Concert Review: Moonchild, Braxton Cook, & Devin Morrison
October 25, 2019
In 2012, Moonchild burst onto the scene with their debut project, Be Free. Steeped in the tradition of the Soulquarians and the early 2000’s neo-soul movement, Moonchild turned heads and peaked the interest of many. The band, comprised of Amber Navran (lead vocals, flute, tenor saxophone), Max Bryk (keyboards, alto saxophone), and Andris Mattson (keyboards, trumpet, flügelhorn, acoustic guitar) all studied music, and formed while at the University of Southern California, but managed to balance their formal training with their love of J Dilla, Hip-Hop, and Soul music.
Earlier this year Moonchild released their fourth project, Little Ghost, a 14-track album that sees the band refine their sound even further. In support of their album, Moonchild has embarked on a tour spanning the United States, Canada and Europe, for which they’ll be joined by Kiefer, Braxton Cook, Butcher Brown, Devin Morrison and Rachel Mazar. On Thursday, October 17th, paid a visit to Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live where they were joined by Braxton Cook and Devin Morrison. After the show Kevin and I reviewed their show, talked about the band’s growth, ranked our favorite white artists that have a mostly Black following, and more! Here’s our conversation:
Stanley: YERRRRRP, good looking out, as always. This was your second time seeing Moonchild in concert? Did you notice anything different from the last time you saw them?
Kevin: MOON...CHILD! *standing ovation* "Notice anything different" seems like an understatement. They were like different creatures this time. A part of it is they had more room to operate but they commanded that space. They earned that jawn! They had dance moves, wind instrument choreography and a "woke" mid-speech about a local organization doing great work around prison policy reform efforts. Last time I saw them they were upstairs in a limited space and played the music competently, etc. but this time, the thing that stood out more than anything was their confidence and show(wo)manship.
I did wonder, jokingly, after some suspect dance moves from one of the guys in the group, if someone was ghostwriting the music for them because oh boy lol. But their fanbase clearly grew and they have something akin to a cult following now. The room was filled and Moonchild was ready.
Stanley: I agree wholeheartedly! They commanded the space really well. I only briefly saw them when they opened for The Internet at the Fillmore, and it felt like the room was too big. But this felt perfect - acoustically and in terms of the audience. And I love the balance — I guess I would call it balance — they have in their music of Jazz, soul and Hip-Hip, and it never felt like they were doing something that they couldn’t “do.”
And yeah, they are the epitome of nerdy, white music students, and it showed in their dancing lol. But they can make some music, no question about that.
Stanley: I thought Braxton Cook was incredible - like really good. What did you think about his set? Also, curious to know what you think about him as a singer, given saxophone is his main instrument.
Kevin: The man of the hour! The main reason why I rolled outta bed to come to the show. He and his band were tight, locked in and most importantly, played a 40 minute opening set! I was hurt when he cancelled a part of his tour but excited when he was added to Moonchild's tour. What I noticed most was, besides the singing - we'll get to that, was his willingness to incorporate more R&B like sounds into his music. That was really hammered home when he went on a mini-tangent where it culminated in a song titled: "f*ck Julliard." He clearly has other leanings and he blends genres well while still being a jazz head. I joked to you during the set that he seems like a real student of the game kinda guy and it's evident.
Now, to his singing! I was lowkey shocked. I always assumed that he had other singers on the latest project but turns out - it was him! He got some vocals in there. Not sure of the range or anything but he can legit sing and adds another tool to his belt. He got it- But, between the sax and the singing, he has to pick up another instrument that gives his vocals a rest, right? Lol
Stanley: Sax and singing is certainly includes a lot of breathing lol. He looks like he plays keys too so that should help.
But yo, I thought my face was going to melt off during his set, seriously. I was consistently blown away. I thought his band construction was interesting, opting for a guitar instead of more traditionally used piano. But I loved the stuff his guitarist, Andrew Renfroe, was doing. His comping on solos was incredible, and I love the way he and Braxton Cook were playing off each other. I also think the guitar, the way Andrew was playing with a little distortion made Braxton Cook’s music feel more climactic.
I’m also glad his show at *that other venue* got cancelled - no one deserves to have an incredible musician/band play with terrible sound. So, yeah, shout out World Cafe Live and the sound team lol.
Also, the F*ck Juilliard song. Loved it! Before he played the song he set it up by talking about how the institution only wanted to recognize a particular era of Jazz, and how the school was racist and anti-Black. They wanted to disregard the iterations of Jazz that were Black. You could hear the tension and frustration in the music, and I thought it was really well composed.
Stanley: Devin Morrison was in the slot as the first opener. Which is also kind of like the “get in at the ground level spot” - what did you think about his set?
Kevin: Not going to lie here - I'm not sure yet how I feel about his set. I feel like he is clearly talented but I'm not sure what he is doing appeals to me. I hate to do that "it's just not for me" cop out but I heard a lot Brian McKnight era type of music influences and I'm not sure that is my lane. I appreciated his song-writing and command of the room as he seemed comfortable, but I just don't know if I'm personally ready to get in at the ground level. I know you have more perspective here, what did you think?
Stanley: I use the “it’s not for me line” all the time lol. But, I thought his set was good, given the circumstances - playing mostly with tracks and no band. His music is really instrumentally driven and with no instruments you kind of miss the dynamics of the music.
Overall, I liked his set! I love his writing and ear for harmony. He has a little J Dilla on him, but with like Take 6 harmonies lol. He’s been in the right circles too, so I’m excited to see where he goes from here.
Stanley: We always talk about audience demographics vs the race of the artist/musical tradition they come from when we go to shows. You made a list of white artists/bands that have a large following of Black fans. Can you talk about your list? Lol
Kevin: Ard haha. So here was my preliminary list (in no order). Most of these artists stylistically are similar, in my opinion, and have stated in the past that Black artists are their influences:
Hiatus Kaiyote
Moonchild
Tom Misch
Anna Wise
Snarky Puppy (maybe
Mac Ayres
Jordan Rakei
Justin Timberlake (before the last album in the woods)
I often wonder how this happens - like we know stereotypically, Black people run when the other one does. So there is a unspoken nature to us lol. But, the audience was very diverse, though there was a black vibe in the room. From the "aye" after dance solos, to the clear influences to R&B and soul in their music. I love that they know who their audience is as well. As they have clearly been inspired to speak up and use their platform to talk about their "privilege" in America as white people. So, as the "race composition in the concert venue" guys, I feel like this was one of the blacker shows we've been to, simply because of the musical roots of Moonchild and who gravitates toward that.
Note: They opened up for The Internet and they are very Black.
Stanley: And there it is folks, the definitive list lol.
