Let's unpick this artist who is so incredible he's been invited to Obama's White House on more than one occassion to perform.
As a recording artist he exudes excellence. With his first album "Coming Home" featuring so many blues, jazz and doo wop hits, he put himself on the map. As a matter of interest, both of his albums toy with the same themes, his deep Texan identity and the history of his hertitage, romance, nostalgia, the 60's and a sense of belonging. Like any great artist his voice has a unique quality which is hard to pin down as it entirely consits of oxymorons. Each note carried has a smooth hoarseness or a melancholy joy- as if through music he is desparately trying to attain something he is simultaneously re-living.
His emotion is tracked throughout each song on his albums telling the listener the story, telling them what to feel through his tone.
If you're unsure what I mean have a listen to 'Beyond' by Leon Bridges
I saw Leon perform in Brixton in November and it was an awesome experience. Most of his performances were high-energy and the intimate crowd were having an amazing time. His slow songs were less emotional as there is a level of detachment you feel when someone is too far to see your eyes. Nevertheless it was still a sincere performance. The set was simple but quite the vibe. The lighting often matched the mood of the song but everything else in terms of atmosphere was largely down to his fantastic band, who boosted his energy throughout the night and who are all vocally and musically skilled themselves. Leon is a dancer with a very unique style and rarely his vocals were strained under it. He performs well live, but at times I found myself wishing he'd extend a note a little further if it weren't for his stifled breathlessness. Even so, this was a rare occurence. I attended the concert alone but made some unspoken friendships dancing with complete strangers and just having the best time. By the end of the night I felt giddy with excitment and exhausted from dancing and laughter. All in all, Leon Bridges is a brilliant live experience and I would reccomend it. To round off this post I'll leave you with one of my best memories...
In the second to the front row the tall person who found his way in front of me was eventually made aware (by his friend that I'd been dancing with) that he had been restricting my view and they gracefully pulled me forward towards the barrier for one of Bridges' best from his first album called 'River'.
Right in front of me they stoood and sang, strumming the guitar and slowing down the night. I was surrounded by the warm golden brown glow of the lights and curtains and found myself at peace, completely enjoying taking in every minute of the moment:
Leon Bridges' newest album 'Good Thing' is available everywhere.
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