CLEO SOL LIVE AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

What’s Good Y’all! Happy Women’s History Month! Sunday night I had a chance to catch Cleo Sol's first appearance in NYC at Radio City Music Hall. The UK native had everyone flying, driving or sailing through treaded waters to see her live. And after what I experienced tonight I understood why. The demand was so high to see Cleo, she added two more NYC dates. My anticipation wouldn’t allow me to wait until the Monday or Tuesday show. So I gathered myself together and headed downtown to enjoy a night of soul and rebirth. This was also my very first show at Radio City Music Hall. I was so excited to be in such an iconic building, surrounded by a lot of beautiful black people! The beauty of the theater and around me only added to the ambiance. As I anticipated Cleo’s arrival I began to think about what her music means to me. Whenever I need inner healing, I listen to Cleo Sol. When I need peace, I listen to Cleo Sol. When I need to love on me, I listen to Cleo Sol.

But who knew listening to Cleo would also provide me with communion. Every show I always make a friend or two. This show was no different. Octavia and Theresa (so sorry if this is the incorrect spelling girl!) from Chicago! They flew in for one night to see one of their favorite artists, have you ever done that? If not Octavia highly suggests it and quite frankly so do I! Sunday night was like attending a revival as we sang songs of Cleo’s hits like “Know That You Are Loved” “Things Will Get Better” “Shine” “ Reason” and “Fear When You Fly.”

It’s a few shows I have been to that have felt like church and this was one of them. I never felt so free, seen and loved in one space. And no matter how far removed some of our kinfolk may be from the Black Church, Cleo’s concert is a constant reminder we are never too far removed from our faith.

While Cleo Sol is not a Christian artist, her music fills up your soul as if it was the gospel. And her sound and style is reminiscent of Motown, as my new friend Octavia so wittingly pointed out. I noticed that too watching Cleo’s background singers. Their dance moves were reminiscent of performances from Aretha or The Supremes. Have you ever watched the background vocalists back in the day? They looked and moved in accordance with the artist and they had to be JUST AS GOOD as the artist vocally. Cleo Sol’s background singers were on point! Another great highlight of the night was Jamaican singer/songwriter Chronixx sharing the stage with our Aries sista, Not only did they have great stage presence together but they sound amazing together. Vocally, it was hard to decipher If I was listening to her live or the album, but trust me, live is ten times better!

A time was had on a Sunday night and I felt revived enough to handle whatever lies ahead for the week. If you missed her Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, well then baby I’m sorry you gonna have to catch her in LA but make sure you come back and let me know how you loved it! 

CLEO SOL