Ady Suleiman, the next poster boy for British Soul music? - Photo via Ady's Facebook
If you had any doubt about the vitality of the British soul scene, then last night’s event was to provide the antidote to your woes. In the second of two intimate shows at The Red Room, Nottingham’s reigning prince of soul, Ady Suleiman returned to his hometown stage after what seems like a lifetime away. With him, he brought a stellar lineup of support acts for a night that promised to deliver far more than its free admission.
The night got into full swing with Phoebe Ball. Giggling nervously as she took to the stage with backing singers Hannah and Astrid, any apparent giddiness quickly evaporated once she launched into her set. Armed with a wealth of youthful charisma, her jazz-flavoured acoustic folk-soul was impossible not to enjoy, a personal highlight being a cover of The Spice Girls’ Spice Up Your Life. Glistening with potential, Phoebe could be looking at a future as bright as her sky-blue hair.
After a flurry to the bar, it was then time for Noah to take the stage. For a small band, they produce the most glorious wall of sound, sounding both vulnerable and powerful in one beautifully intoxicating package. Their rendition of Whitney’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody shows their ability to turn even a disco classic into a sultry ballad while songs like Set a Fire and the more haunting David made evident the duo’s gift for observant, and sometimes poignant, lyricism. They’re totally at home on the stage, laughing and charming the audience with an infectious charisma. To say ‘they have it all’ seems like a cliche, but after a set like that, it’s damn hard to refrain from it.
By the time it’s Ady Suleiman’s turn, the room is rammed like a particularly sweaty tin of sardines. The Notts-based singer has been somewhat under the radar as of late, so it’s unsurprising many turned up eager for his return to the stage. Despite the packed out room however, his set retains the sense of unrivalled intimacy that made him so special in the first place.
Backed by a more beefed out band, they waste no time and launch straight into the reggae-infused Why You Running Away. There are already a number of established know-every-word fan favourites in the shape of Serious and Somebody to Love, and the show is brought to a close by the much anticipated and deliciously catchy State of Mind.
As ever, it’s Ady’s voice that steals the show, an effortless blues vocal that soars and scats to unbelievable heights and commands the attention of every pair of eyes & ears in the capacity-filled venue. It was a triumphant return to the stage for the singer and I for one am willing to take bets that Ady Suleiman could be the next poster boy for British Soul. Name your price.
Ady Suleiman, Noah and Phoebe Ball performed at Rescue Rooms on Tuesday 15 July 2014.
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