Family, I’m just going to get straight to the point. If you weren’t at The Bethesda Jazz & Blues Supper Club (BBJSC) last night, then you outright missed a remarkable show. I’m still in awe of the overall aura of the evening since I had the honor to attend the sold out Chante Moore concert. I simply can’t rush this excitement, so allow me to set the scene: First, have you ever experienced one of those nights where everything was top quality? Now make no mistake, this is a frequent occurrence for BBJSC, but it was something in the air last night. I’m talking from the time my photographer and I entered the venue: security was professional, sophisticated and assisted us with our needs, the wait staff and food was exceptional, and the management team was in a word marvelous! Again, we experience this treatment each time we attend an event at this venue (and you will too once you go); however last night seemed special. Let me explain…
The sophisticated affair began with the new sounds of R&B cover band NWO (New World Order). I say new because this was a first for me since I haven’t had the privilege to see them perform before. All I can say is OMG NWO! This 12+member band with their sick horn section was hot, hot, hot!! They began their set with Earth, Wind and Fire’s Brazilian beat laced “Faces”, and my ears perked up like antennas. They simply nailed tracks like: Stevie Wonder’s “Inner Visions”, Eric Benet’s “News For You”, and Prince’s “Dance, Music, Sex, Romance” just to name a few. They also served as Ms. Moore’s band for the night, and they just ripped it! A message for NWO, you now have a NFM – “New Fan Man.”
Chante Moore, Chante Moore, Chante Moore! I’m trying to find the words without using a plethora of expletives! She was utterly sensational and looked amazing. I was about to order myself a sinful piece of chocolate cake but once I took a look at her, I threw that dessert menu down so fast. Pllllease! Not these hips and lips today! Now I’ve seen her perform a number of times yet last night there was a different Ms. Moore on that stage! As she walked through the crowd singing her first track, “Love’s Taking Over,” remixed with the beat from Faith Evans’ “Love Like This (Before),” she greeted and danced with audience members who welcomed her with open arms. From then on I was hooked! She was charismatic, energetic and her multi-octave vocal range was impeccable.
Ms. Moore entertained us with her classics but more importantly, she shared with us her growth as an artist and as a woman. We learned of her heartbreaks, her self-acceptance, and her life lessons through song and comedic anecdotes. Her performance of songs such as: “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, “Alright”, “Jesus I Want You”, as well as other ballads were so deep, so genuine that my eyes welled up with tears. Every emotion, every note she delivered, we felt. Chante gave nothing less than 100+ percent and we soaked it all in. The performance concluded with an “Old Skool” party theme as she sang Teena Marie’s “Square Biz,” Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” and she and the band got us “turnt up” with the “Wobble” Yes, Chante, her squad, and folks young and old alike were dancing until the house lights came on! It was an unforgettable night indeed. You can catch more news about Chante especially with her new book, “Will I Marry Me” and many more events at: http://therealchantemoore.com/ http://therealchantemoore.com/willimarryme/ and on Twitter@iamChanteMoore
Inspired at a young age, music has always been a driving force in my life. Having been exposed to many genres and events centered around music, I wanted this series to bring the human aspect of the artist to the music that we love.