Maxwell and Jill Scott

I can’t say that I’m the biggest fan of live music.  Big crowds do nothing for me.  And as a fan of hip-hop, I think that there are few acts that can manage to do more than just scream (with their boys) over their own songs.  Ideally, the live performance would offer an experience that can’t created with a studio-mastered work.  I have had some good experiences with John Legend, The Roots, and some local jazz acts.  On Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to catch Jill Scott and Maxwell performing at Key Arena.  It was an amazing performance.

I don’t know if this is true, but someone mentioned that a lot of artists like to start their tours in Seattle.  It is a smaller media market to work out the kinks in your show, plus it is easy to sell out.  Key Arena may not have been the perfect venue.  It was a tad bit big for the more intimate styles of these two artists.  Plus, the acoustics weren’t great.  The Paramount would have been a better choice.  But being practical, I guess it makes more sense to perform at the largest venue you can fill.  And that they did.  It was also nice that this was about the most black people I have ever seen in Seattle.  For once, I wasn’t the minority. 

But like I said, it was an amazing show.  Jill Scott’s stage show brought to life a lot of songs that I had worn out in the early 2000’s and introduced me to songs from her latest album that I had yet to hear.  Maxwell’s performance was masterful.  When he first came out, the jumbotrons were broadcasting him in black and white; giving the show a sort of 60’s soul vibe.

The show for me was a much needed change of pace. In addition to being great entertainment, it was an opportunity to see the beauty that comes from being truly passionate about one's craft.  When Maxwell and Jill Scott come to your town, go see them live!

Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/MrSharps/20100602MaxwellJillScottConcert