I've been digging Estelle's American Boy (w/ Kanye West) for *years*. Since then, she's dropped a couple singles, but not much since. I was thrilled to see she was coming to Cleveland - and that it would be in the smaller Cambridge Room at the House of Blues. After a bite to eat at Chinato before-hand (mmmm), we showed up ready to dance.
We caught the end of Luke James set and his big single, I Want You. Man has got a voice (and a body & smile to match). Impressive. We settled in with drinks and waited with anticipation. From the moment she was announced, I immediately realized how lame the crowd was going to be. I'm talking - barely clapping. Then once the music started no one barely moved a hip!! I'm used to this at these indie rock shows, but this R&B / Rap show was even worse! I was stunned. Just stunned.
Luckily, equally as stunning was Estelle. She had a swagger and confidence about her that matched her talents. I have to give her credit for working that crowd as best she could - lesser artists would have given up. She provided a full night of great songs, a few covers, and insight that left any conscious person wanting more. The juxtaposition of that crowd to her performance was just amazing.
Also working against her was this seemingly self-proclaimed MC, someone from one of the local radio stations I believe who kept cutting in on her. I really have never been more embarrassed of Cleveland as a audience than I was at this show. At the same time, Estelle has solidified herself as one of my top favorite female performers after being able to shine through that debacle. I just hope she hasn't given up on us.
I did catch a clip of American Boy (interrupted of course):
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