Seattle Subsonic

Raphael Saadiq Brings Stimulus to PDX

March 9th, 2009

Raphael Saadiq, Wonder Ballroom, Portland OR

Last weekend at the Wonder Ballroom Raphael Saadiq appeared on stage without introduction nor opening band. His competent and energized backing band was already stomping through their take on “Age of Aquarius” and from there, none of them looked back. He has an extensive back catalog of R&B jams from which to assemble a set list, and he did so expertly. From “100 Yard Dash”, “Let’s Take a Walk” and “Sure Hope You Mean It” from his latest LP, to the Tony Tone Toni hits “Whatever You Want” and “Anniversary”, he crafted a fantastic show. It was pretty dynamic .
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During the opening song, the facade he displays on the cover of “The Way I See It,” began to rapidly strip away. Those black-rimmed glasses disappeared, and by mid-set, the shirt and tie were gone, too, revealing a ripped and tattooed crooner gone wild. The energy and charisma of the star was infectious: smiling, I told my date,”It just became THAT show! Awesome.” He delivered pure, unhindered and honest entertainment: a giant dollop of soul, some skilled choreography with his terrific backing singers and a little affable banter between songs. It was a the kind of feel-GREAT, make ya grin like a carefree fool kinda show that anyone look relish. Our little group of six never stopped dancing – and we definitely weren’t alone. The whole place was movin’ and groovin’. I hope Raphael and his band make a return trip to the PNW this year. I heard that their Showbox appearance termed “the best show the venue has ever had.”