Leon Bridges of Ft. Worth, Texas, is one of the best things going right now in American music. His throwback R&B, his classy demeanor, his generous charisma, his excellence in singing, his subtle innovations in truly American forms — why, this just the kind of thing this polarized country needs.
The young man has a fan in me.
I was born in 1978. Anyone born in the thirty years preceding that year will have an instant connection with the songs of Leon Bridges; anyone born in the succeeding ten will have an instant connection to the nostalgia for those earlier years which Bridges exemplifies. The 80s through mid-90s were, probably, the years most nostalgic for the late 50s and 60s.
What all that yearly babble is intended to say is this: that his guy Leon Bridges can play an updated version of a style of music that everyone thinks they know, but maybe they really don’t. Maybe it took Leon Bridges to re-awaken it.
Bridges is capable of blues tunes of superbly tight construction. “Flowers.”
He is capable of more moody climactic bluesy songs. “Coming Home.”
He is capable of masterful straight-up R&B love songs. “Better Man.” “Twistin’ & Groovin.”
I can’t wait to see what else this talented young man might supply to the Americana canon.
Below is a little concert that Bridges performed for National Public Radio a year or so ago. Keep in mind that this concert was purely acoustic while his normal sound has a great dancing beat to it.
Comments (5)
That's fantastic.
Posted by Sage McLaughlin | August 14, 2016 9:48 AM
Paul,
What a clear, strong voice, right from the first note! Delightful.
I've been listening to a lot of Louie Armstrong this summer inspired by a play I saw about his life written by the drama and culture critic Terry Teachout. There is something wonderful about people like Armstrong, or Sinatra, or more recently Harry Connick Jr. who can use their unique voices to bring to life the American songbook (and create blues and jazz standards.) I love the classics!
Posted by Jeffrey S. | August 14, 2016 12:10 PM
Preach It and Amen! Leon's a phenomenal talent.
Per longstanding tradition, I will contribute some more singers for your perusal.
Sebastion Kole - Love's on the Way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBQgKCBtOGo
Shovels & Rope - Gasoline. I don't even know how to categorize this but it has a Southern edge to it I like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1XMhdAGDgc
A few other songs/artists without links but easily found on YouTube:
Parov Stelar - Booty Swing. Besides the incredible dancing from Astaire and Rogers that fits a different song surprisingly well there is also a mildly interesting backstory to the song. It is mostly just a faster version of a Lil Hardin Armstrong song titled Oriental Swing and she was the second wife of Louis Armstrong.
Dan Deacon - When I Was Done Dying (Off the Air - Adult Swim). Psychedelic song with wild video animation.
Lisa Hannigan - Passenger on TV Noir. Irish sweetness perfected, should have a new album released by end of this month.
Posted by Step2 | August 15, 2016 5:57 AM
Thanks for those, Step2. Good stuff. I particularly like the Shovels & Rope video. Live oak, Spanish moss, Miller High Life -- "Southern edge" is an understatement for that one. But Michael Trent is from Denver. Nice.
In that NPR video it cracks me up that the back-up vocalist and rhythm guitarist repeatedly have to suppress laughter over something (it appears) that Bridges is doing.
Posted by Paul J Cella | August 15, 2016 12:55 PM
Paul,
Leon Bridges reminds me of Sam Cooke, perhaps the most appealing voices in the history of R & R. For me, that is the greatest compliment I can give such a voice. Thanks for the introduction.
Paul Sr
Posted by Paul J. | August 17, 2016 5:32 PM