Sharp, slick, soulful – just a few words that sprung to mind during Leon Bridges’ private Amazon gig at London’s Notting Hill Arts Club that Pride had the pleasure to attend last week.
The talented crooner, whose youthful choirboy looks belie his 25 years, breezed on stage punctually at about half past 7, holding the audience in attendance in his palm throughout. Riding high off of his acclaimed showing at this year’s Glastonbury festival, the Texas native showcased the sounds of his recently released debut album, Coming Home. Well put together in a snazzy black suit, and backed up by an impressive six-piece live band, Bridges kicked off proceedings with his latest single ‘Better Man’. Not one for small talk, the singer got down to business, filling the venue with his 60s inspired, bluesy soul sound – while simultaneously throwing in a well timed dance move here and there for good measure. Highlights of the 45-minute set included his most biggest hit to date, ‘Coming Home’, the perfect-for-summer- ‘Flowers’, a sweet ode to his mother called ‘Lisa Sawyer’, rounded out with a heartfelt acoustic performance of ‘River’. While many of today’s singers may have gained chart success by aping a soul sound that’s inauthentic to them, Leon Bridges certainly isn’t among them. Sincere, unassuming and real to the core, we’d urge you keep your eyes (and ears) on this guy.
“Coming Home” by Leon Bridges is out now, get it at amazon.co.uk for £7.99
