“Matt Goss at The Mirage… Truly, One-Of-A-Kind!”

 

EX.TRA.OR.DIN.ARY.

EX.CEP.TION.AL.

Friends, if you happen to find yourself Stateside – Las Vegas, to be precise – there is one new wonder of the world, which must be seen.

But it’s not so much a what, as a, whom.. and he, is Mr. Matt Goss.

Having just returned from an impromptu flying visit to, arguably, the home of  show-stopping entertainment and after experiencing the most incredible Matt Goss Marathon of sell-out nights, at the legendary “Mirage Hotel”, I declare that, neither your eyes, nor ears will deceive you… because he is the real deal! In fact, not only do I, wholeheartedly, vouch for his title, “New King of Vegas”, I put it to you, that he will remain undisputed.

That he is a veritable beacon of distinct creative giftings, is well-known… however, headlining an uber-successful, “up-close-and-personal” residency, takes gravitas of another echelon… and ensconced within the intimate environs of The Mirage’s “1 OAK Nightclub”, is the undeniable proof, in the rare gem of a production…where two hours of live, power-packed escapism, filled with crackling anecdotes and faultless stagecraft, epitomise contemporary Vegas and creativity, of the highest order.

Matt is a maestro… a consummate storyteller and his stories must be told.. at times, in cheeky recollections of past loves…at others, framed by a deeper introspection…his thrilling repertoire of past and present ballads and mash-ups, twist and turn with digressions, the punchlines, of which, have the entire room hanging onto his every word, whether spoken or sung.

As leader of a new brand of “old-skool, new-cool” performer, he is loyally supported by the perfect comedic timing of his partner-in-rhyme, “Big Joe” and a capsule selection of artistes of, nigh-on inconceivably, sky-high musicianship, showcasing sublime front-man, sonic delivery, with a tone, as deliciously smooth as the “Tuxedo” cocktail on offer, (one of a comprehensive list of eponymous variations, of a libate nature!) and as intoxicating to the Soul.

Arrangements are joyous and rousing… reflective of a profound knowledge and appreciation of a genre-rich musical intelligence.. One of the most prevalent examples would be “The Day We Met”, which, would suggest reminiscences of encountering a new love, when, the opposite would be more accurate. What begins with a “Smokey Robinson and The Miracles”, sensibility and 4/4 ease, (which, I believe could also be wonderfully-suited to a Lovers-Rock backdrop), cruises into a Marvin Gaye mood, soon becoming a Ska-fest, with a superb “Specials” reference to their classic, “Too Much Too Young” and then morphs into Carnival Dancehall rhythms, sending the room into a frenzy… only to re-emerge, with a James Brown-èsque breakdown, to the epiphany of, “Sometimes you have to leave the one you love, to find the one you love”… Having looked around the room, at the very moment in which such wisdom keys sink into psyches, it is of no surprise, that the standing ovations come thick and fast… How could they not, when expressive guitar riffs are finely-knit with anchoring bass-lines, peppered, with skilfully-percussive rim-shots and irresistible vocals, from two of the most dynamic backing songstresses you will hear anywhere, let alone the Vegas Strip!!

The phenomenal ensemble makes for premium production value, the force of which can be felt in every square inch of the speakeasy-style space. To that end, Matt stalks the dais-stage, like the proverbial lion…. Majestic, oozing charisma and energy, he is a sartorially-meticulous, human international grid, illuminating the room with unabashed and unrelenting fervour, until observers become participants, in super-fast time… Only his dance moves could be said to have greater velocity… and this man can move… Complemented by a series of dancing sirens, who personify grace and sass, not only, does Matt revolve like a spinning-top-of Soul, his freedom to move amongst the guests and interact, is utterly seamless…

… and democratic… because, if interaction is what you want, then this is what you can and, surely, will, get! To be front row, is a privilege… and when I say front, I mean, front… like, smell the divinely-scented-aftershave-of-the-man, front.. like, be-offered-a-hand-and-serenaded-by-the-man, front… and if not that, then steel-blue eye-contact, with flames of warmth will hold you captive, because his, is the intention of recognising everyone and encouraging “oneness”. Whether it be in clapping as one, to singing (and improvising lyrics) as one, his deep-rooted desire to inspire and facilitate unity, through musicality, is admirable.

