Unseasonable soaking showers could not dampen the enthusiasm at the Fox Theater in Oakland last night. Newly, and beautifully restored the venue is an iridescent, gilded reminder of Art Deco opulence. The show sold out, the crowd came early, happily enjoying itself. One of the white-shirted ushers was making some rap moves himself. No one seemed to mind. Fabulous seats in the balcony, center stage, thanks Laura. Perfect sound. I loved all the lighting effects and staging.
The band looked and sounded first rate. I first saw Damian, with Snoop Dog, in San Francisco some years ago. Performing his two excellent albums live, he seemed fragile and tentative. Last night he was confidant and strong. Plus, he's the cutest thing on two legs. The love child of Bob Marley and former Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, he makes transmigration of souls seem a reality. Raised carefully, out of the spotlight, he joined his Marley half-brothers, Stephen and Ziggy in musical adventuring. And so, in the course of his journey, he met up with Nas. Don't know much about brother Nas, except through his music. I know he has a number of kids, and many more albums. He's East Coast, I think. Really good lyrics!!! Hard delivery. Born in Brooklyn to a "cultural" jazz influenced family, he quit school early, educated himself in Black Studies, and started to rap. Witty as all get out, sarcastic, but not a hater--my favorites of his songs are K-I-S-S-I-N-G, and something about Fried Chicken "That's Just what ******* Do". Having sold more than 10 million records, he was adoreable, bursting with pride, as the audience applauded a really good flow. He was pleased, smiling. How CUTE!!! On several occasions the crowd went wild, the roar was oceanic. The show was totally a LUV Thang. I'll buy the album Nas and Damian just dropped, "Distant Relatives." On every level, I say, welcome to the family!
No comments:
Post a Comment