I have been eagerly anticipating this moment for the past month and finally, my big night arrived. Yes, I saw El DeBarge in concert. I was so excited that I couldn’t keep still. Now mind you, I had been having a wonderful time in Miami attending the uber fabulous Blogalicious Conference. But anyone who met me knew, I was going to leave the blue skies and sandy beaches even if I had to walk to New York to see El. My exuberance could not be contained.
In all honesty, El wasn’t there by himself. And while I had no clue who Miguel-the opening act was-I thought he gave a very good performance. I recognized a few of his songs. His live vocals definitely qualify him for some of my iPod real estate. Then Jazmine Sullivan took to the stage. I have one of her CD’s so I expected her to sound beautiful and she did. What surprised me was that she really gave a solid performance. She started with I Bust Your Windows Out Your Car and Lions and Tigers and Bears, but then she paid homage to 90’s R&B group SWV with Weak. That’s when she took it to the next level. And she didn’t stop there. When she interrupted one of her own songs with Poison by BBD, there was no denying she was the right artist for the bill.
El DeBarge worked it out at the Radio City Music Hall. When the sound of his voice filled the air just before he came out, you could feel the energy. El started with a medley of songs including Love Me In A Special Way. I’m getting chills just thinking about it. He followed with Stay With Me, which some folks think was Biggie Small’s song (Biggie Give Me One More Chance). Excuse me, but Biggie sampled El. Nevertheless, El crooned and flowed with the music while one of his musicians rapped some lyrics. If El proved anything, it’s that he’s back, he still has it and he’s not afraid to use it.
He even covered two hits by Switch-the 70’s group fronted by his brother Bobby DeBarge-There’ll Never Be and I Call Your Name. His falsetto was perfect. He was screaming, I was screaming (I cold see other’s screaming) but it was just me and El in my world. To see him perform his new hit Second Chance was moving. The power of the lyrics, his presence, the music-it was stirring. After all of the emotion and excitement, by the time he got to Rhythm of the Night, it was a party. Everybody was up. I don’t think one person held back from singing la, la, la, la. When he left the stage, the joy and excitement lingered.
Up next was the queen-Mary J .Blige-who was nothing less than inspiring. I loved the mild choreography. Nothing was forced. No shade to performers who turn and pop on every beat, but this concert, from the opening act to Mary herself felt organic. Not only was her voice perfect, but Mary was looking beyond fabulous. Knee high boots, fitted in all black, she must work out two hours a day. During one song she joked about being accepted, and men accepting us as we are, saying I may have a little fat here and there…it drew laughs. And Mary, your point is well taken, but you are holding it down.
After a few songs she changed returning to the stage wearing a black fedora and a fitted white tee. Between love songs and back-in-the-day jams she spoke about love, relationships, self-acceptance, staying strong, not settling for less and most definitely, not putting up with any mess, in true Mary J fashion. At one point she only had a guitarist, percussionist and piano accompany as she sang Take Me As I Am, showcasing a softer side both musically and vocally.
What I really loved about this concert, besides El being there and the music, etc, was that it truly made a statement. Here were four artist all at different stages in their careers and lives as well. Two young talented people who are just starting out on their journeys, tasting the first fruits of success. Another, a fallen star, making his way back and continuing to grow. And someone who made some wrong turns, realigned herself and shines as an example in reinvention and perseverance.
I couldn’t help but think that most of us who have lived a little have been in one of these places in our lives (or will) in some form or another. We may not be an artist or sing on stage. But we’ve been youthful, talented and hopeful, we may at some point have gone the wrong way and had to walk alone to get to where we need to be. Or we may have actually hit rock bottom and are now digging and climbing our way out. This concert, in it’s own way was a testament to the fact that it is possible. Joy, love, redemption, reinvention and success is possible-for all of us. Whatever you do, don’t ever pass on a second chance and don’t ever doubt that one is coming.