Completely logical, thus, that so many admirers from around the globe, descend upon this place… from an, ever-devoted, British contingent, to super-fans from Australia and Italy, all join the savvy Las Vegas locals… and all expect to be transported to “Gossy World”, where you cannot out-glitz or out-glamour the occasion… Quite frankly, people go all-out, to turn-up, and the entertainment exuded on their musical excursion, is beyond first-class!

It is for this inherent ability to translate and transmit from the stratosphere of ever-changing moods, in consistently exemplary fashion, that return visits are so commonplace, why tickets are so sought-after and why Matt Goss’s star will only continue to, exponentially, rise… It’s also a reason why, as in “Hotel California” so many, check out of The Mirage, but can never leave… It’s the entire reason why so many others, myself included, have fallen, not only for Las Vegas, but the sheer, prolific genius of this, most talented, South London boy-turned-man.. for, not only has he made good, but he is a uniquely authentic example of the Humanity, Civility, Passion and Professionalism which go into making an Artist, truly great…

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

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Click-through for December 2018 ticket availability to see “Matt Goss At The Mirage”!

Twitter: @TheMirageLV

Social Media:-

Twitter: @mattgoss  ~  Instagram: @mattgoss  ~ Facebook: @iammattgoss

 

~

Sincerest Afrow-appreciation to “Big Joe”, Olly, Ashley and the amazing 1 OAK Family, for their supreme kindness and hospitality at every show!

“BROS: After The Screaming Stops”

It is said that one never gets a second chance to make a first impression.

Of course, the original conjugation was in an offline sense. However, on Thursday 30th August, the prevalence of the spike of a certain set of digital impressions was impossible to ignore…

Permit me, friends, to extrapolate the lead-up because, as PR campaigns go, leave alone those of social media ilk, this was inherently stylish, oozing less-is-more class, with the consummate ease of an haute couturier, in preparation for Fashion Week.

All vision, no sound, rendered the volume icon redundant… a pleasant rejection from the “so yesterday“, consumptive trend, concurrent with today’s computer-crammed society. Now, do not get me wrong, friends, for communication, being my wheelhouse, the efficiency of modern modes of connectivity are a blessing… and yet, I appreciated the fact that there was no need for tech savvy… None of it. Instead, picture after picture of conjoined moving imagery was presented, over consecutive days, fuelling the driving momentum of an imminent announcement.

In a countdown where sneak peeks of practiced paradiddles, raw, frame-gripping grief and a, final, stance of brotherhood, from an onstage p.o.v, piqued increasing interest, each tantalising taste of things to come culminated in the revelation that the highly-anticipated documentary of “BROS: After The Screaming Stops” was, not only, available for pre-order, but had also gained BFI-accredited feature status, and was destined to be premiered at the upcoming, London Film Festival… arguably the most prestigious of its kind, upon the creative calendar.

Thus, the method of keeping the quiet out had been encouraging silent-movie engagement… creating the mental space for us to listen to our own internal reactions to the visuals, whilst also engendering empathy of the impact of the deafening nature that such silence brings, both, post-show and in everyday life.

You see, friends… I told you it was classy!

The Twitterverse was sent into a, veritable, hashtag-frenzy and I even think that I heard the echo of screaming, onset by the epic news… I, further, expect the flurry to continue, until ticket lines go live… partnered with the unadulterated glee at the successful purchases, thereof… although that might just be a self-fulfilling prophecy of she who is currently tapping away upon the keyboard, on the other side of your screen!!!

