The essence, rhythm and spirit of black music in all its many facets, from R&B to soul, raggae to funk, all seasoned with a strong dose of humour and cult of entretainment: this is the concert by Estelle, yesterday on stage at the General Warehouses by Milan.
Opening the dances Irene La Medica, whom we meet again live after a break of several years (in the meantime Irene has had two beautiful little girls, who were on stage yesterday cheering for their mother). Excellent rehearsal and great harmony between her and her band, the same as always.
After 40 minutes of the show, the lights go out and it is the turn of the Senegalese-born hit maker. Estelle takes the stage together with a spectacular line-up, in every sense of the word: two choristers/dancers with great stage impact, a guitarist, bass player, DJ set, keyboards, drums and even an electric violinist.
The stage is impressive, very bright and imposing, for a production that seems ready to explode into larger spaces soon.
The singer immediately appears loose, fit, proud of her new haircut, something she will repeat several times during the set, and in great harmony with the audience, which she certainly does not spare.
The beginning with the syncopated Waiting followed by the latest single Sobstitute Lover. To be mentioned Like Overto the notes of which Estelle invites two girls and a boy on stage for a dance that is as sexy as it is ironic with her and the two wild choristers.
There is also time for 1980, from his very first and semi-unknown album, and a quote in R&B version by Coldplay.
Obviously it is the hit American Boy to close the concert, before the acclaimed encore with So Many Things to Say.
Estelle demonstrated all his talent on this evening in Milan, confirming the words that artists such as John Legend and Kayne West have spoken about him: we could be looking at the next big black music star!
Photos by Stefano Masselli
www.estellemusic.com
