They were here in Dallas last night and I went to the show. I must say that although I'm not familiar with Ledisi's music she was awesome. Beautiful voice, funky jams, sassy attitude. I can totally see why Prince would collaborate with her, tons of talent and personality. I was hoping she'd do Turn Me Loose. No such luck but she did an incredibly beautiful version of What a Wonderful World that will be on her upcoming Xmas album.

Ledisi was here in July and although I bought tix, I got sick and had to miss the show. Last night, she did an hour long set which was enough to showcase her natural talent. Ledisi even talked about how a few years ago she was going to "bow out gracefully" of the music biz cuz everyone was telling her she needed to be Beyonce to be successful. Damn shame.

As for Kem, I love his albums but found myself falling asleep during the show. Granted I was tired but I ain't neva done that at a concert plus I left before it was over to avoid the rush. I love both of his albums but I guess they are more of the easy listening jazz variety so it's not gonna give you the most exciting live experience. But Kem was good and personable despite looking like a chocolate banana in the yellow suit with vest he chose to wear. All in all a good show, but Ledisi ate his lunch.

So, who has seen Kem or Ledisi before and what was your impression?

Tonight it's Mint Condition at Tom Joyner's charity event. Now, THAT I can't wait for.
[Edited 10/4/08 10:41am]
[Edited 10/5/08 7:38am]

I haven't seen neither one of them live, but I did get a chance to meet Kem at some sign-in he had in Chicago when his second disc came out in '04, I think. That is one talented brotha!

As for Ledisi, I would love to attend one of her shows in the near future because she has some killer pipes on her. Her new disc, Lost & Found has gotten constant replays in my CD player and on my Zune.

Kem is cool, I have seen a little bit of stuff from Ledisi. I was pleased.

I saw Ledisi at the Newport Jazz Fest






she was nothing short of great

still have to pick up her album

Kem is indeed very talented but I don't know how well his easy listening type grooves translate to live performance.
And yes, I'm putting Ledisi's CD at the top of my must have list. Sistagurl is BAD! I'm really hating that I missed her headlining show a few months ago.

Now, Mint Condition was OFF the chain. Aside from Stokely's amazing vocals, I had no idea brutha could play the drums the way he does. They did a jazz-type interlude where Stokely and the other drummer solo'd and it was nuts. Love me some drummers and guitarists. Then the fool got on guitar. I was too through. I'm soooo glad I got a chance to see them cuz it's been too long about 10 years, in fact. They were here in July with Maze but I'm sorry, I won't tolerate 2 hours of Maze for anybody, not even Mint Condition.

A funny thing happened last nite though, I was sitting in the second row behind Tom Joyner and when the opening act started Fred Hammond came down the aisle and sat next, well a seat over, from Tom. Then when MC started, this slim dude in a pinstripe suit sat on the other side of Tom and it was none other than Kem. What a coinky dink. I got a chance to meet and talk to him and he was real cool.

All in all a fun weekend. Now if I could just get decent tix to see Tina without selling a kidney, all would be right in the world.

I haven't seen either live but Ledisi is a powerhouse of a singer. Her debut album (Soulsinger) is off the muthafuckin' hook. It's hard to find these days. Her jazz album (Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue) is off the charts as well.

Never seen Kem live but he's a fake-ass Al Jarreau and he bores the hell out of me.

Never seen Mint either but they're easily one of my top 5 bands of all time.

SCNDLS said:

I'm laughing at the Tina/Kidney line . The arena where she'll play here by me is close as hell (15 minutes on the #3 bus!!! ), but paying those arena prices in Euros --Lawd H'ammercy---

Kem I don't know yet--but Ledisi???

Ledisi is a GODDESS.

I saw her perform twice in my life. Once at an Ella Fitzgerald tribute, then another time at a neo-soulish gig when I visited Atlanta. She is off the chain, no doubt. I'm particularly partial to her song "GET OUT OF MY KITCHEN!"


Funny sidenote, though. I showed some high profile German musician fiends of mine her Tom Joyner Red Velvet Cake studio appearance online a few months back. We're talking folks with 15-20 years of studio, touring, tv & recording experience throughout Europe, A list players: these folks sat around the laptop (which they spread onto THREE screens) with their mouths hanging OPEN, squealing like 9 year old girls, completely flabbergasted this woman's technique and what she could pull off with a duo and an egg shaker . I loved it...and hope we get to see her in concert here, soon

I've seen Kem live. About 5 years ago actually in Chester, PA, and he wasn't too bad actually. I do remember his encore being Prince's Do Me Baby, which I thought was kinda cool, but it couldn't touch the original, of course!

saw Ledisi with Kindred in Detroit over the summer. I was thoroughly impressed. she was mad energetic. i'd heard the buzz on her but hadn't heard HER. the buzz is warranted, hope the success continues. she looks just like the lead singer from The Family Stand to me; remember them?

I've seen them all. Mint and Ledisi throw down live.
I thought u knew, Stokley is a DRUMMER who happens 2 sing.

Graycap23 said:

I had no idea. They were ridiculously good.

What do you think of Kem?

SCNDLS said:

He is okay.....

Seen Ledisi live twice back in the day, one of the gigs was opening for MeShell in SF. She's fantastic, & almost outshined MeShell who was doing stuff from Comfort Woman @ the time (which of course no one had heard yet, so she was super mellow in comparison). I'd definitely see her again

I'd imagine Mint would be awesome...

Never got into Kem...

CalhounSq said:

Loved Ledisi to def!

But, I couldn't believe I was fallin' asleep and even left early!

I've seen Kem and Ledisi live. Kem was part of a jazz festval a few years ago. Other than the one song I hear on the radio, I'm not familiar with his music. He didn't keep my attention at all. I was more entertained by the female reaction to him. I saw Ledisi a few at a small club called Cafe Du Nord, and she was quite engaging as a perfomer with fabulous pipes, and you walk away hoping she gets the recognition that she deserves, which has finally happened.

funkyslsistah said:

Okay, I'm glad to see it wasn't just me that was at Kem. And you're right women were losing they damn minds over his narrow lil ass like he was Prince or sumthin!
[Edited 10/6/08 15:02pm]