It’s hard to believe that Charles Bradley only has one album to his name. A soul singer from Florida, Charles has been riding a wave of momentum after a jaw dropping showcase at SXSW last year which was followed by a series of appearances that have been classified as legendary for those who went.
Saturday night was his first trip to Toronto and it was met with great anticipation from the sold out crowd (which ranged from indie kids to grandmothers) at Lee’s. Taking a stage after an instrumental introduction by his backing band, Charles was a man possessed from the first minute to the last. The sixty three year old man pulled off many impressive lead singer moves – microphone swings, soul train era dancing and a James Brown-esque knee drop that left the crowd in awe. Behind all these moves was an amazing voice. Charles Bradley sings each of his songs like someone who has seen it all. The well worn expression on his face as he sings each note help add some oomph to each of his tales. The result was a more intimate experience then one would really feel from a sold out show.
It seemed only appropriate that the Charles Bradley show took place a mere few days before Valentines day. As the man himself would profess several times throughout the night, Charles Bradley is about love – love for life, love for music and especially love for each other. Backed by his well dressed and exceedingly sharp band, the “Screaming Eagle of Soul” proceeded to show his love to the sold out crowd at Lees by putting on a truly exceptional show. If the massive ovation at the end of the set was any indication, that love was definitely reciprocated.