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Alicia Keys and John Legend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some of the things that distinguish Alicia Keys and John Legend in the world of R&B, weren’t, surprisingly, what they focused on during their sold-out, two-night stand at the Fox Theatre. See photos from the first night of the sold-out show.
They’ve both played piano since they were in their single digits. They don’t typically show their abs. And they’re almost steadfast in their adherence to the sounds of ’60s and ’70s soul music. But you might not have picked up on those things if the Fox shows were your first exposure to the pair.
In her interesting — if not always great — performance, Keys put on a ’30s-style Cotton Club show very different from her three concerts in Atlanta in the past year. And she deserves credit for trying something new. As a mainstay on urban contemporary, pop and adult-contemporary radio almost since her debut four years ago, she could easily just keep playing her hits. But Keys, in exceptional voice, skillfully melded her material with such jazz and big band standards as “Good Morning Heartache,” “I Put A Spell On You” and “Fever.”
A check in the plus column.
The crowd on Wednesday actually cheered when — four songs in — she finally walked to the piano. But surely those applauding couldn’t have felt rewarded at the end of her 90-minute set, when her saxophonist had spent more time showing he can play than she had.
Also, it’s a little disappointing that the woman who earned a history-tying five Grammys for her classy debut feels the need to mimic the skin-baring, behind-shaking model of many of her peers. But there she was during “Heartburn,” her almost-bare back to the Fox audience, doing her best Beyonce.
Come on, this is the so-called “next Aretha”?
Now, about the “next Stevie Wonder:” In his first major Atlanta appearance since the December release of his debut, Legend didn’t spend much time showing off his classical training either.
Instead he used his too-short set to flesh out his album’s intricate beauty with a DJ and five-piece accompaniment. It was a choice that served him particularly well on the lovely, samba-like closing of “Ordinary People.”
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By Kandice
April 8, 2005 8:43 AM | Link to this
I completely agree 100% Alicia’s almost 2 hour show left alot to be desired, she really should have let John play for an hour and that whole 30’s theme left me at most times bored to sleep. I left Wednesday night on If I aint got you…I hope that was the end if not…oh well…worth 90 bucks…ummm NO.
By April
April 8, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this
Alicia did a wonderful performance. I would highly recommend those who did not get a chance to see her spectacular performance to please check her out later this month at chastain. The guest apppearance by usher was another crowd pleaser. Alicia gave her all. You go girl.
By Candace
April 8, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this
I too was a little disapointed with the show. I thought John Legend was wonderful. I’d seen him previously and was also pleased. I thought Alicia’s Thursday performance was a bit boring at times. She has a lot of energy while on stage but something the overall performance was lacking… I am not sure if this was due to song selection, costume choice, or something else. I did not think her costumes flattered her at all (from the pictures posted, she looked better on Wednesday). The highlights for me were John Legend & Usher - even though Usher was only on stage for 10 seconds. I am still a fan of Alicia’s talent, just not moved by her performance.
By Candace
April 8, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this
I too was a little disappointed with the overall show. I thought John Legend was wonderful. I’d seen him previously and was also pleased. I thought Alicia’s Thursday performance was a bit boring at times. She has a lot of energy while on stage but something in her overall performance was lacking… I am not sure if this was due to song selection, costume choice, or something else. I did not think her costumes flattered her at all (from the pictures posted, she fit into her 30’s theme more on Wednesday). The highlights for me were John Legend & Usher - even though Usher was only on stage for 10 seconds. I am still a fan of Alicia’s talent, just not moved by this particular performance.
By Caresse Spencer
April 8, 2005 12:45 PM | Link to this
The show (April 6) was incredible. The singer that opened had vocal abilities but oversang every song, while John Legend was able to prove that he is profoundly soulful-with a short time to do so! And Alicia Keys was phenomenal. Sure, if you only wanted her to powerfully deliver her hits and newest songs (which she still did!) then you might have been disappointed! But, if you had seen her do just that 3x last year (which was still incredible), then it was refreshing to see her perform with a different twist! The idea of a 1930s theme-costumes, set, acting-was brilliant! This show belonged in a theatre b/c it was more like a play or musical then just an ordinary concert (which by the way, Alicia never gives). I too got a little restless with the extended time of the saxophonist solo(although he was talented), but it did build up to Alicia’s powerful delivery of a few soulful ballads and a new costume! And how come when in a female artist dances she has to be linked to imitating Beyonce? When Alicia didn’t dance she was criticized for not being entertaining, now she dances and she’s trying to be Beyonce? I think not! Alicia’s costume was just that a costume, merely revealing her back; the minute-long dance she did actually got the crowd excited, reflected her connection to the young music culture, and proved that she could be a “Beyonce”, but by the end of the night it was clear that Alicia isn’t neccesarily an artist ahead of her time, not even the “next Aretha”-but instead a true prodigy that can sing, dance, act, play the piano, and is a true musician! She’s the one and only Alicia!
By gail
April 8, 2005 1:39 PM | Link to this
I wish you could write as well as AK performs