Janelle Monáe @ Birmingham Institute – 8th May 2014
Entering the Institute, I am ushered upstairs to the amazing main auditorium which is slowly filling up with a conglomerate of excited individuals.
Supporting Janelle Monáe tonight is Cody ChesnuTT. A little late to the stage, but his multitude of influences ranging from classic rock to gospel music and his excellent band means we are in for a treat to kick off the show. The crowd shows a lot of love for this massively energetic individual, and although a little slow to get going, they are totally with him by the end. ChesnuTT has a big stage personality, there is no doubt about that, but his ability to move about tonight’s domain is somewhat hampered by the yet unrevealed sets in place for Monáe’s performance. However, this does create a more intimate feel perfectly reminiscent of a New Orleans jazz club night. The highlight of ChesnuTT’s set is a short but amazingly executed improvisation showing off the huge talent of his keys player in particular.
After waiting a little while longer than expected for Janelle Monáe to appear, she is wheeled onto a bright white stage in a straight jacket, evocative of something you might see at a Lady Gaga show. Her monochrome style has become a striking and simple yet recognisable motif, and the stage has been set with the utmost precision for the great turn out here. With a massive voice, which remains perfect all night, she is absolutely on top form – never tiring – and infectiously getting the crowd moving with her dancing. The sound emanating from the many musicians (from brass players, to her band and two synchronised backing singers) by her side is immense yet Monáe never needs to compete to be heard. Overall the noise hailing from the Institute is fantastic, but guitarist Kellindo Parker is getting lost in the mix. However, this does serve to highlight his occasional epic solos which just remind us of the diversity of tonight’s music.
Monáe performs a variety of upbeat songs, many of which are on her latest album, The Electric Lady (a name utterly suited to her), the title song being received with great adulation. She also performs a fun Jackson 5 medley which gets one of the biggest receptions of the evening. Easing into a more serious note, she briefly talks to us about the current kidnapping issues in Nigeria (#BringBackOurGirls) highlighting how everyone deserves an element of respect and adding extra weight to her next song, Cold War from her debut studio album The ArchAndroid. Despite the more serious introduction, the atmosphere in the Institute is instantaneously ramped up to new heights for her finale Tightrope.
We don’t have to wait long for a more mellow guitar intro to Prime Time sustained with backing vocals producing a very slow (perhaps too slow) build up to Monáe’s reappearance. She certainly takes her time getting back on stage after the audience’s tumultuous stamps. Winding down the night with What An Experience from her latest album, Monáe showcases her spectacular voice and softer side as the melodious encore comes to an end.
Refreshingly energetic, Janelle Monáe is a pleasure to witness. Raw talent and great positivity is making sure she packs a monochrome punch with audiences all over the world.
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SET LIST
Suite IV Overture
Givin Em What They Love
Dance Apocalyptic
Sincerely, Jane
Ghetto Woman
I Want You Back & ABC (Jackson 5 covers)
Q.U.E.E.N.
Electric Lady
Cold War
Tightrope
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ENCORE
Prime Time
Let’s Go Crazy
Come Alive (The War Of The Roses)
What An Experience
Review & photos – Katie Foulkes