hotevents
Opening Camden’s Jazz Café doors and getting an on the spot intro to the voice that is Tamara Wellons is a sure sign of a great night to come. More on the extraordinary Tamara Wellons later.
The hm team had been invited to cover the Carmen Rodger’s concert by Keep The Faith, event promoters of everything soul, neo-soul, UK soul, roots, nu-jazz, fusion, reggae, latin, live music and rare groove in London. Being the neo- soul lovers that we are how could we resist. So we took our South London selves to our new home Camden (have you noticed how many events we cover seem to happen there).
Miss Rodgers walked into Jazz Café and it was instant, we clicked and soon enough were chatting away like old friends about her music, life as a businesswoman (Google Candigirl music is all I’m saying) and all else besides. Her interview was one of the most fun for us to date. Carmen is a beautiful and real spirit whose talent radiates from her, as you’ll see in our filmed interview.
On to the evening’s performance. It opened with supporting acts Jesse Gamage and Lataille, then Tamara graced the stage. Her powerful performance highlighted her stronghold in a unique genre. Tamara blends soul, jazz and house music and the result is infectious like her performances “In My Lifetime” and cover of Nirvana track ‘ Smells Like Teen Spirit”. A fitting prelude to the headline act and what a headline act it was.
Rockin’ a hot kimono dress with suede tasseled booties (Carmen you really need to put me on to the store you got those) and her signature Mohawk, Miss Rodgers came ready to party! Her opening performance, a remixed version of ‘Heartless’ channeled my inner rock chick and cemented the party atmosphere.
This was an intimate Jazz Café performance of good old-fashioned real GOOD music. Carmen gave us love in all its colours and flavours, bitter, sweet and oh so soulful. What I loved about Carmen’s performance aside from vocal prowess was her charisma. It captivated the audience the minute she stepped on stage. For instance, her anecdotes about the writing process for, and stories behind some of her songs. “What Hurts You” from the Bitter Suite album was written over red wine and chicken wings while hanging with the girls (my type of evening :) and is about hard working men. Yes dudes you heard right, this track is giving it up for the brothers!! “Try Again” from the Free album is about unstable relationships where you break up then make up time and again. But to hear this track performed live was even more magical with the unexpected mash up with Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”. It took it to another level, trust!
The show definitely left us wanting more and Carmen did not disappoint. She sealed the deal with show stopping performances of “It’s Me” (Bitter Suite Album) and encore performances of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and special treat “Try Again” a new joint from her upcoming album.
If you’re now totally bummed you didn’t catch the show then head to ITunes and cop that album!! Bitter Suite only £3.49 y’all!!!
www.keepthefaithful.com http://carmenrodgers.wordpress.com www.tamarawellonsmusic.com
hotminute mag 17
Written by Enam G
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