Night two of the mega week and this time its new soul sensation US born but Liverpool based Jalen Ngonda. Much thanks to my regular partner in gig crime Andy for the recommendation.
What can I say, what a voice. Almost unique and difficult to pigeon hole or compare. Its starts as falsetto and moves up and down the octaves at will. Coupled with being a great guitarist too he is very much the real deal.
He has assembled a tight band to back him on what I guess is his biggest London headline show to date although given that the secret is out, he already has a date at Koko up the road booked for early 2024.
With just his debut album released a few weeks back behind him we are treated to that along with some choice soul covers too. It’s a fine balance between the up tempo danceable songs and the more mellow soul groove tracks and he does it well.
It’s a super set and culminates with the two closers ‘So Glad I found you’ and ‘If you don’t want my love’ to ensure that everyone leaves with big grins on our faces. Catch him while you still can at these smaller rooms and I’m sure he will be upgrading to the biggest stages very soon.
Keep on soulful rockin’ y’all