Reviewed by Ann Durrell
London born Michael Kiwanuka has come a long way since his days as a session guitarist for artists such as Chipmunk and Bashy, even supporting fellow Londoner Adele on her tour in 2011. In 2012 Kiwanuka won the BBC’s Sound of Poll, cementing his position as a credible solo artist. Live, his voice has the strength of Gregory Porters, raw Blues/Jazz tones with a tone of Finley Quaye or Maverick Saber. Mix in a little Lenny Kravitz and guitar riffs that could have easily been from a Prince track and you have a unique soul/gospel/blues/rock combo that totally works!
Kiwanuka owned the stage from the moment he walked on, supported by an outstanding band and talented backing singers. Kiwanuka kicked off with some of his more up-tempo tracks ‘Place I Belong’ and ‘One More Night’ He did not talk too much but when he did he engaged well with the audience, encouraging them to break the rules during an energetic rendition of Dancing during Black Man in a White World… but Tuesday’s at The Lowry limited the audience willing to get up dancing although I would hazard a guess that everyone was clapping and head bobbing along in their seats. It would have been impossible not too! Those few that did dare stand up and dance really got into the music, whooping along!! Listening to ‘Home Again’ for the first time live left me speechless in awe at his songwriting and performance talents. The ability to switch between high energy blues rock with a full accompaniment and then to spine tingling soul with a sole guitar is Kiwanuka’s true talent and not one I can recall any other artist being able to pull off quite as well.
The support act Bedouin had a stunning voice and looked like a Karen carpenter in a long 70’s dress and flowing hair. She started straight into her songs which are quite melancholy. After a couple she did talk to the crowd and when she did we had a glimpse of her personality. I think if she had engaged before singing, letting us know a bit more about her she would have been received better as she seemed to have a good sense of humour. Her style was not too my taste but I could appreciate her talent.
If you get a chance to catch Kiwanuka live then do not hesitate to go along.
Rating: 5/5
Michael Kiwanuka is currently on tour around the UK, for more inormation and tour dates visit www.michaelkiwanuka.com.
For other shows at The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
