Orlando Napier: Live at The Mint

Rating:  ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♪ (4 1/2 out of 5 notes)

Meagan Clements | Senior Staff Writer

Photo: Meagan Clements

With his lip curled and one eyebrow raised, he swaggered left and right. In a conversation shared between only him and the keys, budding blues artist Orlando Napier brought timeless entertainment to an intimate audience, Friday Nov. 27 at The Mint in Los Angeles.   

Ears tuned in as eyes watched with envy. Performing a mix of melodies hailing from his soul-driven EP to his MySpace music page, Napier branded the blues with his signature style.

From the attitude-driven articulations sweeping across "Way too Short," to his brazen vocal delivery, Napier's stylish scores whet everyone's appetite.
 
Both magnetic and entrancing, Napier's solid stage presence left aficionados bobbing their heads or tapping their toes in sync with the beat. Selling songs to an all-ages audience, Napier gave all in attendance, a night to remember.

The subtle yet profound intimacy of the bongo drums and jazz-infused notes nailed by tenor saxophonist Hugo Napier, enhanced the evening at large. With his dynamic vocal inflections, narrative lyrical ingenuity and infectious instrumental prowess, Orlando's music left listeners in awe. 

At only $10, there was no excuse not to come out and show your support. Orlando's "old soul" creations (speckled with a contemporary twist) gave music a fresh definition.  
 

“I really like Orlando's music. He was enjoyable to listen to and is an extremely talented and sophisticated performer," enthusiast Robert Clements said. "To me, he is as good as Ray Charles."  

For more information, visit: http://www.myspace.com/orlandonapiermusic. Napier performs Saturday, Dec. 5 at The James Joyce in Santa Barbara.
 

Meagan Clements is the senior staff writer and music journalist for The Clause, weekly paper Azusa Pacific University.

Hanson shakes House of Blues

Meagan Clements | Senior Staff Writer

As the velvet curtain inched its way to the top of the ceiling, exuberance roared like thunder Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the House of Blues in Anaheim where three-brother band Hanson delivered stylish scores to a sold-out crowd.

From the A Capella entrance introducing “Where’s the Love” to the rock/gospel groove “Great Divide,” the night proved whole-heartedly enjoyable. 

A blast of bouncy rhythms, bold bridges, and catchy chord progressions defined the closing set to the band’s Use Your Sole tour. 

Performing a mix of melodies hailing from their first to their fourth studio album (some fresh ones sprinkled throughout) the band’s vivacious vocal and instrumental delivery dazzled attendees. 

Between the soul-swaggering cover of the Beatles’ “Twist and Shout,” the retro riffs raging throughout “Running Man” and the whistling harmonica amplifying “If Only,” the band’s signature style soared.

The end-of-tour antics between Hanson and opening act Sherwood made for an unforgettable evening of smiles and laughter.

Swells of passion poured from nearly 950 die-hard fans, many who had spent hours in line prior to the show in hopes of scoring a front-row view of their rock star idols soaked in sweat and soul.

Encouraging audience participation during performances of “Crazy Beautiful” and their 1997 smash hit “Mmmbop,” the band was all-smiles.

A mid-show acoustic set left long-time fans and skeptics viewing with curiosity tapping their toes or humming along. The infectious energy and radiant musical chemistry between guitarist Isaac, pianist Taylor and drummer Zac Hanson added a special spark to the songs on stage. 

A potent fusion of Isaac’s profound and heartwarming vocal delivery, Taylor’s playful pop sensibility and Zac’s bluesy-folk inflections enhanced the evening at large.

Zac enjoys the rush of live performances.

“The way music affects people and the way people process music and the emotions in it is very real,” Zac said. “It can change the world in a way [unlike] other mediums.” 

At only $32 a ticket, there was no excuse not to come out and show your support.

“Attending any Hanson concert guarantees a feel-good time,” fan Patty Wehner said. “There is so much energy it feels like everyone is united as one.”

To tune in to Hanson’s tasty clips, visit: http://www.hanson.net/ or check out their MySpace music page. For your free download of a track from Hanson’s Use Your Sole tour, visit: http://www.useyoursole.com/download and enter code: dfaeaf33efd3498f.

Meagan Clements is the senior staff writer and music journalist for The Clause, weekly paper Azusa Pacific University.

