REVIEW: Blessed Souls - Open Mic Event (November)

In the basement of Adulis Eritrean Restaurant an intimate showcase took place, amid leather sofas and a smattering of candles on tables. With live music from MAC band (bass, keys, drum and sax in full effect) and hosted by Adelaide McKenzie, the night promised to be an enjoyable one.

Open mic nights tend to be musical translations of Forest Gump’s chocolate box - you never know what you are going to get – and I found the Blessed Souls event to be no different. From a harmonica-player, speaking Hebrew lyrics over a solid reggae rhythm; to a humorous poem about God told in Patois; the unique and wonderful shared the stage with aplomb. In between acts a selection of soul, r&b and dancehall tracks were mixed by DJ KMT, to keep the crowd entertained.

Highlights of the evening included a Norah Jones-esque ballad by a young lady called Matshidiso; an energetic and crowd-pleasing performance by self-proclaimed street psalmist Karl Nova and a beautifully passionate performance by a Ms. Rachel Kerr. Despite the sound-checking interruptions at the beginning, due to a late start, Adelaide’s lively and engaging banter with the audience quickly won me over. As I reclined on the mocha-coloured leather sofa, and soaked in the laidback vibes I felt as if I were receiving a live gig in the privacy of my living room. My only gripe for the night was the event lingered on a little bit too long and having to use the upstairs bar instead of the one in the basement.

For those interested in great music and good vibes, with spiritual undertones, Blessed Souls is the perfect spot.

© Rachelle Hull, 2008

Published at: www.catchavibe.co.uk