What I know, for sure, is that this meticulous exposition, directed by David Soutar and Joe Pearlman, will bear the grit behind the glamour, the art and the graft, will challenge and cheer, and signify the ultimate exploration of a bond of brothers, brought to the brink and back…

For no-one knows it, like these men in the arena, but after taking such an authentic tour with Matt and Luke Goss, after the screaming stops, I’m fully confident that a rapturous round of applause will start… the script of documentary-making will change and the incremental effect will continue to be felt, for some time to come.

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved

~

Click-through to:-

Pre-order “BROS: After The Screaming Stops” before general digital release on November 12th 2018.

For further information about the film’s cinematic release on 9th November 2018 at www.brosthefilm.com .

For BFI ticket information and updates regarding the London Film Festival Premiere on 17th October 2018.

Further Social Media Links:-

@BrosTheFilm ~ @Fulwell73 ~ @mattgoss ~ @LukeGoss ~ @BFI

#AfterTheScreamingStops ~ #BrosTheFilm ~ #LFF ~ #LondonFilmFestival

 

MATT GOSS: From Backstage To Centre Stage!

Question.

Can internet shopping reduce one to tears?

Answer.

Yes…well…very nearly!

It started at 10 a.m…

The quest of initiating the greatest baptism-of-fire, known to this human…

… Attempting to purchase tickets for soundcheck-to-performance coverage of “Matt Goss at The London Palladium”!

It continued with logging on…

… and furiously pressing buttons to try to search options, select options, select one ticket, rather than two… to refreshing the page and losing the better seat… to trying to figure out the best time to go…. to verification, to the elation of being told, in the blink of an eye (or was I, actually, blinking back the, aforementioned, tears?!) ‘You’re In!’….

Could this be what buying a house, instead of renting, in this day and age, was like? Would this be akin to saying ‘Yes‘ to a, long-awaited, wedding proposal? The sharp intake of breath before making the commitment? I looked forward to finding out… But for this morning, it certainly seemed that way!

Yet, I knew that I could not be nonchalant with this system of buying goods, nor with the fact that I was sprinting to the finish line, arm-in-arm, alongside, potentially, thousands of other ticket-hungry customers… who, in this case, were sure to be the mighty and dedicated “Matt Goss Army”, a.k.a ‘MGA’! They have their own hashtag. They are a force of the most empassioned followers, supporters and family of a public figure, whom I have ever encountered.

They have my respect!!

Sat upon the cloud of my thoughts, the sunshine reality dawned… that the deed had, indeed, been done!

The show in which Matt, himself, said he’d ‘let loose’ would have yours truly, in attendance… but for now, in anticipatory wait, like a Tour De France lead-out, until the day-of!!

The fact of the matter was that I needed to be there….

…To experience who Matt Goss was and what it is about him that reduces people to the most exuberantly, knee-quivering wrecks of their, usually put-together, selves! Furthermore, how had his artistry changed…. because the scale and reach of his creativity certainly had.

This year seemed to be the peak of his first Everest.

A build-up, which has seen him increasingly invested in an interdisciplinary mode… showcasing the expansive nature of his talent and the unlimited mindset upon which it is founded.

From ever sought-after, often sell-out, concerts, which unfurled the newly-crowned “King of Vegas”, to hugely popular radio broadcasts for the BBC, Matt Goss and his undeniably suave onstage persona, has been thriving… Hard work keeps paying off… and the investment has segued into festivals, films and musicals… All in celebration of his comprehensive reinvention and determination to never surrender the Dream… to do more, be more, share more… which makes utter sense, for a man who describes ‘prolific’ as his current music-making status… Having, now, seen the evidence, in up-close-and-personal manner, I am, even more, in agreement.

You see, in my life, I have always been an observer… and yet, a doer, in order to articulate a core message, especially when it is Creatively called-for.. Whether Writing, Acting, Painting, Modelling, Movement… once it serves the deepest notion of the piece, I’ll go there. True-to-form, I watch closely, backstage, as Goss meets and greets his adoring MGA, with gentlemanly grace and a large dose of South-East London banter! Even in soundcheck, he is, not only, scintillating, but also engages with each song, in the authentic passion of the moment. No dilution. No dialling-it-in. His energy is focused and his aim is true – to reach out and touch the hearts of those around him… Audience, band members or backstage crew.