Ernie Halter

Lelia Broussard

Swaggering vibrato, clever use of vocal and instrumental dynamics and bluesy, folk driven melodies is what artist Lelia Broussard is all about.

Broussard lures the listener in with up-tempo jazz chord progressions and crafty musical phrasing. Her signature “breathy yet soulful” vocals are mesmerizing.

Broussard’s earthy, fashion sensibility complements catchy rhythm strums and playful musical dynamics that soar and inspire. Broussard’s feisty yet endearing vocal performance dominates tracks like “Don’t Let Go” and “Grass is Greener” hailing from her soul-driven EP Waiting on the 9.  

A seasoned performer and a humble personality, Broussard’s live performances are equally as entrancing as listening through a pair of headphones.  Whether cruising down the road to the folk-rock of “I’m Not Waiting” to honing in on an intimate Hotel Café performance, Broussard is one artist you’ll want to sink your ears into.   

With Picturesque imagery through lyrics such as “I walk alone on the beach at the edge of the sea,” Broussard brings listeners a timeless collection of fashionable scores splashed with her signature style.

For more information, visit: http://www.leliabroussard.com/ or check out her MySpace music page.

Leland Grant

Power pop, bluesy rock and juicy rhythms that tingle in all the right grooves dominate guitarist Leland Grant’s self-titled EP. Whether cruising in your car or listening live, Grant’s music is full of personality.

From “Can’t Get Enough of You” to “Bang Bang,” Grant’s radio-friendly scores are edgy, exciting and entertaining all in one. Grant’s undeniably impressive vocal range and polished yet rugged vocal performances make this album a worthwhile purchase whether you’re a fan of pop or rock.

An artist with a vision for composing sing-along melodies that sparkle and shine, Grant’s self-titled EP is refreshing from track one to track five.

To tune in, visit: http://www.lelandgrant.com/ or check out his MySpace music page.

Jon McLaughlin

His piercing blue eyes are enough to melt the hearts of female fans and his signature swagger while at the keys will give you goose bumps. 

Featuring tender and impassioned vocals, mouth-watering rhythm and blues, classic guitar rock and alluring ballads, musician Jon McLaughlin’s sophomore release Ok Now is a charming and whimsical listen glazed with luscious musical licks.

Through lyrics such as “my heart won’t beat in the groove unless I’m talking to you,” McLaughlin offers listeners a tasteful selection of songs that dazzle and soothe.

From McLaughlin’s sensual and dreamy vocal performance on “The Middle” to the haunting emotions that soar throughout “We All Need Saving,” Ok Now is magical, mysterious and suspenseful all in one.

The electrifying guitar solos in “Dance Your Life Away” and McLaughlin’s improvisational jazz piano define a stylish yet exclusive record appealing to listeners of all ages.      

Swank rhythms and brilliantly executed chord progressions leave McLaughlin’s competition in the dust. A polished pianist reminiscent of Billy Joel, Elton John and Ben Folds, McLaughlin’s Ok Now is a delightful listen from start to finish.

To hear some of McLaughlin’s tasty clips, visit: http://www.jonmcl.com/ or check out his MySpace music page.

 

“Bear Me Up”— Dave Yaden

He doesn’t follow trends—he sets them. From haunting chord progressions to impassioned vocal performances, recording artist Dave Yaden is a talent to be reckoned with.

Between his vivacious stage presence and soul-searing passion, Yaden’s live performances are anything but ordinary. His latest release, Bear Me Up is no exception.

Lanced with hope, faith and inspiration, Yaden leaves an indelible mark on the listener. Yaden’s ardent vocal expression and impressive piano prowess dominate the pivotal album of his career.   

Peppered with canny lyrics and wholesome sounds, Yaden’s award-winning release spotlights the Vienna Circle Chorus enhancing “Sing It”—an ode to chasing dreams—and the captivating title track which burns with power and passion. 

An album to be enjoyed well beyond its first spin, Bear Me Up is a worthwhile purchase from track one to track ten.

"Dave's record is a diverse showcase of the kind of styles he does well--from piano pop, to Americana, to classic rock," Peoples said.

An artist with a vision for composing stylish yet exclusive scores, piano prodigy Dave Yaden brings timeless entertainment to listeners of all ages.

For more information, visit: http://www.daveyaden.com/ or check out his MySpace music page.

Meagan Clements is the senior staff writer and music journalist for The Clause, weekly paper, Azusa Pacific University.