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Now Playing: Ari Lennox at Max Watts Sydney

Ari Lennox at Max Watts 
Sydney 2020
Photo by Gladys Smith

Before Ari Lennox graced us with her soulful presence on stage, we had a whole hour to enjoy and adore the musician born and raised in Atlanta - Tanerelle (pronounced 'Tuh-nair-ree-elle). Looking like she had just stepped out of a 70s movie set, with her bold hair and custom @lacebytanaya ensemble, I must say that the minute she walked in, she had the room floored. There were shouts of 'I would die for her dress..' and I completely agree with them, that dress was something to die for. A full custom, handmade crystal pieces, so bloody divine.. even more so once you saw it in person. 

Tanerelle at Max Watts 
Sydney 2020
Photo by Gladys Smith

Tanerelle had most of the crowd singing her lyrics and especially had them in awe during her performance of  'Dream Girl' -- there's just something so wholesome about seeing fans sing their favourite Artists' music, word for word.. that's BDE shit. 

Tanerelle at Max Watts
Sydney 2020
Photo by Gladys Smith

I personally hadn't listened to her music before but this served as a great opportunity to really take each song in and create my first impression. Her voice gave me sensual euphoria that almost made me want to slow dance in the room like no one was watching. Paying ode to one of the artists who opened her lane, Tanerelle took Rihanna's "Needed Me" and made it her own. Throughout the 45 minutes of her set, right up until the very end with 'Nothing Without You', I found myself often stopping and just admiring the energy and ability that she was radiating. For me, it was a bittersweet ending when she said her goodbyes and departed. I had strongly enjoyed her set, but was also looking forward to the main event which was Ari Lennox.




So after almost an hour of the Atlanta singer/songwriter, we finally had Ms. Lennox bless the room. You always have this hope when attending a concert that the artist sound somewhat similar and/or if not almost identical to what you hear on the recorded version of their music. Ari Lennox is the perfect example of this, her voice was raw, unapologetic and beautifully scratchy (in the best way!). You immediately knew why everyone was so drawn to her and her music when she came on stage -- she was incredibly sweet and genuine. Asking us how we were, checking up on some of her fans towards the front of the stage (who had waited hours at the door before the show, to ensure they got to see her as close as possible) or worrying for a fan who had thrown his shirt on stage that he might be cold. She was every bit the person her music made her seem to be.

'I Been', a personal favourite of mine, made an appearance very early on in her set. Being one of her more commercial successes the audience naturally knew all the words. In the first verse when she sang 'I've been smokin' purple haze, ooh, to forget about you' and the words all echoed back to her, the tone was set for the rest of the performance. It was clear that the audience was hers.



The show continued on, and while being caught up in her vocal ability, we were given a reminder of her character when she signed a vinyl for an avid (and might I add, prepared) fan. These touches of personality made this more than just a concert but an exhibition of Ari Lennox, the person. Bringing herself back to ground after such lofty vocal heights allowed the audience to identify with her as an individual, not just a highly talented figure.  

It all came to a close with a performance of 'Shea Butter Baby'. The title song to her debut album and a fitting end to her concert put a cap on a great night. Signing off with shoutouts to her band, the audience cheered on to express their thanks and sang along to end their journey together.

If you haven't done yourself the favour of watching this lovely lady perform in a city near you, I would highly that you do.

END.

Michelle Banares


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