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John Legend: Bali meets the master of modern soul
Nine-time Grammy winning R&B singer John Legend wowed his fans with a unique solo piano performance at Baliâs Potato Head Beach Club
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Nine-time Grammy winning R&B singer John Legend wowed his fans with a unique solo piano performance at Bali's Potato Head Beach Club.
Within 30 minutes after the doors opened, the club's parking lot, which has achieved cult status within just a few years for hosting the highest profile acts at their Summer Syndrome parties, was already full. A shuttle bus service was organized, routed to a nearby satellite parking area.
As guests filtered in, most of those in the open area facing the beachside stage had already taken a seat on the grass, soaking in the old school hip hop and soul sounds of resident DJ Flic's opening act.
Behind the decks, a lone grand piano waited to be wheeled out to center stage, and would be the only instrument backing John Legend's voice for the entire performance during last Saturday's concert.
The stage dimmed at around 9:45 p.m. and Legend began his hour-long set with his most recent hit 'Tonight (Best You Ever Had)'.
Its pertinent first line 'Ain't this what you came for?' prompted the first cheers from the thousands in the crowd, who continued to sing along with Legend during the choruses.
Women in the audience were gushing over his voice. One was overheard telling her friend, 'I wish my man was like him, he makes my heart go like, ahhh'. The high pitched tone of the crowd's singing had indicated the female predominance in Legend's Bali fan base.
In a concert, performing a few covers is usually an effective technique for engaging unfamiliar audiences.
The Beatles' classic 'Here Comes the Sun' was the first of three covers that interspersed with Legend's original material during the concert. Performed early on as a meandering piano ballad, the choice was ill-advised for the crowd of youths, who were yearning to release their Saturday night adrenaline.
Similarly, Legend later turned Bruce Springsteen's classic American anthem 'Dancin' in the Dark' into a contemplative ballad, during which the collective chatter of the audience threatened to match the volume of the music.
By far, Legend's most well received cover was of Marvin Gaye 'Let's Get It On'. It's more overt expression of sexual desire proving a big hit with the young audience.
The crowd was most receptive of Legend's unquestionable musical talents when a groove was more inherent in the melody.
The smooth highlights 'Save Room' and 'P.D.A' were anchored by syncopated rhythms reminiscent of bossanova. Also, Legend's first single 'Used to Love You' had everyone grooving along with its 'halala' refrain and Sinnerman-esque, jaunty piano-riff.
The hit single from Legend's last album released in 2008, 'Green Light' was another up tempo crowd-pleaser.
The set was largely composed of down or mid-tempo ballads and many of the attendees that had sat down upon arrival remained on the grass.
Performed just as good as the studio recordings were: 'Good Morning' ' an ode to pre-work fornication; 'Everybody knows', with its brief, honey-like falsetto moments; the wistfully soulful 'Where Did My Baby Go' and 'Someday'.
New single 'Who Do We Think We Are' was especially powerful, even without the massive studio-production. Naturally, Legend finished off the set with his most well-known hit, 'Ordinary People'.
A supporting band would have been able to provide the much needed sonic propulsion behind Legend's melodies. Although he was tasked with the sizeable task of matching and raising the energy level of thousands, with a minimal setup, Legend performed with aplomb.
Those more expectant and receptive of his talent as a soul musician rather than a dance act were certainly not disappointed.
In an age when musicians can command high ticket prices for performances of largely pre-recorded material, Legend is a world-class musician in the traditional sense.
His voice and piano playing was flawless, note-for-note, having mastered his range. His confident live performance was a testament to his commitment to always deliver his best work as an artist.
' Photos by Omar Maulana
