::::::MONDAY SOUL:::::

DO BELIEVE THE HYPE

A review of Monday Soul (September 27, 2010)

First of all, let me start by saying that The New Parish is a beautiful venue that I have had the pleasure to visit for shows a couple of times. Each time I go to an event there, I always wish that the full potential of the venue could be reached. Monday Soul is a weekly event that has received much acclaim from both artists and patrons alike, and so I was excited to attend my very first one, so that I could #1 support my homie Niema Jordan & 38th Notes in their 2 year anniversary party, but also so that I could FINALLY get the full scope of the Monday Soul Experience. And it WAS an experience.

Slated to begin at 10pm, I showed up on time. Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know the deal. Nothing ever starts on time in this business. The doorman promptly stopped my party and I, asking us to wait for the previous event to clear out. We left. I mean... I typically want to get a little bit of Henny in my system before I hit a spot anyway... lol. So we took a detour, and returned about 30 minutes later. We hit the front of the line, and it immediately began to fill up behind us. This time, I was glad we got there early. Mr. JE, the curator of the event, emerged from the venue, greeting folks in line and on the sidewalk. Nice touch. I must say, he is very personable and approachable, which is something I've been waiting for in the folks who throw shows in the East Bay. Nice vibes before we even entered.

By 11 pm, the bottom level of the venue was pretty packed. Bay Area notables like Erk Tha Jerk, Netta B, Samm, and Vell were all in the building politicking and networking. Nice. This brings me to what I really enjoy about this event. While it is a weekly showcase of artistry, it is also becoming a very viable networking hub for artists, producers, photographers, event curators, etc. Cards were exchanging hands and collaborations were meeting their genesis at Monday Soul.

MIDNIGHT, a little big of Rossi, and an apple Martini in, I was feeling warm and at home and ready for the show to begin.

Faviola & Los Rakas

I've followed Los Rakas since they were in high school and still going by Panama and Filthy Rich. They have always possessed a certain energy that made me love their music, even if I don't speak Spanish fluently. This night, I felt they sort of lazed on stage. What I did appreciate is the introduction (for me, at least) of a female counterpart in Faviola. She gave a cool a capella at the beginning, and the set was well placed at the beginning of the show.

Siaira Shawn

ONE SONG?! C'mon, son... I would be remiss if I did not take issue with the fact that swaggerific Siaira only did one song! However, "Where You Are" was the chosen joint of the evening. As usual, Siaira did a stellar, albeit, brief job. The band backing her (which I will speak of more in depth momentarily) captured and complimented the ambiance that she creates each time she graces the stage. Although the song was almost agonizingly slow, it was a sweet agony.... y'all know what kind I'm talkin' 'bout... lol... alright. I digress. I'm very much beginning to see Siaira as the Anita Baker of her time.

The Getback Crew

YES! I hadn't seen these folks since waaaaay back in my Youth Speaks days, when I used to beast the poetry slams. It was wonderful to enjoy the homie Rafael Casal on stage with his band and rapping partner, Daveed Diggs. Rafael seemed more at ease with his emcee status than Daveed, but both worked well together. I have to say, I also really enjoyed the band. A small, three-piece band is a difficult thing because it falls right between minimalism and grandiose. I think they found a nice groove, and obviously have a connected energy and are a rehearsed group. Thumbs up!

R.O.D.

So... this was supposed to be the climax of the night. R.O.D. is that Bay Area vocalist who is looking the most industry viable at the moment. His single, "I Can't Stand You" has recieved major love in the Bay and has even reached BET's 106&Park as the "New Joint." I'm going to keep it solid. I did not enjoy the performance. First, there was a song I hadn't heard, which to me , could have been okay if my attention hadn't been so diverted by the off-key vocals. Then, of course, he performed "I Can't Stand You," after the previous song had been "for the ladies." So apparently (according to the first song) we shouldn't let anyone tell us we're not beautiful, yadda yadda yadda... but then... "I Can't Stand Youuuuuu... BIOTCH!" Um. Alright. I give 100% props to R.O.D's grind and achievements thus far in the business, and it is my hope that he grows more as a vocalist and performer. I'm saying this as a vocalist, songwriter, and an audience member.

:::the event overall:::

Success!!!!!!! I want and foresee the eventual packed house of the bottom and top levels. Monday Soul is the event that merges the need for networking among artists and the need for the showcasing of new artists of a certain quality. You can't just get on Monday Soul because somebody is your homie. There is a certain talent and notoriety requirement. I like this because it forces all of us to get off of our asses and actually support and try to perform at all of the OTHER cool events that are happening in the Bay right now. I give many thanks to JE Media Group and Mr. JE for putting on this event, and wish it even more success. This has been a Dom Jones Perspective... and WHAT?