I was already super super excited to be reviewing John Newman’s sold out out show in Minneapolis tonight when I had my mind further blown. Opening for Newman is Doomtree’s own Commanders Handsome *Cecil Otter and Zach Coulter* who are giving us a sneak peak of their month long Thursday night run at Loring Pasta Bar beginning February 6.
I saw Cecil Otter in a Dessa show a year or two ago at the O’Shaughnessy and have been interested in him since. I’m just sad it’s taken me this long to catch him again. I’ve been hearing about Solid Gold for AGES and have a feeling tonight’s show is going to light my fire about checking them out.
First thing I’ve noticed about tonight’s show? Lots of Brits here, including my husband. I couldn’t be happier 🙂
Second thing I noticed about tonight’s show? Someone’s smoking weed. Fuck sake people, can’t you go two hours without lighting up?
We’re three songs into Commanders Handsome’s set and I’m not impressed. It’s low key, keyboard and computer driven, no energy from the artists OR the crowd. I keep waiting for Cecil Otter’s magic and Zach Coulter’s funk but so far, no go. Perhaps this is an entirely different project, a much different sound, and I respect that, but it isn’t working for this crowd or this show.
*crowd waiting for John Newman
John Newman’s up and the first thing I do is whisper to my Yorkshire husband “Nobody’s going to understand a fucking word he’s saying.” Ooh, Newman’s got a full band with back up singers, I’m impressed! I haven’t seen a stage show like this since Brandon Flowers played First Avenue.
I’m really digging the Michael Jackson dance moves and I must say, he looks very masculine *yet still oh so English* in person. While researching this show and listening to Newman I couldn’t help but draw a comparison to James Morrison. However, Newman’s live show is putting that comparison to rest. He is OWNING the stage and everyone in the audience and it is a true pleasure to watch. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a show like this at the Varsity. I keep expecting to see a horn section and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings take the stage. This is a really big deal.
Newman finished his set with Golddust, which, lucky enough for me, is my favorite. We all waited anxiously for his encore, which had to have been the quickest I’ve ever seen at the Varsity, EVER.
Think I’ll sign off now and enjoy this young man they call John Newman. Cheers mates 😀
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