Janelle Monáe is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, producer and actress. Her third studio album ‘Dirty Computer’ was released in 2018 and received two Grammy Award nominations. Also something of a concept album, ‘Dirty Computer’, is the basis of her two UK performances this year - at Manchester International Festival and Glastonbury.
Performing on opening night for one night only, Janelle Monáe gave a sold out venue an incredible show at the 2019 Manchester International Festival at Castlefield Bowl. She was supported by DJ Paulette with House Of Ghetto; a Manchester-born house music DJ and Manchester’s, largely female, Vogue dance troupe. Monáe’s set was an excellent mix of tracks from her three albums, though the majority were easy favourites from ‘Dirty Computer’ (like ‘Make Me Feel’), there were also two songs apiece from her 1st and 2nd album, as well as the track ‘Yoga’; a more hip-hop sound against her signature funk.
The finale to the show was a slightly disappointing performance of ‘Tightrope’, not that it was poorly done, it’s just not a particularly powerful end. But of course it wasn’t the end, an encore is never in much doubt these days and the show actually closed on an exceptional performance of ‘Come Alive’ and one of the most impressive displays of crowd control I’ve ever seen.
Monáe has always had clear musical influences with tones of Prince and Michael Jackson, and healthy doses of glam rock, synth and funk. But it never feels old and always feels modern, innovative and recognizably Janelle Monáe There’s also a clear respect for her fellow musicians, making room for indulgent and spectacular solos. In one case, the guitarist was notably alone on stage playing to the whole crowd. It’s rare to see that kind of generosity and certainly something special. I’d also like to take a moment to praise the venue too. Castlefield Bowl is an excellent outdoor arena with a versatile range of standing and seating zones, with a handy plateau at the back for food and drink, and three large exits that takes a lot of stress out of leaving a show. It’s a great blend of old industrial Manchester and green spaces; bordered by railway arches and MOSI, but full of trees and grass verges to sit on. It’s a quintessentially Mancunian place that lends huge amounts to the atmosphere. And, of course, the passing trains regularly received a warm welcome from the crowds below.
All in all, it was a highly polished, very confident show that wasn’t afraid to pause and make the audience wait; for example, costume changes happened on stage as part of performance and Monáe’s on stage character. It was never rushed, just perfectly paced and smoothly executed. It was staged simply, with only a small group of dancers. The relative minimalism of the show never felt like a cheat, instead suggested a focus on the music itself. As confident, and as politically and sexually empowered as the woman herself, this is a performance to always see live.
Reviewer - Deanna Turnbull
on - 4/7/19
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