Live
Joe and Ginuwine: IndigO2 12/10/09
Before we can get into a review of the live performance at O2’s Indigo, I have to highlight the excitement for these two headline acts...
I grew up in a decade when golden Rn'B was just that, when timeless classic’s like TLC’s ‘Creep’ and Blackstreet’s ‘No Diggity’ were being dropped. It was a beautiful time for the genre. Also known as the heyday of hip-hop soul, RnB was creating a recognisable sound, a mixture of deep base, hip-hop influenced beats, smooth hooks and poetic lyrics that was favored by so many then and still to this day. It was also the decade that two superstars in the form of Joe and Ginuwine started and refined their craft. They gave lessons in love, to which this writer was front of the class. And by the look of the amount of men queuing for the concert on Monday, the class was one of oversubscription.
Dare you call their music cheese, no sir. Their early offerings like ‘Ginuwine the bachelor’ and Joe’s ‘Everything’ begun what was to be a discography of smoothness, an inspiration for so many present day artists. Between them they’ve released over 19 records, a true demonstration of longevity. And this year they’ve shown they’re in no rush to retire. Joe’s ‘Signature’ album is going strong after it’s July release and after a long void more excitingly Ginuwine returns to blistering form with ‘Man’s Thoughts’.
As I got into the IndigO2 it was 8pm and I could barely move. It’s certainly the most packed I’d seen the venue in recent times. Ginuwine was on first and the atmosphere was ecstatic. It didn’t matter that his last release was over four years ago. The nostalgia in the air sparked huge respect and love from the crowd. It’s actually amazing to see him sing live. His voice carries so well with each hook and line executed with finesse and perfection. But it’s Ginuwine’s characteristic emotional force with which he ejects his lyrics that is most impressive. His crystal clear delivery felt just like he was on your home speakers pumped to full watts. Everyone welcomed his return, it’s was the same ol’ G we all remembered, and after each song you could see it meant a lot to him as he reciprocated the support. He played so many classic’s from all his albums along with the addictive new single ‘Last Chance’. A special highlight was the intimate acoustic version of ‘In those Jeans’. It was a special moment, where you saw his true vocal spectrum, with screams of joy from the audience equal only to the final song of the performance, the notorious ‘Pony’.
As he left the stage (only to be returning in December people) you realised that only half of the night was over. And after a short breather the lights dimed in anticipation for the arrival of Joe with his full live band. Opening to the epic echoes of ‘Baby Where You At’ Joe reaches the stage slicker then Slick Rick. Dressed in a suave tux and shades, you could sense everyman inside hold his partner that little bit tighter. Effortlessly and without pause he delighted with a catalogue of past and present songs. Big hits like ‘Stutter’, ‘I Wanna Know’, ‘Treat Her Like a Lady’ and ‘Ride With You’ got the biggest affection and along with other love ballads Joe created a relaxing seductive atmosphere, one similar I suppose to early greats of the 70’s and 80’s.
With most couples owning their intimate moments to the soundtrack of both performers, guys did well bringing in the brownie points by taking their ladies to possibly the biggest Rn'B line up of the year. Overall the night was an ode to the power of modern Rn'B, and the return of two pioneering legends to the forefront of the genre.
All photos care of B&S' Romain Kedochim. For more visit ROMAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Words ALI RAYMOND
