Daniel Ssebowa Musisi
Alice Russell Live at Bohemian Caverns – Washington, DC March 5, 2009
Alice Russell performed live with musician/producer TM Juke, born Alex Cowan. Both are artists on the UK’s Tru Thoughts record label. They had been travelling around the West Coast and picked up two members in San Francisco before landing in DC; their new guitarist and drummer, who happened to be brothers. TM Juke has produced two of Alice Russell's albums, including the most recent album Pot of Gold. TM Juke played guitar and was clearly acting band leader for the tour, which makes sense because he was likely responsible for most of the music.
Though tired from much travelling, Alice was chipper, upbeat, and clearly happy to be back in DC and performing once again at Bohemian Caverns. The band was tight and sounded amazing, even though jet-lagged from the constant travelling for three or four days prior to their arrival in DC. Mid-way through the show Alice introduced the band’s most recent additions, adding that they had only one rehearsal with the San Francisco based folks.
Alice pleased the crowd, especially major fans by performing songs from all of her albums. She silenced the crowd by doing some of her more mellow soul jams that showcased her vocal range and her ability to sustain notes and sing out with every ounce of her being. She also got the crowd amped up by doing upbeat Alice Russell favorites, including a few covers that really got people up (Seven Nation Army- White Stripes, Crazy-Gnarls Barkley).
Not only was Alice Russell upbeat and chipper, she also was a great performer with a humbly sweet, yet powerful stage presence. The crowd felt for her when she said she was tired, was blown away by her voice and her words when she belted out tunes, and hung on her every word in between songs; even laughing at her jokes whether we fully understood them or not. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand and could do no wrong.
Doing wrong was the least of her problems. It was mind-blowing that such an amazingly powerful, soulful voice could come from this petite British blonde. Seeing her in 2009 at Bohemian Caverns was a treat and may very well be the last time that DC can catch Alice Russell in such an intimate venue.
Luckily I was able to convince my friend Moncef to shoot this footage.
See below:
Alice Russell Live at Bohemian Caverns - Crazy
Alice Russell sings Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" from Moncef Belyamani on Vimeo.
Alice Russell Live at Bohemian Caverns – Tired Little One
Alice Russell - Tired Little One from Moncef Belyamani on Vimeo.
Alice Russell Live at Bohemian – Hold It Down
Alice Russell - Hold It Down from Moncef Belyamani on Vimeo.
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