Audio Gumbo

Photo by Carol Grady of Rhythmic Images

A few nights ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing an intense soul session that completely satiated my rhythmic thirst.  Chicago native Jesse Boykins III (an Audio Gumbo favorite) touched down in Atlanta at The Five Spot and shared his “Romantic Movement” and his glorious ‘fro with his adoring listeners.  His opening acts included Micah Freeman and Gilles, whom I, unfortunately, missed out on but word is, both gentleman threw down.  I’ll be checking them out.  Another opener was the dope ass band Bosco.  Led by the funky fresh Brittany Bosco, ATL’s finest served up tunes with their last show of 2012.  Brittany B. killed with her rendition of Ralph Tresvant’s “Sensitivity,” completely transforming it into a soulful, rock joint.

When Jesse Boykins III hit the stage, the energy in The Five Spot became seductively electric.  He opened with his genius cover of Andre 3 Stacks “Prototype” and the show just escalated to greatness from there.  JB3 has definitely perfected the craft of undeniable stage presence–catching and holding eye contact with individuals in the audience, passing the mic to aspiring background singers, encouraging crowd participation.  From “The Perfect Blues” to “I Can’t Stay” to “B4 The Night Is Thru,” the crooner romanced us, moved us, and made us sing aloud.  Incredibly humble and gracious, JB3 gave us a show full of seduction and inspiration.  Be sure to cop his full-length album Zulu Guru with producer Melo-X, dropping on October 30th.  Also, peep JB3’s dancehall-tinged rendition of Feist’s “Limit To Your Love” below.

*Big, big shoutout to One Music Fest for blessing me with a ticket in their giveaway.  I digs free!*

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