Michael Kiwanuka at Rock the Garden Afterparty, First Avenue, Mpls (06/15/13) live review

Setlist

Tour Dates

After standing outside in the rain, then heat, mud, and humidity during Rock the Garden at the Walker Art Center, the best prescription to end the night was the musical equivalent of comfort food. The retro-soul sounds of Ugandan-born Englishman Michael Kiwanuka performing at the afterparty in First Avenue’s Mainroom proved to be the perfect nightcap to a music-filled Saturday in Minneapolis.

But, it almost didn’t happen—after a stint touring with Alabama Shakes, Kiwanuka hit the road again, opening in large venues for Mumford and Sons on their tour. But, when Mumford bassist Ted Dwane had to undergo surgery, the rest of the tour was postponed, potentially sending Kiwanuka back to the UK. Gratefully, he chose to keep his show commitment and played a passionate 70 min. set for the faithful that had endured weathering the elements earlier in the day.

Drawing comparisons to Otis Redding and Bill Withers, Kiwanuka manages to bring a style that is his own- humble and natural; a distinctive voice, with smooth grooved songs that show obvious staying power.

Opening with ‘If You’d Dare’, he next segued into ‘Tell Me a Tale’, a spirited song that has received local radio airplay and which got the crowd in his corner going forward. A pleasant take on Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Waterfall’ revealed the singer’s obvious affection for the guitar hero, and he did the song ample justice.

 

Kiwanuka wisely brought back out local opener Chastity Brown, to duet with him on ‘I’m Getting Ready’, and it proved to be a very effective duet; both voices able to harmonize and conjure the soul needed to make the song soar even farther than Kiwanuka’s solo version, to great applause. ‘Running Through the Alleys’ was a new song performed, proving the songwriting chops we heard on the first album, will continue with his next release.

Bassist Pete Randall, guitarist Miles James, and drummer Graham Godfrey more ably backed the 26-year old who ended his set somewhat soon with the encore, ‘I Need Your Company’, but maybe it was just as well—a day of music that began over 8 hours before, ended comfortably with a UK singer on the rise who tucked us in, sending us ‘Home Again’.