It was hard to tell if we were at a prayer meeting or a concert.
Allen Stone’s stage presence must take some credit from his heredity and upbringing. Being the son of an American preacher man, Stone had the crowd swaying in call and response mode.
His smile, his eyes, and his presence all emanated with positive energy. This is the beauty of soul music, and at this show, everyone in attendance heard the gospel and praise be – it was funky.
Having visited Australia just on a year ago and selling out the now defunct Blue Beat in Double Bay, Stone moved up to a larger room at the Metro Theatre. With a younger crowd in attendance, it was clear that Stone was bringing soul to a new audience.
The headliner was so thankful that the audience picked the Metro to spend their Sunday night. He repeatedly reminded everyone that they could be anywhere else, with his huge smile, heartfelt words, and effusive body movements. There was a great deal of love and respect flowing in the room and it lifted the spirits of all involved.
With a new album ready for release, he offered a few new songs and they were well received. The soulful and jazzy ‘Million’, already available on his website for free, received a huge roar of approval. ‘Voodoo’, another up-tempo groover, allowed his guitarist to take on some impressive solos. Throughout the night the organ and keyboard player both showed off their well-honed chops, and the rhythm section were superb.
The star of the show was Stone and his voice. Dipping into his last album with ‘Say So’, ‘Celebrate Tonight’, and ‘Unaware’ gave him the chance to demonstrate the mechanics and beauty of his soulful voice. He can go from a whisper to a scream or a growl to a purr within a short moment, and the room swooned in wonder and screamed their approval.
The Washington musician had the audience in the palm of his hand for every second of the 90 minute set. The performer had them swaying, singing, and even waved to the cameras. It was a display of genuine warmth, love, connection with his fans.
With showstoppers like the Chaka Khan cover ‘Tell Me Something Good’ still a staple in his set, the artist exhibited a funky vibe, and the bass player truly made himself known. Toss in the Bob Marley cover, ‘Is This Love’, and everyone knew that Stone, the self-defined hippie, was getting back to his roots.
This young man and his band may not have reached the heights of playing arenas yet, but if this show was anything to go by, then it’s only a matter of time. His voice may be derivative of other soul singers, but the artist’s strong songwriting flair will no doubt continue raise his profile. With a fairly rabid following that will continue to grow by word of mouth, this Stone will continue to roll into the history of soul.
Setlist
Intro (instrumental)
Love
Fake Future
Say So
Quit Callin’
Momma
What I’ve Seen
Celebrate Tonight
Unaware
Figure It Out
Million
Voodoo
Sleep
Tell Me Something
J.B Groove
Satisfaction
Contact High
Is This Love
Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye cover)
