Al Green

You don’t need to read this review. This is entirely superfluous waste of your time because deep down, you know you need to see Al Green perform live, just as everyone with a passing interest in this insane little alternate reality known as pop music does. The ordained pastor from Forrest City, Arkansas may be pushing 70, but he can still put artists a third of his age to shame on stage. If you’ve already seen him then you know you need to see him again. If you haven’t, then that small yet vital piece that’s missing in the fabric of your being can materialize by following one very simple instruction. See. Al. Green. Green is an old-school showman in the best possible way, his sole purpose night after night being to send everyone home with a smile on their face. He does so with not only his delectable voice, that is still completely intact after nearly half a decade in show business, but also with the energy, passion and commitment of a performer still hungry to please an audience as if his next meal depends on it. Sometimes this even gets the better of him. At points Green looks skyward, hands on his knees while out of breath, seemingly pleading with some higher power to keep him going through the show. That kind of commitment to a show is rarely seen today, possibly for good reason, but there are few things more exciting than watching someone put everything on the line to put on an unforgettable show. It’s not even needed with a back catalogue containing the likes of "Let’s Stay Together," "Tired of Being Alone," "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "Take Me to the River," but it’s not in his nature to half-arse an audience like that. You want a show that’s as sensual as it is exciting? As life-affirming as it is funky? No one does it better than The Reverend.

Goapele Mohlabane is an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter and although she is not a particularly household name, for those in-the-know they are treated to world class soul music whenever she heads out on tour. The singer/songwriter had an incredibly interesting upbringing after her father was exiled from South Africa and found refuge in an exile community in California. She explains throughout her show that her early life and family directly influenced her sound, vision and outlook on the world.

This is completely evident on the intelligent songwriting style found on the likes of 'Change It All' and 'Even Closer'. Goapele's discography has been conistent throughout her career so the hand selected setlist blends well and the whole evening flows. Her vocal abilities are clearly demonstrated during new track 'Undertow' and the older 'Soweto'. She speaks fondly of her accompanying musicians who clearly have strong bonds with as they conclude a high quality show with 'Break of Dawn'.