Musiq Soulchild

Ah, Musiq Soulchild; a man so smooth that, on his classic ‘143’, couldn’t just say I love you the traditional way, and instead did it numerically, winning the hearts of countless female admirers and forever changing the way I view the south Manchester bus that shares that number. Musiq - not, you’ll be surprised to learn, his real name - very much made his own lane back in the nineties, with the quirkiness of his R&B and soul crossover represented visually by the bizarre, spaceless approach he used to take to naming his albums; after his debut, Aijuswanaseing, made his name in the U.S., he followed it up with his first number one LP in his homeland, Juslisen. Album number four, Luvanmusiq, hit the top of the charts in America, too, and whilst he’s failed to replicate that level of success on this side of the pond, he hasn’t taken it personally, touring the UK frequently. In early 2009, he played a slew of shows across the country with a full band, but a scheduled return with Avant and Donell Jones in tow in 2010 ended in farce when the promoters failed to pay Musiq’s bus driver and he understandably went on strike, forcing the cancellation of several shows. To be fair, with several backing singers and a brass section amongst the backing that bring Musiq’s songs to life on stage, arranging last-minute transportation would’ve proved impossible; hopefully the experience hasn’t put him off, and he’ll be back with new dates soon.

Taalib Johnson better known by his stage name of the grammatical nightmare Musiq Souldchild has been working on the circuit for over twenty years and is without a doubt a showman in every sense of the word. His sound manages to blend some rather inclusive genres including funk, alternative rock, blues and jazz yet it just completely works.

You would imagine this to be difficult to blend via recording, and even more so on stage yet Musiq is supported by a very talented live band who easily recreate the music of his popular discography. He includes all the classics, none of which make the most of the space bar such as 'Dontchange' and 'Halfcrazy' and the audience responds really well. His real skill though is in the way he presents himself and his mannerisms onstage as he has such a welcoming personality you cannot help but cheer profusely by the end.

Seen him for the first time live at the Playstation Theater in Times Square, NY. With Chrisette Michele headlining, Raheem DeVaughn, Musiq Soulchild and Lil' Mo as the host.

All was Fab but I love..love...love Musiq's lyrics and his delivery on the mellow songs! The writing touches my heart and being right up to the stage, he actually came over to me while singing (Yes, my friend has it on video) lol.

I wish he would come to NYC more often!

Last nights review- Musiq didn't come on stage until 820 and that was a little late but he put on a GREAT show!! I thought it would of been at least 2 hours since he has a lot of songs. I believe the concert was only n hour & 10 mins. You hat was the only disappointing thing from a wonderful night.

It was a total waste of money! He took forever to come out and when he did he played three songs one of which no one knew because it was a new song, then he walks off the stage and leaves. Never comes back, absolutely unprofessional and a major disappointment to his fans. I'd like my money back.

Watch out Musiq Soulchild was fabulous he brought a lot of pretty women out to the show. The show was really great to perform as he did was outstanding a must-see I went to the Sunday show I heard you have a Monday show as well I sure wish I can have some tickets to go check him out once again.

Yoshi's provided a very intimate and fun venue. The atmosphere was very relaxing and fun. I would highly recommend this venue and experience to anyone seeking to enjoy live music in a comfortable and engaging way!

Thanks,

J. Kelley

Performance was great. I am never going to the venue again. The heat wasn't working and it was standing room only for the most part. They had a few bar stools or spend $360 on top of ticket fees to get a table amd four chairs.

The show was great! He is a fantastic performer. Funny and interacts with the crowd. My only complaint is that the concert was only 1 hour long. :(
He has many songs and should have given us a longer performance.

Awesome, intimate show. Never a bad seat at Yoshi's. Last time we saw him was at The Warfield in SF about 7 years ago. Time flies, but he's still got it! Thanks Musiq for the memories :)