Remember those days when you had to come in before the street lights came on? When your mama put Vaseline on your face and you went outside glistening? Perhaps the candy lady where you bought penny candy, purchased a sour pickle, or a Popsicle? Remember turning the fire hydrant on and the music from someone’s vehicle was playing the latest tunes where you showed your latest dance moves? Last night the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) was taken back to that familiar place at the Verizon Center as we partied with Mint Condition, Anthony Hamilton, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E. Fresh, and the regal Jill Scott.
Mint Condition started the party with their live instrumentation and vocals. This group takes us back to a time where R&B artist used horns, drums, and guitars to really express the rhythm of the music. They engaged the crowd with some of their new material from their album “7” and ended the set with one of their most familiar ballads “Pretty Brown Eyes”.
As the set changed for the next artist, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Doug E. Fresh appeared on stage to hype us up and help the crowd reminisce about our past. As I sat with my extended family (high school friends) I could not help but to reflect on my days at Eastern SHS in the Nation’s Capital. Although we didn’t have the outdoor elements in the venue I certainly felt like I was truly at an outdoor block party.
Next we would be greeted from the front porch of Mr. Anthony Hamilton. This Southern breed man brought us a different type of block party environment. Dressed in all white, accented with a red jacket, red and white sneakers, and a white fedora he was ready to party. As he sang I could not help but to think of sprawling land, sweet iced tea, and the elders sitting watching the young folks while everyone enjoyed quality time together. He sang hits like: “Cool”, “Where I am from”, “and Everybody”. His soulful voice really filled the arena and I am glad he has blessed the music industry with such sound.
Later Doug E. Fresh and DJ Jazzy Jeff reappeared with more hip hop favorites which made you think of those old cassette tapes. But shortly we were about to be transported to the present to listen to the magnificent Ms. J.I.L.L. S.C.O.T.T.!!!
Dressed in a blue sequenced dress, black leggings, and lime green air force ones her style is what urban youth create and designers refine. Jill greeted the audience with confidence and vulnerability. Her new CD entitled, “The Light of the Sun” talks candidly about love, lost, and empowerment. As the bass thumped and the “Pipes” – her male background singers – laid it down she serenaded us with songs such as: “Crown Royal”, “Hate on Me”, “Rolling Hills” and “Gettin in the Way” just to name a few.
As a writer, Jill shares her stories through song in a way that makes the listener exam his/her own situation. A Philly native she mentioned how she experimented with a District tradition –go-go music- and years later two songs are staples in her repertoire. I believe one of the highlights of the night was when she did an encore performance of “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)” with an opera tone. As I bring my memories to a close I want you to think about a time when you were as carefree as I felt last night engulfed in the sounds of Ms. Jill Scott & friends.