It’s been a while since I’ve left a show disappointed, and this time I was even a little bit aggravated. But it wasn’t the talent on-stage that caused this reaction.
Nectar Lounge was packed to maximum capacity on Saturday for what I thought would be a night full of incredible music; and it was. I just wish the crowd realized it. Curumin, the performing name of Luciano Nakata Albuquerque, headlined the show, and I prepped myself in advance. I scoured the net for articles about this talented Brazillian singer/songwriter/drummer, including numerous reviews of his most recent album Japan Pop Show. After listening to Curumin’s samba funk that had earned him so much praise, I was ready to have fun.
But it soon became apparent that the crowd was more pumped to see and support Project Lionheart, a local hip-hop group that opened for Curumin. No doubt this group has amazing skills and an infectious enthusiasm. Heck, I would certainly see them again in a heartbeat. They have a little bit of everything, mixing elements of reggae, rock and funk into their hip-hop set. The flannel wearing Caleb Cunningham was a dynamic MC that fueled his rhymes with messages of love and hope. Cunningham also brought up other MCs to perform with him including the beat-boxing Blake Lewis, a local favorite as well as an American Idol runner-up.
Project Lionheart was able to keep the mob entertained, but when it was Curumin’s time on-stage, the audience seemed to be less focused. The crowd thickened while Curumin and his two bandmates set up their equipment, a process that was slowed by the apparent language barrier between the band and Nectar’s soundman. While waiting for them to start, I heard several comments from those around me, like, “Who is Curumin anyway?” and “Man, lets move on to the next bar.” I tried not to let that ruin my mood.
Finally, a little after midnight, Curumin took the stage to some hesitant cheers from the audience. The very petite Albuquerque gushed, “Seattle is a sweet city” in his thick Portuguese accent. Curumin’s skills at the drum kit are stellar, most likely due to the fact that he’s been playing since he was a wee little boy. His voice has a slightly sharp nasal quality, which sounded crystal clear over his complex drum cadences and funky samba music. The overall sound was delicate and sensual. Many reviews I’ve read describe Curumin as a hip-hop artist. Listening to him live, however, l believe his music is more heavily influenced by 70s funk and soul with a hip-hop sample thrown in every now and then. And apparently this didn’t appeal to much of the audience who were constantly pushing me, yelling to each other over the music, and/or making out.
I’m not sure why Nectar pitted the (locally) popular and more charismatic Project Lionheart against the much more mellow, Curumin. Maybe Project Lionheart was able to bring in the crowds, but the two bands should not have shared the same billing. Nectar should have had a more appropriate lineup in order to complement Curumin’s world music talents. Because of this oversight, those of us in the crowd who had come for Curumin couldn’t truly enjoy the very talented group due to a very fickle and young Seattle hip-hop crowd that only seemed interested in what Project Lionheart had to offer.
The National - 9/11
Marymoor Ampitheatre
The Black Keys - 10/2
The Paramount Theatre
Broken Social Scene - 10/10
Neumos
Broken Social Scene - 10/15
The Paramount Theatre
It was a great show. The energy was intense. I was lucky enough to be right up front.
by Burt on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 05.01 pm from the entry: The Avett Brothers + Langhorne Slim - Crystal Ballroom (Portland-town, OR; Aug. 30, 2010)
lovin trackz #4,13, and 16
by Phoxy Philly on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 04.03 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" Mixtape (download)
Nice concerning as better as clarifying position.Gives Thanks for providing for us.I show your article with my delight.
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by jhon on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 02.35 pm from the entry: Tiny Vipers + Rafael Anton Irisarri + Cars & Trains - Mississippi Studios (Portland; Jul. 14, 2010)
agree with beth! dope stuff on both sides of the review.
by @bosconcertphoto on Wed Sep 1, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Thanks Nicole!
Just wanted to say that although this may be our last time performing this show, I have many other projects in the works. Info and show schedule is on my website.
- Ben
by Ben Darwish on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 11.47 pm from the entry: Ben Darwish - Afrobeat Tribute to Michael Jackson - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA; August, 29, 2010)
Love these photos and review. So, these DJ sets are at 7:30? I don’t really get it. And are these gonna continue once the Whitney moves? And most importantly, where can I attend an “hour-long clinic on shaking ass?”
by beth on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 06.44 pm from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Super post there! Comprehensive and well collated material. Thanks for sharing.
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by jhon on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 01.56 pm from the entry: Deerhoof + The Donkeys + Southeast Engine - Berbati's Pan (Portland, OR; July 6, 2010)
