Solange @ Danforth Music Hall – July 13, 2013

There was a buzz in the air under the pressed tin ceiling of the intimate yet spacious Danforth Music Hall, which, on this particular summer evening, gradually filled with a very handsome and diverse array of people to see if all the hype around 26-year old Solange has some ground.

Donning long braids and a funky skirt-suit kinda thing, Solange sauntered on stage to deliver a sly version of “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” which for me, unveiled her tremendous and tasteful vocal ability, as well as the subtle honey soul of her band.

Once she broke into her originals, I was glad to notice that the majority of the audience knew her tracks, considering the obvious tourist contingent amongst the audience. The funk soul vibe of her precision band was delicious, and though Solange’s vocal timbre sometimes throws Erykah Badu, I found it hard to pull comparisons.

Her arrangements throw back to the 80s without being twee or forced, and the entire set was well-crafted between slow soul numbers and relaxed funk. I am forced to say that she is very unique, especially in the current indie pop climate.

Solange truly pulls off an excellent balance between performance and musicianship, confirming for me that she is a true artist and a complete joy to watch. The entire band is sexy as hell too. It’s always such a pleasure to see performers so comfortable in their own skin.  The crowd went nuts every time Solange made the slightest well-placed, perfectly rationed dance move. Sexy and comfortable – Solange is a huge presence. I look forward to her being around for a very long time.