Concert Review: Omar with guests Glenn Lewis, Ivana Santilli and Lisa Banton
The Capitol Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
April 23, 2016
On Saturday April 23rd Toronto internet radio station iLive Radio presented a highly anticipated concert that had the soul community and bona fide music heads buzzing. It marked the first time in 10 years that UK soul sensation Omar has passed through Toronto. The singer/songwriter and musician has family in the city, so it was a homecoming of sorts for him that was well overdue. Also included on the bill were Glenn Lewis, Ivana Santilli and Lisa Banton. The Capitol Theatre was the venue of choice for a show that was set to show the city that even though the support for independent and classic soul music has clearly decreased, it has now been resuscitated and surely has not been forgotten.
Concert Review: Omar with guests Glenn Lewis, Ivana Santilli and Lisa Banton
The Capitol Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
April 23, 2016
On Saturday April 23rd Toronto internet radio station iLive Radio presented a highly anticipated concert that had the soul community and bona fide music heads buzzing. It marked the first time in 10 years that UK soul sensation Omar has passed through Toronto. The singer/songwriter and musician has family in the city, so it was a homecoming of sorts for him that was well overdue. Also included on the bill were Glenn Lewis, Ivana Santilli and Lisa Banton. The Capitol Theatre was the venue of choice for a show that was set to show the city that even though the support for independent and classic soul music has clearly decreased, it has now been resuscitated and surely has not been forgotten.
Everyone was wondering what we were in store for, especially from Omar. With an infinite selection of song favorites from which to choose, and everyone in the audience shouting out their favorites to be performed, his set list satisfied the masses. Opening the show with “Feeling You” had the audience captivated and he charged through from there. “Outside”, “Little Boy”, “Be Thankful” and a jazzed up rendition of his seminal hit “There’s Nothing Like This” were just a few notables. Watching Omar move skillfully with his dancehall skank and bubble while singing intently and playing his keyboard was solid. His cover of Roy Ayers’ “Sunshine” reverberated throughout the theatre as the audience sang along in tandem. Another call and response moment came through on “The Man.” A member of the audience ran with the song before Omar even sang a note, which prompted the artist to respond in a playful manner, “Ah mi start de tunes!’ The highlight of the night was during Omar’s encore when he went into his afrobeat driven jam “It’s So” that had every single adult in that theatre ‘turnt up’ in the most unexpected ways.
The opening acts were a winsome blend of different sounds. Lisa Banton sounded incredible and readily left her mark with “Let It Go” and her popular single “Better”. Glenn Lewis, who has a new album on the way, sang an assorted list of songs from his discography that had patrons walking a fine line of being both miffed and content. “Back For More”, “Good One”, “Can’t Say Love”, “Lonely” and “Don’t You Forget It” were sung, but so were a few other ballads that altogether didn’t fit the soiree. Attendees seemed to uncomfortably tune out at times and it unfortunately reflected from the audience audibly. His cover tribute of “Raspberry Beret” was pleasing, but was missing the wow factor we all needed, and perhaps longed for. By the time Ivana Santilli graced the stage, the audience was treated to a shortened sultry soul set with “Sun+Moon= Tomorrow”, and a funked up fusion of “I Cry” and Chic’s “I Want Your Love” accompanied by a heavy brass solo from Santilli herself.
According to Omar, hopefully in September we will be privy to his new soon-to-be-released album, which is 90% completed. There are guest spots and backing by Leon Ware, The Floacist, Robert Glasper and more. But for now, Toronto can relish upon the night Omar came through to remind everyone that he’s still here and has no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon.
By Ann Marie Collymore