Live
Anderson .Paak: Kentish Town Forum, London 16/4/17
Go back a few years, and Anderson .Paak was homeless and on the lookout for gigs around LA after suddenly losing his job on a marijuana farm.
He'd previously given up on his dream of being a musician, but his unemployment proved to be a crisis which was the making of him. How times change.
He caught the eye of Dr Dre, and .Paak's name would feature prominently on the former's "Compton" record in 2014.
Last year's solo release "Malibu" - the follow-up to his debut long player "Venice" - was one of the finest albums of 2016, and earned him deserved comparisons with early Stevie Wonder.
Little wonder then that his show at Kentish Town Forum was a complete sell-out, as crowds packed in early to watch the 31-year-old performing alongside The Free Nationals.
Twenty-four hours earlier .Paak had appeared on Later with Jools Holland, and this performance served to set expectations even higher as he arrived onstage, commendably on time.
He started with "The Waters", and it was immediately clear how at ease he is in his natural setting.
.Paak's musical pedigree has been proven in the studio, and he was evidently keen to show it off on the road. Four songs into his set, he exited front stage and took his position behind the drum kit. Incredibly, he proceeded to perform his vocals while not missing a beat.
Versions of "Seasons/Carry Me" and "Put Me Through" followed, and his performance of "Heart Don't Stand A Chance" - one of his best-known records - showed why there is so much excitement around .Paak right now.
He pulled out a surprise by introducing The Internet to the stage, and while it was good to see them, it was arguable unnecessary - .Paak has the star quality to stand alone.
His silky voice was phenomenal as he performed "Drugs", and the venue perfectly suited the outstanding catalogue of music he had to share.
By the time he arrived at "The Dreamer", the last track of the night, he had the audience singing along as he mixed with the crowd at the front.
He's a class act, and has a bright future ahead of him. Expect big things from .Paak in the years to come.
PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke
