I’m not religious, but I think Leon Bridges’ voice may be heaven sent.
From the second that man stepped onstage, if I wasn’t swaying in rapture and closing my eyes against the waves of buttery, silky vocals rolling over the top of the crowd, I was endangering the toes of the people next to me as I uncontrollably bopped away.
Not for lack of a better word, simply the best one that fits; it was so incredibly fun.
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Bridges took us through all his hits, Bad Bad News, River, Mariella, Coming Home, as well as an array of heartfelt tunes ( When a Man Cries, That’s What I Love, Peaceful Place) from his most recent album Leon. Blending between soul, folk and country for a 20-song set with the funkiest, insanely talented seven-piece band.
Speaking of – I just absolutely have a big ol’ crush on back-up vocalist and guitarist Emily Elbert. Get Leon off the screen, I want to see Emily!
I stand by my belief that live music is always better; there’s a magical quality to seeing the artist in front of you, singing the songs only they can sing the right way, and the palpable energy connecting everyone in the room because we all came here for the same thing.
But it is still such a treat when the real thing out-does the recorded version. How does his voice sound like that? Where does all that smoky soul come from?
That sultryness paired with the thrum and twang of his Texas roots…well it’s no surprise half the crowd near-fainted when Bridges’ sang out “Baby you’re so gorgeous” during Texas Sun (a lyric that will be sorely missed when I get to hear this track AGAIN at Khruangbin this month).
Bridges rounded off the show with a few tracks during encore; a deliciously moving solo of Lisa Sawyer on an empty stage, before bringing the band back on for Beyond from his 2018 album, Good Things. A wonderful way to conclude a night soaking in love, joy and so many good things.