It is refreshing, as it is inspiring.

He is old-school… and that isn’t a generic throwaway, due to his often Rat-Pack compared, Vegas incarnation. You feel he has been raised-up around a sensibility of another age and, though he is older, he has never departed from it… The swagger, swing and sway are him… He is that immaculate. His tuxedoed vogue, reflects it… With that being said, he’s more than a little bit new school, too, and is just as at home, in looks of a more casual air, hence the black, unbuttoned shirt and sequinned-trouser combo, worn with effortless modernity and tatooed edge, for the show..

… which was an absolute show-stopper from start to finish!!!

Supported by the superb NHS Choir (in veritable homage to his literal roots, having been born in Lewisham Hospital), the undertone was specified, that, no matter how raucous the night, at the foundation and throughout the ensuing hours, would flow a deeper, conjoining spirituality.

I’d never been a part of anything like it!!!

For all of the 30 years celebrated within the Recording Arts industry, what I witnessed was a man, unbound and unbridled, onstage… For Matt Goss doesn’t simply display his craft, he communicates an undeniable freedom, indicative of an artist who is thriving upon expressing the greater awareness of all he has come to do upon this planet. You sense that he isn’t trying to justify his ability, but revelling in this new phase of creative prowess… and how we all benefitted from this unleashed emotion.

It’s not that he doesn’t care… because he, undoubtedly, does, with every fibre of his being… It is that he is free of care!!

Throughout the set, which moved relentlessly through Vegas stylings of “Luck Be A Lady” and “Hotel California”, pinballing from decade-spanning hit after hit, including “I Owe You Nothing” and “Firefly”, and raising the roof with the on-trend, 2018 summer smash “Red Flares”, he brought the house down with the tear-jerking “Are You Mine” and sing-along-inducing “Just For A Change”, in which the community of Matt’s family-of-fans truly shone. Led by the maestro to follow his lead, the MGA chorus filled the Palladium with stirring pride and searing passion… reflecting back all that he and his incredible band had given. For me, it was just the most beautifully moving, “you-had-to-be-there“, moment…

In fact, the entire night was a fantastic and unforgettable voyage…

I came, bearing gifts, but got so much more, in return…

On one level, was a distillation of profound acknowledgment, that there need be no limit to ambition… Yes, Matt loves what he does and who he is… as do so many others… and, to my mind, he has every right to do so. In diversifying upon his path, the articulation of each strand to his creative bow seems to bring deeper satisfaction and his generosity, humility-of-spirit, vulnerability and strength, in the giving of them, facilitates the same in others.

Yet, this experience took me to another level, because I was blessed to be amongst the constellation of fans, in his amazing, Gossy sky, and the jet-lag I felt, on returning home, was indicative of the fact that, for one night, I had been transported to another cosmos, of an incredibly rare and unrivalled atmosphere…

…Here’s hoping he comes back soon, because I, for one, look forward, excitedly, to making a return visit…

…and, just for the record, Matt Goss is back…

but he is moving rapidly forward on his Artistic Mission and, to those who have been with him throughout his ups, downs and turning points, (some of whom I had the distinct privelege to also meet and greet), and his newfound appreciators, he never has been, nor is he ever going, away….

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

‘Brosette-For-A-Day: “A Beautifully Reciprocal Experience”…’

I wasn’t actually meant to be there…

I had a lot of thinking to do… Pontification, which had started over blueberry pancakes drenched with butter and maple syrup, at the superb Mondrian Hotel… Having mentally put my world to rights as succinctly as possible, I followed my feet back towards the Southbank, via Upper Ground… Overhead, clotted cream clouds were dispersed across a carpet of sky, quickly diffused by a determined sun… Immediately ahead, a sizeable crowd had been stealthily amassing… Curious, to ascertain the significance of the mélange between point-and-press ‘paps’ and an ever-increasing congregation of enthusiastic individuals, I began my quest to answer the next question within my mind-palace… What was all of the buzz about?

