Jean Leloup @ Metropolis – 01.14.10

http://cornershopstudios.com/archives/9320#more-9320

Jean Leloup @ Metropolis – 01.14.10 01.20.10 cornershopstudios

Always a burst of inviolate energy, Jean Leloup was a maelstrom of irresistible allure last Friday, sashaying across the Metropolis stage and never missing a beat. There is an unyielding momentum behind this guy’s performance, like he is literally blessed by some supernatural muse. Many musicians are formidable performers as well, but “The Wolf” is in a class of his own. While focusing mostly on new material – La plus belle fille de la prison was obviously the favorite of the new album Mille Excuses Milady – Leloup continues to shift his style seamlessly, creating a melee of rhythm and blues, reggae, rap, and folk. In between songs, he frenetically feeds off the vibe of the show, spontaneously making bizarre comments and gestures that nevertheless rev the crowd up even further. And there’s something about a Leloup crowd – they’re the most jovial, unpretentious, and engaged people I’ve seen. In fact, after brooding at the back for a while, I veer off towards the front and into the crowd like a moth, with people singing, dancing, shouting, and drinking all around me. It genuinely feels like a house party, with that stiff feeling some crowds have no matter how much they enjoy the show completely absent. And that’s when it dawns on me how ingrained Leloup is in this culture. He’s one of those artists that are sutured into the fabric of a place; his familiarity registers a wonderful intimacy that diminishes all inhibitions, all reservations. I only wish more concerts felt this way.

David Rozon