on their feet right away, and by the time he’d gotten mid-set to perform the slower “Mad at the World” the whole shindig was looking more like an intimate house party.
A particular highlight was the grand finale, the newly released single ‘Whipped’ which showed off Jelone’s barely legal snake-hipped strutting, impressive vocal dexterity and also the skills of the band. Just as he arrived, Jelone swans off stage and lets the band carry on – after a minute or so it becomes obvious this wasn’t exactly planned! But regardless, everybody’s had a few drinks by now and it’s fun to watch the drums, keys, bass and backing vocals all slope back in to their original jam, until somebody emerges from the sound desk and pulls the plug to a chorus of cheery boos. Great stuff.
With a natural stage presence and aura that most singers would sell their soul for, Jelone pulled me, and most of the crowd in right away. Jelone is a red hot entertainer with a voice to match and is certainly one to check out.
http://www.jelonemusic.com/
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