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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2009 > February > 04 > Entry
John Legend In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: ROBB D. COHEN/www.robbsphotos.com
The R&B singer who made his debut four years ago elegantly sitting behind a piano, appeared on the Fox Theatre stage Tuesday night up and sweating in a boxing ring.
And for the next almost two hours, there was hardly a musical swing (from gospel to pop to reggae to hip-hop), a song or even an unexpected cover that five-time Grammy winner John Legend didn’t land solidly.
Like Alicia Keys — another lauded vocalist withe exceptional skills at the keyboard - Legend has been trying to break out of the somewhat reserved, VH1 persona he initially fell under. After all, he does have the biggest dance hit of his career with “Green Light” (featuring Atlanta’s Andre “Dre” Benjamin of OutKast). And, as he told the sold-out Fox crowd, he only just turned 30.
And to his credit, last night’s show was a big step towards proving him an “Evolver” (as his current CD is called). After his Ali-like opening on screen, the real Legend took center stage and confidently- and comfortably -began with an uptempo set including “Used To Love U” and “It’s Over”. He was personable, welcoming a rather unabashed woman to “Slow Dance” with him. And for the first time in his three studio-CD career, when Legend got to the ballads in the well-paced set - including a surprise bit of “Computer Love” - they weren’t the concert highlights. They were merely beautiful parts of a remarkable turn for Legend as a concert artist, and entertainer.
Were you at the Fox last night, and if so, what’s your take? (See the rest of our photo gallery HERE ) And did you get a chance to see opening act Estelle? How would you say she compares to other Brit-soul upstarts of late?
Comments
By dee
February 4, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
i saw him a few years back at the tabernacle and was completely satisfied with his performance save the fact that he took forever to take the stage. this time around i saw him perform in orlando a few days ago and i was thoroughly impressed. the lighting and large video backdrop were excellent mood setters and the man himself set it off on the good foot. estelle was on her game as well(the platform spikes were sick)!
By Nicole
February 4, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this
Mr. Legend is an awesome performer, I loved every minute of this concert (minus his brother’s song about humping to the beat…WTF??) Estelle is hilarious and can sing her London butt off, her cd will be purchased today. I can’t wait until he comes back to Atlanta again. One question though, where was Andre 3K??? I was waiting for him to come out.
By Nicole
February 4, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
Mr. Legend is an awesome performer, I loved every minute of this concert (minus his brother’s song about humping to the beat…WTF??) Estelle is hilarious and can sing her London butt off, her cd will be purchased today. I can’t wait until he comes back to Atlanta again. One question though, where was Andre 3K??? I was waiting for him to come out.