ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2017, Volume 40 | Page 31

ALOE BLACC is an artist some know by name, but very many know by song. Several of his soul and R&B hits are
immediately recognizable, such as “The Man” and “I Need a Dollar” and most notably, a collaboration with
AVICII that he wrote and sung for “Wake Me Up” -- a widely-heard feel-good anthem that Blacc is also credited
for. Aloe Blacc came to MUSIKFEST in Bethlehem, PA, by some measures the country’s largest free music
festival with 10 days of music. ION INDIE MAGAINE was only able to get a slice of Musikfest this year, but this
concert was a diverse mix of performers that were great to see live.
Aloe Blacc’s albums are the caliber of recording expected from an excellent voice like he has – compressed,
produced, and very tight. The recordings are good, but the live experience was something different. Aloe Blacc
and his band were a more transformative experience than anticipated, taking the listener back to a classic soul
sound that wasn’t entirely expected. With his dynamic range and a full band with horns, it felt more like an AL
GREEN experience than a modern R&B act. Perhaps this is a new direction for the California native who hasn’t
put out an album since 2013. Either way, it brings a new respect to a talented vocalist. And while there are
many out there embracing soul revival, the sound on this night had a more authentic rawness to it which felt
great.
Aloe Blacc enjoyed himself, having an infectious presence in his performance while dancing and laughing. He
explained the inspiration for many of the songs with enjoyable story-telling in between songs. He even
illustrated the musical aspects that were in parallel followed by the band taking it further by teasing the related
songs, including some dabbling with THE JACKSON 5 and others. The concert didn’t draw enough to the large
outdoor arena, maybe due to that name recognition aspect or to a lack of new recordings. But many missed
out on an incredible, soulful performance and a talented group. Hopefully, Aloe Blacc captures what we heard
on this summer night in his next works and takes it further for more to hear.
Preceding Aloe Blacc was a short set by NOAH CYRUS, the younger sister to MILEY CYRUS. She did a quick, laid-
back set, singing alongside an acoustic guitarist. A little bit of her sister’s voice can be heard in Noah’s singing.
But she’s clearly trying to do her own thing as she puts together singles to comprise a forthcoming debut album
“NC-17” which doesn’t have a release date yet. It will feature last year’s “Make Me Cry,” which went platinum
as a single.
Also warming up was MAX, the name used on stage by MAXWELL SCHNEIDER, a New York native who sings
dance-laden indie pop. For this showing he was accompanied by a DJ, although it can be noted that he often
does perform with a band. To say his set was energetic would be an understatement as the young singer (and
also a model and actor apparently) unleashed acrobatics in between verses. It was quite a show to see, truly
surprising the crowd with the explosive visuals he alone offered in between impressive vocal depth.
Starting off the night, was KILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, a collective of brilliant young Philly jazz players who perform
their original, highly-layered funky instrumental music. Possibly
a bit over the head of many, it was a great change of pace
as a unique offering in the night’s lineup.