Concert Review: Jordan Rakei, Toronto, February 28 2018, Lee’s Palace
Jordan Rakei is 5-years deep into a recording career that launched with his self-published debut EP, Franklin’s Room (Jordan Rakei, 2013). In that time, the multi-instrumentalist and neo soul vocalist has amassed a loyal following, many of whom were on hand at Lee’s Palace last Wednesday for Rakei’s first Canadian appearance.
Rakei delivered an hour+ set characterized by single-minded focus. He’s a performer that gets lost in his own music, drawing his audience deep into his sound. His keyboard work on “A Tribe Called Government” from the Groove Curse EP (Soul Has No Tempo, 2014) was particularly immersive for the performer and his audience.
I’m sure I’m not the first to draw comparisons to D’Angelo given Rakei’s soundscape and rhythm choices. “Add the Basseline” from Groove Curse sounds like an ode to D’Angelo’s “Devil’s Pie.” Rakei’s vocal style is quite original but I am reminded of David Sylvian in his more woeful moments. From a songwriting perspective, Rakei appears to have more reach than other neo soul acts. For example, “Eye to Eye,” which opens his latest album, Wallflower (Ninja Tune, 2017), has a distinctly acoustic vibe.
Rakei’s Bandcamp page reveals “his own struggles with introversion and anxiety” as inspiration for Wallflower. Let’s hope this album and tour give him the therapy he needs. Rakei’s songwriting and musicianship draw the spotlight, despite his affinity for the shadows.
Setlist
- Eye to Eye
- May
- Nerve
- Goodbyes
- Alright
- Chemical Coincidence
- A Tribe Called Government
- Midnight Mischief
- Selfish
- Sorceress (encore)
The Players: Jordan Rakei (vocals, keyboards, guitar); Sheldon Agwu (rhythm guitar); Eric Whatley (bass guitar, keyboards); Jim Mcrae (drums)
I’m wondering if you’ve ever considered doing the odd vlog on your site. It would seem to lend itself to letting us hear clips of the music you write about, as well as your own melodious voice. Just a thought.
Thanks for the suggestion. My sister too recommended I enrich the content with a podcast format. Somehow, neither suggestion sits comfortably with me. I like the written form and feel a little uncomfortable recording my image or voice for public consumption. Paradoxically, I probably wouldn’t have a problem being on the radio. Figure that one out.
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