Reviewed on Saturday January 3
When’s the last time you saw someone perform in a suit at the Metro Theatre? Texas’ nostalgic soul gem Leon Bridges effortlessly transformed the usually grungy space into a jiving ’60s jazz club with his smooth tunes and even smoother dance moves. Though 2016 has just begun, this sold-out show was one the lucky gig-goers who snagged a ticket won’t forget in a hurry.
Ainslie Wills warmed up the stage and produced a confident sound. She had a great set-up with her band, helping give her a strong presence that meant her solid vocals and catchy tunes got the attention they deserved.
The crowd waited with bated breath as Leon Bridges and his band burst onstage with the bouncy tune ‘Flowers’. It was an audience filled with passionate fans, lapping up his cool style and instantly singing his lyrics back at him.
The nature of Bridges’ genre meant the atmosphere and dance moves of the crowd could change from fun to cheeky to sensual in a heartbeat. Songs like ‘Brown Skin Girl’ made you feel coy, while ‘Smooth Sailin’’ helped you feel (almost) as suave as Bridges, but the overall emotion of the performance was almost always uplifting.
There was a strong theme of romance throughout the night, reflecting the longing tunes of Bridges’ shining debut album Coming Home. He summed up his enthusiasm for unconditional love in ‘Better Man’, and even asked everyone to give the person next to them a hug.
The highlight of the show, though, was an intimate performance of ‘River’. Bridges cradled his guitar and strummed so gently that the party atmosphere turned quiet and the warmth of his vocals trembled across the room as everyone swayed silently to the sweet duet.
By contrast, his final encore ‘Mississippi Kisses’ went out with an absolute bang as fellow blues star Gary Clark Jr. joined the band on guitar for some solos.
“Go tell all your friends to come for when we come back to Australia!” said Bridges at the end of the show. But with the ecstatic cheering and applause from a venue practically overflowing with people, he probably won’t need to issue any reminders.
