ABOVE PHOTO: Jazmine Sullivan
By Kendall Alexander
Sometimes, a long, rainy day will make you wish for a place to decompress and listen to some good, soulful music.
Fortunately for those gathered in the Theater of the Living Arts on South Street March 10, Jazmine Sullivan took to the stage and showed her hometown that even when it’s raining, it is always sunny in Philadelphia.
Sullivan was in town supporting her new album “The Reality Show” and mesmerized a crowd anxious to see her return to the stage after a retirement from the music business brought on by personal and professional setbacks. Sullivan’s guttural vibratos and sensual scats, reminded those in attendance just what the “jazz” in her name really means.
While she smiled through her tears throughout her set, Sullivan was clearly in her element as she performed songs from her new album, most of which was recorded in Philadelphia, in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd. The set included acoustic performances of “Stupid Girl” and “Forever” as well as club bangers, “Dumb” and “Brand New.”
She also included some favorites from her “Fearless” including “Need You Bad,” “Bust the Windows,” and “Lions and Tigers and Bears”.
Sullivan also shared a little about her four-year hiatus and how it served as inspiration for her new album. She explained the hard lessons she learned through abusive and selfish relationships and told the audience that the main lesson she learned from all of that was that she learned to surround herself with the love she needed—from herself. Jazmine Sullivan left everything on the microphone for her fans, exposing herself to whatever came her way. This album serves as a healing agent for the young artist, but a look inside the entertainment industry and the values held on materialism and appearances.
With amazing instrumentals from her band and melodic harmonization from her backup singers, it is safe to say no one left TLA with any regrets—except maybe that she would stay and perform until her voice gave out.
Through a concert that allowed a hometown artist to showcase her talents to the people who love her best, Jazmine Sullivan proved that there is really no place like home.
Leave a Comment