R&B artiste John Legend wowed the audience with his effectively stripped down but soulful set, writes Aref Omar
WHETHER or not he really is a legend is arguable. But one thing for sure, John Legend lived up to his flashy stage name during his recent All Of Me Tour concert here.
Legend, born John Roger Stephens, made an indelible impression on the 3,000-strong audience at his one-night-only, sold-out show in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Plenary Hall.
Armed with his musical instrument of choice, a baby grand piano, the sharp-looking singer-songwriter melodiously tinkled his way into the hearts of his audience — easily winning them over with his endearing charm, magnetic stage presence, warm vocals and dextrous fingers.
Ever the centre of focus on the small stage, the 35-year-old American was in fine form as his voice cut through the musical dramatics in perfect pitch.
At times reminiscent of a small, smoky club performance, which wouldn’t have been a bad choice considering the amount of musical talent and prowess at play, Legend was nevertheless backed on some other songs by a drummer, a guitarist, a bassist and a string quartet.
SOUL BARING AFFAIR
It was a raw, soul baring and intimate affair as he explained earlier on that: “It’s going to be an unplugged show.”
But as the 90-minute show progressed, the nine-time Grammy Award-winner also delivered some smooth, ice-breaking - not to mention female-swooning - banter with the audience.
Dressed in a snazzy suit, the clean cut and fresh faced performer spoke about his early days as an aspiring R&B artiste in New York.
From quitting his job as a management consultant and shopping his demo of songs around to various record labels, to being a hired hand for other established singers and rappers such as Alicia Keys, Lauren Hill and Kanye West, it was an inspiring story of perseverance that mirrored his urban flavoured songs of love, romance, heartbreak and hope.
Other various narrations of his tunes followed throughout, including one about Maxine. Legend hadn’t realised that it was his grandmother’s middle name when he wrote the song. Not surprisingly, she thought it was dedicated to her when she heard it after its release.
“I don’t think she paid attention to the words though,” said Legend ironically, drawing laughter from the audience. The song was about a woman cheating on her man.
Warmed up and primed, the appreciative crowd continued to respond loudly to his jokes and swayed enthusiastically in their seats to his moving music.
Performing songs from his four studio albums, Legend was on the roll with So High, Ordinary People, P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care), Save Room, Green Light, Who Do We Think We Are, Made To Love and You & I (Nobody In The World).
COVER SONGS AND TRIBUTE
The highlights also consisted of some superbly rendered covers of famous songs from different eras and genres by the soulful sounding Legend.
Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 folk song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 rocker, Dancing In The Dark, were given the bare bones piano and soulful vocal treatment that was at once moving and inspiring, as well as a testament to the RnB artiste’s prodigious ability.
Apparently, after playing the Springsteen cover with The Roots on the Late Night With Jimmy Fallon show, Legend got a letter from The Boss himself inviting him to perform it at the MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute concert to Bruce Springsteen, which he did, last year.
But Legend’s All Of Me concert was of course not all contemplative and down-tempo. There were celebratory moments which included a cover of the late Michael Jackson’s 1979 funk hit, Rock With You, where Legend got the crowd to stand up, dance and sing along.
His blistering 20-song set came to a close with his current hit single, All Of Me, from his Love In The Future album.
Written for his wife, leggy model Chrissy Teigan who he married late last year, the beautifully delivered tune was the perfect romantic ending to a mesmerising night.
Suffice to say, it was definitely a worthwhile experience as the audience walked out with big smiles.
Legend’s concert, organised by PR Worldwide, was his second show here. He performed at the Sunburst KL International Music Festival in 2008.