Jamie Lidell live!

Jamie Lidell
Metro, Chicago
Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Jamie Lidell isn’t a big fan of doing straightforward takes on his songs. On his second headlining show in Chicago this year, Lidell, the Berlin-based British singer/producer and his soul band no doubt had a set list. But that didn’t stop the freewheeling act from going off on wild jam sessions that reflect the eccentric’s love of the live setting.

In contrast to the opening act, local indie rockers Baby Teeth, Lidell refused to stay still for long, which proved to be both a bonus and occasionally a hindrance. Like at the Abbey Pub earlier this year, Lidell brought his colorful band comprising a drummer, keyboardist, bassist, and saxophonist — the latter of whom dons a signature kimono-style robe and loves jumping in the crowd to interact. Often these musicians proved to be as unpredictable as Lidell. But on the other hand, they also helped him perform songs like the hand clap-inducing “Another Day” in a straightahead style without a huge accompanying spectacle.

Given Lidell’s past as an electronic act, it’s not surprising at every show he still brings his laptop, mixers, and other gear. When taking a stab at some songs from his latest album, Jim, such as the Al Green-esque “Green Light,” he bridges his band with electronic elements like the vocoder. At these moments, he proves his techno self and classic-crooner side can coexist. But Lidell still likes to give his band a rest, and Wednesday he bugged out behind an assortment of mixing boards for an extended freestyle solo set. It’s no doubt impressive how he looped his own vocals to create a high BMP song on the spot. After several minutes of getting lost in the live beat manipulation, though, the crowd didn’t seem to know exactly how to react. That’s not to say he lost his audience. The thing is, after hundreds of shows, Jamie Lidell knows that the stage is his platform to let his multiple music personalities collide and that his fans will be there to watch . . . even if they’re occasionally confused.

— Max Herman

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly