Raphael Saadiq - Showbox Market (Seattle, WA; March 5, 2009)

I had been thinking about this night for a long time. I consider Raphael Saadiq’s The Way I See It to be one of the best albums of the past year, and find myself often singing it out loud in my car . . . or at work. I have fantasies of seeing Saadiq performing at a darkened club. A disco ball overhead seductively sending light beams over the dancing crowd. Men in suits with skinny ties and the women in their finest pencil skirts playfully twisting and jumping to the Motown sound that has brought Raphael Saadiq so many fans.

Oh, but wait . . . it’s 2009.

And this night Raphael Saadiq was playing a show at the Showbox Market to a crowd a little less conservatively dressed than those in the earlier Motown days, but just as ready to get down.

The doors of the Showbox opened at 8:00PM, and unlike most shows at the Showbox, or any music venue for that matter, was without an opening act. So by the time Raphael Saadiq’s band ran onto the stage two hours later and opened the set with an electrifying and horn-heavy version of “Aquarius,” the crowd was happily buzzed but getting a little antsy. To loud cheers, Raphael Saadiq shimmied around the stage, dressed in what’s becoming his signature mustard-colored suit and black rimmed glasses. An overwhelming flurry of movement and energy, I don’t envy any photographer trying to get his photo.

Saadiq comes hot on the heels of some popular artists such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy who are known for their use of Motown flavor. But Raphael is no stranger to the music scene, having enjoyed fame in Tony! Toni! Tone!, Lucy Pearl, and several other solo projects that showcased more of his R&B side. But his latest album The Way I See It has earned Saadiq a huge increase in popularity.

His first numbers, “Still Marchin’” and “100-Yard Dash” gave the audience exactly what they were looking for: a damn-fun time. With his insanely talented back-up singers moving to their choreographed dance moves, Raphael set the Motown atmosphere which held up for most of the night. However, halfway through the night, he moved from a Temptations sound to more of a Smokey Robinson feel, with Saadiq taking off his jacket and tie, unbuttoning his shirt and taking a seat at the mic. His sensual and soulful side took over with his performance of the naughty “Lets Take a Walk” and “Charlie Ray,” from his earlier Instant Vintage album.

Raphael Saadiq’s sound is comfort food for the soul. I can’t help but think it’s a perfect sound for the current condition of the country (you can spin that thought however you like). And I am happy to say that Motown has not been forgotten. Rather, it seems to be gaining momentum, but this time with with an even sexier appeal.

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Affect the current condition of the country! Buy something. E.g., The Way I See It.

DOWNLOAD: Raphael Saadiq - Let's Take A Walk (MP3) or Follow us for more Raphael Saadiq MP3s (Twitter)

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