‘We thought you were making fun of us’…

…came the reply to my inquisitive mood… ‘A lot of people wonder why, after 30 years we still come’… Well, the answer would soon become apparent, when the object of such devotion came into view… Both Matt and Luke Goss had exited the building and were about to conduct an impromptu meet-and-greet session. I learnt that they had just been on ‘This Morning with Ruth and Eamonn’, sharing the news of their upcoming reunion and were now about to share the love with their family of fans.

I observed.

This was, by no means, idolatry… This was genuine continuity of care. A constant, in a consistently impressive set of emotionally-literate calling-cards, for two of the most revered artist/ musicians in the business… and no wonder why…

They might have been behind a low barrier, but the energy exuding from the brothers vaulted way beyond any metal obstruction. As, one after another, the expectant supporters made their way into the arms of a bear-hug from Matt or the soothing voice of Luke, confirming, with absolute, heartfelt conviction that, he, indeed, remembered one particular lady and her Father from their youth, I soon became an immovable force! Not even the fact that I was without a coat, in an intermittently windy sleeve of street would have shaken me from my spot… shivers-and-all!

I was mesmerised.

Ensconced within a bubble of quiet hysteria, years were being rolled back, as memories were offered in each rencontre. Whether it was standing outside of ‘the Bros house’ and being brought cups of tea by their dear, late Mother, Carol… to the never-ending search for bottle-top footwear accessories, the interiors of this room within the memory-palace were layered with a profound sense of colourful camaraderie and touching bonds of lifelong friendship.

I was deeply moved. A smile regularly touched my face, as all around, I witnessed the groundswell of butterfly-inducing anticipation spill over, into undulations of audible excitement. The dream had come true!! A long-anticipated reunion tour, in commemoration of an exhilerating past, a glittering present and a stadium experience which would throw down an emphatic gauntlet, to a creatively adventurous future.

Suddenly, smile still plastered over my visage, an unexpected event occurred. An existential eye-line appeared and it was my turn to get the attention of Matt Goss, himself. Inwardly perplexed, since I had been more concerned that those with whom I had conversed earlier got their precious moments, I was further intrigued to see that he had worn a natty bandana and I was sporting a Hawes and Curtis dress shirt, with a Tiffany & Co. necktie, so, in for a penny (as my late Dad used to say!), I inquired as to whether a swap might be in order! So… that didn’t happen, but I heard a few sharp intakes of breath, as if, perhaps, that might have been a, somewhat, cheeky request…

I believe he was amused!

I certainly experienced my grin expand into a laugh, accompanied by a hearty giggle and, before I knew it, we were face-à-face! What was a girl to do, but offer ‘les bises’ and a handshake… Except that, by now, my body temperature, having decreased yet further, manifested an ice-cold hand, which really was shaking! Never was the reciprocated warmth more appreciated… Never before had it felt as if a verbal exchange hovered above… and, my goodness, if a spiritual exchange didn’t wrap itself around this portal of time like the ultimate duvet, then I know not how to account for the most intense stillness and mystifying sense of breathing pure air…. especially in a London atmosphere which has major exhaust-emission issues!

Then. It. Clicked.

The authenticity of these men… the depth of gratitude to this fan-family for, not only putting them in the record books, but keeping them there, so as to be front-and-centre for another inspiring tour, formulated a potent mix, which extended time in a profound way. Evidently, the highly-impressive performances, of their hit-filled back catalogue, ebbing and flowing with up-to-the-minute exclusives, were the timely conclusion and commencement to an ever-greater season of prolific, combined creativity.

According to Matt, ‘Civility Costs Nothing’. Lyrics in his powerful track ‘Strong’ ring out, ‘Kindness Is King’ and I believe that the combined humility, faith and love of the brothers who were born on (what would become) ‘National Heart Day’, will see Bros move to new industry heights… Prepare for Matt and Luke Goss to scale the mountains of film, fashion and, undoubtedly, make continued musical breakthroughs…

You never know… I might just try and source some bottle-tops for m’self… Though, I do, rather look forward to working them with my Louboutins!!!

