I was not only excited by the amount of folks that showed up for this hump-day event but also the energy in the room. The wood floor was bouncin' and the people were smilin'! This is what the group describes as "Life Music" - music that promotes family, respect to women, spirituality and male "responsibility". This ethical message is something lacking not only in todays music world but most entertainment out there especially for the youth culture.
The mix of dance, varied vocal styles, a turntablist, an mc, bassist, guitarist and drummer gives the group the wide range of appeal that has kept half the world still listening since 1995 (when A.D. stopped touring the US). I learned later in the show from Rasa Don (Raz) original A.D. Drummer and Graphic Artist for the band, that their appeal has stayed not only strong in European countries and Canada but that they are HUGE in Japan and have been recording there. Is there something wrong with America or have we moved on to more superficial trends? I'd say both!
Speech and crew got the crowd going right off the bat. Their stage presence was huge considering the size of the SoHo stage. Everyone was singing along and the call and response between singers Tasha, Montsho Eshe and Speech was fabulous!! Woah yeah!
There was no hesitation when singing their Hits - it was all out - full energy and style all the way!
Original and positive - Arrested Development has kept what made them a success!
I made sure to grab a copy of their latest album called "Since the Last Time" produced in 2006. CD in hand I proceeded to make my way closer to the stage to get a better look at the group.
During a "break it down" instrumental the Bassist Za' grooved and picked up the pace while transitioning from caribbean tinged "Black Magic Woman"-Santana to r&b classic "Billy Jean" -Michael Jackson. In between all of this jamming was Montsho Eshe, an A.D. member since she was 13; showing off her fantastic skills at African Dance. She also displayed two large white cloths that she began to spin rapidly all this while gyrating to the rhythms with a beaming smile. Watching Eshe belt out the famous lines of "People Everyday" with her glowing face made you sing even harder. She is a JOY!
In Santa Barbara any Reggae will do especially Mr. Robert Nesta Marley himself....but Speech's sincere version of Marley's "Redemption Song" was beautiful and a surprise aspect of the show.
Of course lighters were lit and toker's started toking but this is a compliment to the quality of the music!
Listening to Arrested Development's style of Afrocentric Hip-Hop, you feel as though you're getting an education, as though it is much more than great beats and rhymes, every word means something it seems historical. Not many rapper's today have really made any statement that is without ego, big cars, chicks, money and yachts mentioned in the subtext. Arrested Development has a message and it still rings true.
A classic moment was the call and response between the audience and Speech yelling "Go Baba, go Baba go!" referring to group member and guru Baba Oje. Baba now in his 70's didn't make it to this show but frequents the stage during Arrested Development's Euro/Japanese tour.
After dancing like crazy's - we all stood panting with the lights turned down and the glow of the stage outlining the group. Every member was highlighted by a spotlight and their skills were commended by hoots, hollers and applause. Autograph signing was promised but no encore. I was super-impressed to see not only Speech but Rasa Don, Tasha, Eshe, Za, JJ Boogie and One Love all greeting fans with handshakes, hi-fives and hugs before leaving the stage. So down to earth (I love it!)
I managed to get all signatures and talk a little with each member. They really expressed true gratitude for the support and loyalty of their fans. Again- so down to earth! This "family" of artists really deserve more exposure - certainly this was no "has been" concert!!
From start to finish-Arrested Development entertained us, made us smile, made us think and brought back that feeling before the days of the Internet, YouTube and instant entertainment.
They are wholesome and talented and I can't wait to see what "Develops" next...
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