GIG REVIEW: Craig David
- Posted on October 23, 2007 1:30 PM
- 0 comments
Craig David
Ronnie Scott's
Thursday October 19th, 2007
Review by Katie Spain
I was never much of a Craig David fan when he hit the big time back in 2001. The whole RnB scene was always been something I dipped into on a night out with the girls or when I didn't have a choice in it. These days, you can't escape it... a trip out clothes shopping in London is like a change-room crash course in RnB history.
Sure, I sang along when the British-singer/songwriter crooned out ‘Walkin’ Away’ and ‘What’s Your Flava’ but I didn’t buy the album. I may have been wary about the constant name dropping during tunes (yes, we know you’re Craig David) but openly admired the cock-sure swagger in the lyrics of ‘Seven Days’. In my youthful eyes, "We were makin’ love by Wednesday" was a leap of erotic fast-moving fervour. Then I hit Uni and reality struck home... seven days is a bloody long time for some.
Either way, I missed the Craig David wave... I also missed the whole Bo Selecta phase (come on, I wasn’t even in the country). So, I was unphased when I agreed to interview and see Craig David live in the space of a week. You know what; without realising how it happened, I think I’m now a fan. Thursday night at Ronnie Scott’s was without a doubt one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen in my little gig-going life. Here’s why:
Ronnie Scott's is a special venue at the best of times. Jazz greats have performed at the Frith Street venue since 1965 and one glance at the walls reveals its vast musical history. Framed black and white photographs capture moments in time... and tonight we're due for another treat. We won't be taking any photos of Mr David - it's strictly prohibited. Not that we mind, we're too busy ordering fine red wine and taking in our surroundings.
I've bought my cameraman mate (and genuine Craig David fan) along. During our chat with Craig earlier in the week we were told to expect spontaneity between him, the crowd and the band - so our expectations are high. The environment is certainly intimate. We're closer to the stage than we'll probably ever get to Sir David and the competition winners in the front rows can barely contain their bladders (and heaving cleavage). The breast brigade is out in force. Work it baby… maybe they’ll nab the singer in a mere seven minutes.
Craig appears on stage in sunglasses; mark one in my book of intolerances. To his credit, he makes a joke of it after opening to his new single Hot Stuff (sampled from David Bowie’s Let’s Dance). This is the first glimpse we see into a character who is more than happy to take the p*** out of himself. And good on him – it's a refreshing dry spell in an ego-soaked industry.
As we down what must be one of the best cheese boards in London (it goes with the Jazz daaahling) we’re treated to a smashing, Funk, Jazz, and Cuban beat-packed set by the Southampton-born voice. The guy can sing (but you knew that already didn’t you). This is Craig David at his best – stripped down, backed by a six-piece backing band, including his original drummer Frankie Tontoh. Feet tap from the outset as the smooth mover pulls out all the stops.
The mix of old and new is spot on. Either this wine has gone to my head or the notes I’ve written on my notebook are true. “Craig’s rich vocals dance around the brass section with the grace of two dolphins playing”. I don’t know if you’ve witnesses such a spectacle… I have (and it’s beautiful) but come on! Do you fancy another glass of red reviewer?
Six of One is pure Soul, and the rapid rap on This Is The Girl, leaves us gob-smacked. It’s with ease that he glides into a duet with upcoming talent Rita Ora. She is seduction and Soul in a sixteen-year old package; Pity about the screechy sound system.
We’re dipped into the honey-pot of 2-Step Garage for a moment with Just A Reminder and Rise and Fall. The cleavage in the front row bounces along to the exotic beat of Trust Me. Manicured hands fan flushed faces as Walking Away hits our ears. Even my heart melts (it’s made of stone you know).
An encore worthy of a place in Ronnie Scott’s ‘Hall Of Fame’ features the acoustic Seven Days, and Fill Me In. Two espresso martinis later and we’re dancing in the aisles. Craig eclipses us as Hot Stuff fills the air again and rather than overkill, it’s the perfect end to a smashingly fine evening. Bowie would be proud. One lucky lady dances on stage as I twirl between two gay men and simultaneously raise my glace (and my respect) towards a man destined for a second round in the limelight.
Our night should (but doesn’t end there) but that’s a story for another time. As we totter into the Soho night and pass the crowd lining up for Craig's second gig of the night, we all agree on one thing; when the bling has gone and the sunglasses are lowered, raw talent speaks for itself.
“Hot Stuff” is due for release on November 5th, followed by his brand new album “Trust Me” on November 12th.
Check out our pre-Ronnie Scott's interview with Craig David.
Craig David tickets.
Craig David MySpace
Official Craig David site
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