~

 

©AFROW2017-2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

Bros ‘Push’ platinum reunion to a higher level!

It may, or may not have escaped your notice, but, I love to write!

Be it poetry, prose, press release… news, reviews, interviews, I get the greatest kick from spreading the positive word!

So, it gives me particular pleasure to share the good news with you that super-band, ‘Bros’  is back!

Amidst a whirlwind of press, brothers, Matt and Luke Goss announced their reunion tour, headlining two O2 Arena concerts (the second, of which, had to be added due to extraordinary demand), commencing on August 19th 2017. If the date looks familiar, it’s because it falls exactly 28 years to the day of the final Wembley performance on their landmark global tour, on August 19th 1989! (For the numerologists out there, they’ve also played the venue 19 times…go figure!)…

As per Bros tradition, the intel gave rise to a socialmedia frenzy, akin to the good old days of 80’s Brosmania….For two weeks, a flurry of hot-off-the-press, hard copy reports rallied with their online partners, with televisual appearances being skilfully served, alongside audio aces…each revealing, in greater detail, an event series, promising to go beyond a show, into a fully-fledged, feel-good, multiplatform experience of the heightened, holistic kind.

Taking things ‘over-the-top’ is quite in keeping with their honed creative skills. Let’s not forget that the boys from Bros have become men, with super-succesful careers, respectively. With Matt, the newly-crowned King of Vegas and Luke, a much-feted Hollywood actor, we should expect them to go big, as they pay homage to the past, reflect the present with relish and project the future boldly! Expect, too, the unexpected, in a contemporary twist on presentation which will, not only, be an authentic representation of the very best these two highly-creative minds can dream up when they become one, but will also honour their entire journey…and then some!

The cynics may say that reunion tours are a mere money-spinning exercise…A play on memorabilia…But I choose to spin that theory right around and say that, clearly, the money is a mere by-product of the blood, sweat and tears going into a production of such magnitude, which this will be! Luke’s hands are already the proof of the first, due to intense drum practice…now that’s real talk!

Yes, I’m all for riding the wave of nostalgia… All for the universal cry of unadulterated joy erupting, when devoted Brosettes, now, themselves adults, relive their youth, with fellow fans who have become firm friends, as well as family, alike… In fact, the experiential artist within me would love to see an exhibition à la the super-impressive ‘Return of The Rudeboy’ at Somerset House, or the more recent triumph of The Jam’s inspiring retrospective, ‘About The Young Idea’. (The latter was another family affair, in that it was curated by (lead) Paul Weller’s sister, Nicky). Cooler, still, would be to install it at the O2’s exhibition space, or another South London gallery (quite possibly the ‘South London Gallery’, on Peckham Road) or even the ‘Lewisham Arthouse’, in reference to their tender beginnings in the area. Whatever the final format, the prospect of a Brotherhood mirrored by a Sisterhood, united in sharing such beautiful memories and making new ones, in UK stadia, is totally tantalising!

That said, if status of ticket availability is anything to go by, then this will be an entire sell-out! As if being the youngest band ever to play Wembley wasn’t enough, the Brosmania has continued the trend, by doing so for the first night, in the fastest time, ever in (promoter) LiveNationUK’s history, of 7 seconds, flat!* Yes, SEVEN!! So I urge you… get on the case and do not miss out on this tour…and whilst you get your golden tickets, please spare a thought for me, head-in-Dictionary and Thesaurus, in search of synonyms, superlatives and adjectives, in order to do justice to this epic event…which, incidentally, is bound to go way beyond the words which I already love so much..

For now though, a hugely, exuberant, celebration of life, in an amazingly popular band, is a pretty fine place to start!

©A_F_R_O_W2016-2019 All Rights Reserved

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Tickets/ Tour Dates: Live Nation  ~ The O2 Arena

Twitter: @BrosBandUK ~ Instagram: Bros_Band ~ Facebook: Bros_Band ~ Website: Bros

  Merchandise: Bros Official Merchandise

 South London Gallery ~ Lewisham Arthouse

*Source: (Twitter) @LiveNationUK

‘ISLAND’-HOPPING AT SCALA!

