Describing music as being a mystery, the critically acclaimed Son Little showcased his latest album ‘New Magic’ in a spellbinding performance in Borough last Tuesday.
Hailing from sunny Philadelphia, Son Little, brought his sizzling charm to London’s Omeara on the UK leg of his highly anticipated European tour.
With a compelling blend of rock, blues and R&B, the Grammy award winner, born Aaron Livingston, injected a colourful performance at the intimate venue, tucked away in the shadow of the Shard.
‘New Magic’ is Livingston’s second album, hugely inspired from his visit to Australia last year, with the late Aboriginal singer Gurrumul even loaning his guitar.
The son of a preacher is well known for experimenting with several musical genres, each sojourn soaked up by the sold out audience.
A slow tempo and gentle guitar riffs to soothing ballad ‘Mad About You’ warmly encapsaulated the simple yet mesmerising love affair with the outback lifestyle.
These endearing reactions from the crowd saw Livingston fully light up and turn himself into the song-writing chameleon he is.
Endearing country-eques blues tune ‘O Me O My’ shows off his knack for generating emotional sensations before transitioning into drum and base fuelled ‘Charging Bull’.
His ridiculously laid-back personality combined with his timely comedic one-liners perfectly reflected Livingston’s versatile talent by simultaneously melting audiences with his honey smooth vocals.
Leading track ‘Blue Magic’ (Waikiki) brought back the right touch of summer memories very much needed in the midst of this winter snap.
Livingston also has an eye for spotting talent, choosing 19-year-old blues artist Nia Wyn as his support act.
The Welsh singer perfectly warmed up the intimate setting of the Omeara armed with her guitar, soulful voice and raw lyrics about adolescence and heartbreak.
Livingston’s three-piece band also prominently pulled off the most challenging part of any live performance by succumbing listeners with authentic renditions from the album to stage.
One lucky fan literally got to ‘Lay Down’ next to Livingston while he delivered flat-backed, flawless rendition of the 2015 hit song.
Seeing an artist like Livingston within their comfort zone certainly brought out the best elements of an exclusive city gig – unexpected and memorable.
Son Little’s form tiny of escapism generated an undeniably engaging, refreshing evening and has got London overflowing with the ‘Blue Magic’.
