Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter producer JMSN brought his soulful charm to Headrow House. We sent our writer Tom Weatherilt down to review the gig.
Supporting singer, Duendita, provided an ethereal and melancholic yet energetic start to the show with the use of numerous pedals. Effects were used not only for the 4-piece backing band but also on Duendita’s voice itself sinking her voice to and from a demonic growl throughout the set. The energy on stage was authentic, it was clear this band had no problem bouncing off of each other.
The most notable instrumental performance can only be awarded to Duendita’s Quinitin Zoto who delivered a mind-blowing solo on guitar. Duendita described the show as “one of her favourites on the whole tour” due to the intimacy of the show.
JMSN arrived shortly after to bless the stage with his soulful vocals starting the set off with ‘Levy’. The band’s energy and talent soon washed over the crowd of all ages who took to the funky rhythms almost instantly, bouncing off JMSN’s vivacious moves as if they were in a 70s disco club.
The bands energy and talent soon washed over the crowd of all ages who took to the funky rhythms almost instantly bouncing off JMSN’s vivacious moves as if they were in a 70s disco club.
JMSN weaved in a running comedic commentary between each of his songs revealing his genuine personality, drawing the crowd ever closer by combining this with his velvety-smooth stand-out performances of ‘Drinkin’ and ‘Talk is Cheap’.
The evening was beautifully tied up with the performance of a fan favourite ‘Cruel Intentions’ which was welcomed with open arms by the audience who sang with all their soul back at him.
“At the end of the day, I just want some attention,” he said, and I think we can safely say he got what he wanted; so did we, with JMSN giving a captivating and moving performance retaining that classic, timeless soulful feeling. JMSN continued to jump down off the stage to greet every fan individually at the end of the show.
With 6 self-produced albums under his belt, you could tell JMSN knew what he was doing. Having worked with artists such as Kendrick, Kaytranada, Ab-Soul and J. Cole, to name a few, it’s safe to say we can expect much more to come in the next few years from this man.
Tom Weatherilt
Header image via JMSN