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UCLALive ROYCE HALL

Wednesday March 12th

Wednesday night’s show at UCLA’s Royce Hall, put on by the Cultural and Performing Arts Center, was truly divinely inspired. Spiritually uplifting, ANGELIQUE, singing in four languages, has never sounded more expressive or so exquisitely nuanced..she was superb. This was one of the most electrifying performances I’ve seen in years, polished and sensuous. ANGELIQUE crosses all musical boundaries, unifying AFRICAN and POP/FUNKY GLOBAL, SALSAS, RUMBAS, to Dancy lullabies, and brassy tribal rituals. Royce Hall known for its structured seating and tight crowd control, simply had to relinquish it by the third song, “SEDJEDO”, the energy was too strong, the audience broke restraint, and headed stage front to be close to the energy, and the spirit. They were simply drawn in. As ANGELIQUE went to change, the band played an intriguing instrumental titled, “ITCHE KOUTCHE” with an array of drum, guitar, and solos and blends of melodic and rhythmic sensations that had even staff leaving their posts at the stage. Little did anyone know, we were only being primed for a real treat to come. When Angelique came back she eased into one of her selected acoustic gorgeous ballads,”MAILAIKA”, as her voice soared in incantations suddenly flickering,and leaping to the edge of heights that it seems humans could ‘nt possibly reach.. Next, she rolled right to the STONE’s “GIMMIE SHELTER”, done with a flavor that could only add a needed flavor after so many times… Being the true GIVER Angelique is, dedicating her life to her main cause, CHILDREN,, HUNGER, EDUCATION,PEACE,EQUALITY. She shared her experience, strength, and hope, stating that her job is to carry the message of HOPE. Her JOY, is to see it realized. She then set us up for her Anthem song, “AFRICA”, and came all thru the hall, greeting each and every person she could, as we all participated…everyone shared in the experience.truly an experience…I got a big hug from her as well. WOW!

When she got back, her next set, it was time to have the audience join her on the stage, and they danced and danced and danced…and sang and danced… Soon though, the evening had to wind down , Everone was in DENIAL…no one wanted it to end.. we got one encore.. Rules are Rules…we broke many…and thank God for that, and for Angelique. www.angeliquekidjo.com

Opening for Angelique was DENGUE FEVER , Los Angeles, based, they played for a 40 minute set, of well balanced melodic jazzy, funk, blend of a fresh approach to fusions of Cambodian and American musical cultures. CHHOM NIMOL, whose voice, is unique, as her name, is quite pleasing, and certainly tickled my ears. A nice way to tease us, leaving me curious for more. www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic

For more UCLAlive events go to www.uclalive.org

Gary Greene

Review/ Photographer

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