GRAMMY NOMINATED JORDAN RAKEI MAKES EDINBURGH FESTIVAL DEBUT

LIVE REVIEW | JORDAN RAKEI | USHER HALL, EDINBURGH 08/08 by Izzy Reeve

Jordan Rakei soared through a soulful show in Edinburgh on Thursday night, showcasing some of the best bits from his five studio albums at the Usher Hall as part of The Edinburgh International Festival. With the festival bringing a wealth of talent to the Scottish capital, it seemed right to see Rakei on the lineup. Known for his exceptional range as a GRAMMY-award nominated producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Jordan Rakei’s first time in Edinburgh marks the beginning of his UK/EU tour in celebration of his latest release, The Loop.

The audience were all seated for Rakei’s hour and a half set, reminiscent of the Festival’s classical gigs in Usher Hall and making for more of a subdued, thoughtful atmosphere. This was particularly noticeable for the funkier numbers, like the new ‘Everything Everything’, ‘Wildfire’ and an extra groovy version of ‘Add the Baseline’, for which I hope next time to be standing to have a boogie. Apart from the odd head bop and a lone dancer in the stalls, attention was locked on the stage. This meant Rakei’s vulnerable moments were magnified in the stillness, with a personal encore and songs from The Loop sounding ambitious and introspective all at once. I quite enjoyed the change for a contemporary music gig, it felt intimate to be sat in the grand dome of the Usher Hall. Rakei thanked the audience for their respect, saying it was a pleasure to perform a dynamic show in a big space to almost rapt silence. With his sound spanning reggae, electronic, R&B, funk and soul, Rakei hopped between instruments after opening with the poignant ballad ‘Learning’. He made sure to celebrate his band, with Eliza Oakes on supporting vocals/keyboard and Flo Moore on bass, my personal highlights.

An arresting performer, it was great to see Rakei in Edinburgh. A brilliant addition to the Festival lineup, the grandeur of the Usher Hall only elevated Rakei’s catalogue. A polished and diverse performance, catching Jordan Rakei on tour (like at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 4th) will be a show of brilliant, thoughtful musicality.

Edinburgh’s International Festival continues across the Scottish capital this month with a diverse and must see line-up. Check out everything on offer on their website right now – www.eif.co.uk

JORDAN RAKEI will head back out on tour in the UK later in the year. Ticket Info can be found HERE!