London was perfect.

Reflected rain had pebble-dashed neon-lit pavements, making them sparkle, like carpets of granite, which had captured falling stars.

I chased them to King’s Cross… To ‘Scala’, to be exact and was met by a canopy of umbrellas, huddled together, like close-knit family.

Perhaps I had taken the brief, somewhat, too seriously…foregoing a brolly of my own, for a knit of another kind…Namely, a beanie…Not so much close, but tight and protective, all the same! After all, the ticket said ‘Island Life’…and who was I to go against the vibe?! On reaching the capacious Scala foyer, sweet-talked by warmth and a very welcoming spot in the Frow, I was glad to have taken the risk!

Tonight was going to be about journeys in music and spoken word… The first in a series of hybrid creative experiences, presented by the UK branch of Island Records, showcasing, live and direct, their uber-exciting array of newly-signed talent. By its conclusion, the evening had delivered way above and beyond that!

Seconds were out, spotlights were up and all-girl trio, ‘Juce’ strutted on, decked-out in band-emblazoned boxing robes, ready to give a knock-out performance! Coverings were soon discarded, to reveal Cherish, Georgia and Chalin, rocking slick suits, edgy cut-outs and boho-chic, with mega-platform heels…and, accompanied by their fantastic rhythm guitarist and drummer, a set of eclectic, hook-heavy hits followed!

From-the-get, the combination of bold bass, nimble Nordwave keys and lashings of lyrical toplines rang true of ‘nouveau soultronica’, spritzed with 80’s ‘Southern Freez’ inflections and Nocera’s ‘Summertime’ style. As with each track, the sound simply grew in groove… and, due to the genius rule of 24-hour recording and mastering, employed by Speedy Wunderground’s Dan Carey, complementary production ensured ultimate audience appreciation of raw perfection, in no-nonsense, distraction-free floor-fillers. Case-in-point, the super-sassy ‘Animal Attraction’, reminiscent of the mesmeric power of Cheryl Lynn’s ‘Got To Be Real’ and internet smash, ‘Call You Out’, both, of which, exemplified the Juce signature of sophisticated sounds that won’t quit, crowned by performances which pin-you-to-the-beat and don’t let go! The entire set was a 101 in ‘getting-the-party-started’, so expect to see and hear more of this electrifying trio, on the coolest fashion frows, in the funkiest videos and on the hottest playlists…and if you don’t, then demand that they set the Juce loose!

With the crowd galvanised, ‘George The Poet’ released zeitgeist spoken word, filled with highs, lows and epiphanies which had pennies and jaws dropping, in awe of his lexical dexterity. Seamlessly bridging-the-gap between driving Maybach-beat progressions and socio-political/economic backdrops, the revered lyricist presented a slice of Island Life, brimming with humour, hood-rats, phone calls, Fatherhood…enveloping listeners within a masterclass of metaphors, similes, puns and punchlines and developing narratives into site-specific theatre. This bard was in his element..at play with words and charged with purpose, in full cognition of the influence with which he had been gifted and determined to put it to the positive use for which he was the vessel. The urgency to pay such energy forward was truly touching and with such intention underpinning his spectacular recitations, even moreso, as strobes lit up faces, through lightbulb moments. Not only were hearts touched, but minds were renewed…and, whilst it is proverbially said to take a thousand voices to tell a story, in collaboration with a collective of superb musicians, George The Poet’s solo spoken vocal left an indellible impression upon all in attendance, which will echo for generations to come.

Songs from the overflow-of-the-heart were in absolute evidence during JP Cooper’s stirring performance. From the plaintive poignance of ‘Oh Brother’ and ‘What Went Wrong’, he and his supporting artistes glazed the air with a flawless falsetto and rhapsodic harmonies. The confession of nervousness made the sonic purity of JP’s vocal all the more incredible! He needn’t have worried. If anything, the admission simply served to endear him to the already-adoring audience, that much more…and they were soon to be further justified in their admiration!

