Jill Scott-The Real Thing Tour 2008 Review

I have a love hate relationship with concerts....once I get there I am ready to leave....sad fact but true. There are some concerts however that I will gladly brave through hurting feet (from dress shoes...lol) for and when I heard that Jill Scott's tour was making it's way to my town I was ready well in advance!

Before I get to the main reason for this review lets deal with the opening act Raheem DeVaughn. I was rather less than kind to his latest CD in a review I wrote and when I heard that he was the opener I said "well....I don't mind being late" but when you are with a group majority rules so there we were on time for his set and I must admit I changed my mind about him....somewhat. I still think his latest CD sucks BIG time but him outside of the studio however is a far different experience in that he and his band connect well with the audience and come across excellently live.

Every time I see Jill Scott live each performance seems to out do the other's and last night's was no exception.......... the whole experience draws you right up close and personal with this beautifully human and talented singer. Her connection alone with her audience feels right at home showing that behind the singer beats the heart of a normal everyday girl just doing what she loves. She's witty, funny, and charming without talking her way though her set or losing you along the way. Covering songs from everyone of her releases Jill for the better of 2 1/2hrs gave you your monies worth singing her hits like Golden, The Way, Hate On Me, and a killer version of Free that brought the house down. Those were some of many highlights of the night but none could come close to what came at the end of the show.

At the end of one of her songs nearing the tail end of the show out of no where the lights were lowered and Scott says "ladies and gentleman it is my pleasure to introduce "CHUCK BROWN"!! Folks to understand the power in that statement  I have to give you a little back story...in short: Go Go music is a DC staple and taken very seriously although not being received by the mainstream and Chuck Brown is the GOD of this treasured DC sound(which has never been a favorite of mine but there is an exception to every rule and last night was my one for Go Go music). As the lights raised he appeared and the crowd went absolutely CRAZZZZZZZY! This 75yr old man brought the house to it's feet and for three songs made The Real Thing tour HIS thing! It was a moment that brought tears to many eyes to see this ageless local legend move the crowd and had Jill herself dancing up a storm.....barefoot!