Raphael Saadiq
May 30, 2011
Once I saw Raphael Saadiq live, I finally got what this artist is all about. Sure, there is the retro- element that channels such artists as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Sly Stone, but there is also a decidedly 21st century aspect to what Saadiq is creating with his music.
We first met Saadiq when he was with the groundbreaking '80s soul trio Tony! Toni! Tone! In addition to releasing critically acclaimed solo albums like "Ray Ray" and "Instant Vintage" (nominated for five Grammys), Saadiq has also worked behind the scenes for the last two decades as a celebrated producer, collaborator and sideman for acts like D'Angelo, John Legend, Joss Stone, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Stevie Wonder, the Bee Gees, The Isley Brothers, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Whitney Houston, Snoop Dogg, Earth, Wind and Fire, and many more.
With "The Way I See It," Saadiq firmly established himself in the spotlight again and the debut helped to set up a solid touring base for him: Saadiq has performed at festival shows throughout Europe and the States -- including Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, South By Southwest and Voodoo Experience, as well as an opening slot on a Dave Matthews Band amphitheater tour.
Now, Saadiq returns with his new self-produced effort, "Stone Rollin'." The project features Saadiq's core band and some interesting guests, too, including Robert Randolph, Swedish-Japanese singer Yukimi Nagan and Larry Dunn from Earth, Wind and Fire.
"I want to be a throwback artist, but with a futuristic twist," Saadiq said of his current career path.
In addition to the title song and the next focus track, "Day Dreams," several other tracks on the album deserve your attention including "Heart Attack," "Good Man," "The Answer," "Movin' Down the Line" and "Go to Hell."
Saadiq recently played the Noncommvention in Wilmington, DE and performed on "Morning Becomes Eclectic" on KCRW/Los Angeles. He just appeared on both "Conan" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live." He has a few tour dates booked for June with much more in the works:
- 6/02 Saint Andrew's Hall, Detroit
- 6/03 Park West, Chicago
- 6/04 Cabooze on the West Bank, Minneapolis
- 6/08 Stubbs, Austin
To keep up with latest on Raphael Saadiq, visit www.raphaelsaadiq.com.