With his favourite guitar cradled in his arms, there was no other dynamic, than to mind-blowingly sing! That which ensued was a litany of beautifully-crafted music, both old and new, expressed through stunningly moving melodies and gentle glissando, doused in delicious, live cello, peppered with delicate percussion and contrasted with turns of sheer sonic power, which definitely kept the quiet out! To that end, the full band arrangement of ‘Oh The Water’ was a standout rendition, with a wonderfully supple bassline that danced from stave-to-stage… The collection was, quite literally, breathtaking… and with Stateside dates imminent, there’s no doubt that JP Cooper’s ‘EP’ will become EP-IC, and his reputation for soul-sharing of the most profound nature will, most assuredly, blossom.

The night was an unforgettable tribute to the rich heritage at Island Records for, both, sagacious talent-spotting and signing, whilst safeguarding a future legacy of genuinely, artist-led creativity. Sade might have crooned about the ‘Diamond Life’ but after the impeccable offerings at ‘Scala’ on Monday night, I’m all about living the ‘Island Life’!

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Soul-deep Afrow-Appreciation to:-

Juce, George The Poet and JP Cooper…for sharing your innate artistry, with the utmost exuberance and passion…

Island Records UK, for presenting an utterly outstanding #IslandLife showcase and continuing to develop and support such uniquely creative UK talent.

All at Scala for hosting the event and making us all feel at home, rather than at a venue.

My fellow guests in the audience… It was a privelege to have experienced this awesome event with you all!

©AFROW2014-2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

MUSIC PREVIEW: ‘HANGIN’ WITH MR COOPER!’

The “Kensington Roof Gardens” are akin to an urban Eden.

I had the distinct fortune of visiting the rooftop hideaway, many moons ago, to partake of the most scintillating spoken word… assimilating every ardently-annunciated utterance, as the flora and fauna absorbed the excitedly-expelled carbon dioxide. I recall the burning sun receding into a see-through veil of dusk, yielding, only, to a blanket of deep, blue-velvet night. I yet decipher shadowy fronds, as face-paints, dancing upon the animated musculature of smiles… At such altitude, with no visible separation from the sky, it seemed as though the celestial had reclaimed the earthen territory…

…in readiness to, one day, welcome a soul-sentinel, by the name of John Paul Cooper.

He is human, yet he houses a falsetto, that is unquestionably real…Mortal, yet in possession of a glissando which glitters through a vocal range, not disimilar to the aurora borealis. His, is an authenticity of melodic articulation which, when harmonised with a pure palette of heartfelt emotion, sees something of the divine settle upon a crowd. From polished renditions of such classics as “I Wish I Didn’t Miss You”*, by the legendary Angie Stone, with whom he has just completed a celebrated UK tour, to the melifluous fervour of “The Only Reason”**, J.P. Cooper is a troubadour-of-truth from beyond the harbour of the clouds.

Fitting, then, that this Friday 16th May, The Roof Gardens should be the home to cradle this wonderfully humble and uniquely- purposed talent… Oh to be a fly, on the leaf of a wall, near the stage, to witness this down-to-earth superstar, from the stars…

‘T’would be a beatific blessing, indeed!

*”I Wish I Didn’t Miss You”: http://youtu.be/mOtgEf_ggLg (via YouTube) ~ **”The Only Reason”: http://youtu.be/GadLKCzw670 (via YouTube :Kevin Thomas)

 www.roofgardensclub.com ~ www.facebook.com/jpcoopermusic ~https://twitter.com/JPCooperMusic ~ www.jpcooper.bandcamp.com

(Join every platform, ‘like’ every profile…because you’ll love J.P. Cooper forever!xx)

©AFROW2014-2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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TWITTER-TESTIMONIAL FROM @JPCooperMusic!

‘Possibly the nicest thing anybody has ever said about me… Thankyou.. Beautifully written… xx’