Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. Charles Bradley. Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens. Brooklyn's iconic Daptone Records is home to some of the modern era's most electrifying soul artists.
Its revivalist roster nodding to the golden era of soul and funk (at the risk of starting an argument, a period between the mid-'60s and mid-'70s) while contemporising these classic sounds for today's discerning ears, including through production for the likes of Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson.In Jalen Ngonda, Daptone may just have its next global superstar. Jetting into Brisbane's The Princess Theatre (14 January) for the first stop of his six-date Australian tour – his first visit down under – the Liverpool, UK-based (but east coast, US-raised) talent delivered a blistering performance showcasing a rare, beautiful voice, sublime songwriting and a tight band that punched well above its weight.
Ngonda has been on a tear since the release of his debut album – 'Come Around And Love Me' – in 2023, touring extensively across the US and Europe, notching-up appearances at Glastonbury, and building deserved hype around his brand of achingly-beautiful soul.
Jalen Ngonda - image © Chris Searles
The healthy, Tuesday-night Brisbane crowd was warmed up nicely by Melbourne talent Ella Thompson, whose take on classic and contemporary soul has similarly built a sizeable following and won plaudits from the likes of Lee Fields.
A tight, 30-minute set allowed only a taster of her formidable talents, but what she served up tasted great. The moody 'Never Fight The Way You Feel' from breakout 2023 album 'Domino' showcased the range of her excellent six-piece band, while cuts from last year's follow-up album – 'Ripple On The Wing' – proved an impressive foray into horn-drenched soul, smooth bass and some magnificent keys by Jacko, all bound together by Thompson's goosebump-inducing voice.
Departing the stage after a rousing cover of 'Remember Me' by '60s girl band The Trinikas, Thompson and band proved the ideal warm-up for Ngonda.
Ella Thompson - image © Chris Searles
When the main man took to the stage at 9pm sharp, it was as a stripped-back trio – Ngonda on vocals and guitar, and his excellent drummer and bassist. Less is more as a concept never sounded so good.
Once described as 'modern soul with a touch of The Beach Boys', Ngonda's sound is anchored by his falsetto voice that, when combined with his songwriting chops and production from Michael Buckley and Vincent Chiarito (members of the late Charles Bradley's Extraordinaires), positively oozes emotion as it nods to surfer rock, R&B and Motown (including more than a touch of Marvin Gaye and David Ruffin).
Over a 75-minute set, the crowd was treated to the majority of 'Come Around And Love Me', in addition to a few earlier cuts and, pleasingly, some new, as-yet unreleased material.
Opening with a blistering performance of 'Rapture' – and the apt opening line of 'These eyes of mine are dying to see you' – Ngonda transitioned seamlessly into 2018's cut 'Don't You Remember', reminding the crowd that, while his star has risen rapidly over the past few years, he's anything but a Johnny-come-lately.
Jalen Ngonda - image © Chris Searles
'That's All I Wanted From You' followed and, despite a reference (or two) to jet lag, Ngonda was clearly enjoying himself onstage, exuding charisma and a willingness to engage the crowd with limited banter. When it came to 'Give Me Another Day', an invitation to the crowd to contribute backing vocals was warmly received.
What was striking throughout the set was the obvious chemistry between Ngonda and his band. While he admitted to having to look at the set list at his feet to know what song was next, once commenced the live versions sounded strikingly similar to their recorded equivalents – no small achievement given the stripped-back band, and no doubt a reflection of Ngonda's heavy touring schedule, which itself is a hallmark of Daptone artists.
Practice, they say, makes perfect, and Ngonda and his band were super tight, effortlessly switching between the slow-burning intensity of last year's single 'Anyone In Love' and the moody jam of 'It Takes A Fool', the latter of which had the crowd swaying in unison.
Jalen Ngonda - image © Chris Searles
Later on, 'So Glad I Found You' hit particularly well with the by-now loved up crowd, and the rousing, sunny sing-along of 'Come Around And Love Me' saw more than a few couples embrace.
For the encore, the crowd was treated to Ngonda onstage by himself, as he delivered two immaculate acoustic numbers (one with a playful Elvis twang thrown in) which again demonstrated that, while Ngonda's voice routinely (and deservedly) steals the show, his guitar skills are truly sublime.
Joined again by his band, 'So Glad I Found You' followed, before 'If You Don't Want My Love' finished the set in energetic fashion, Ngonda's raspy pipes hitting every note to the end.
Jalen Ngonda - image © Chris Searles
This might have been the first time we've seen Jalen Ngonda on our shores, but on the strength of this performance – jet lag and all – it won't be the last, although with the likes of Elton John and Jill Scott (and even Snoop Dogg) in his corner, it's likely he's going to need a bigger venue next time.
More photos from the concert.
