Davell Crawford @ Bohemian Caverns
Davell Crawford |
Let's face it. The main draw for this past weekend's shows at Bohemian Caverns was Roberta Flack. The legendary vocalist, who got her start here in the District, was not even the featured artist on the bill. Taking the mic prior to the start of Sunday night's early set, with her characteristic regal presence, Flack announced that she would not be performing that evening, and would only introduce her godson and protégé, the "Piano Prince of New Orleans," headliner Davell Crawford.
The crowd was the largest we have ever seen at the cave, and the venue is clearly not used to handling so many people. Though it might have been a disappointment that Flack had come down with the flu and would not join the night's main attraction on stage, she did so on each of the previous three nights at the historic club, we had nothing to fear. The audience instead had a warm introduction to one of those prodigious talents that strikes like a bolt of lighting, creating one of those "I saw him when..." moments that every music fan covets.
Crawford lived up to his reputation from the word go, even taking the stage with a royal presence. Sporting hip shades, a striped fedora, and gray suit jacket with white scarf, he could have easily fit right into the classic jazz clubs that once populated the U Street corridor. Opening with the traditional Mardis Gras chant, "Jack-A-Mo" (more commonly referred to as "Ico Ico" thanks to the Rain Man soundtrack), Crawford immediately had heads bobbing and feet tapping. Though there was no shortage of funky grooves, he truly shined during the set's subtle moments. His singing on ballads such as "Strange Fruit" and "Body and Soul" were heartbreaking. Especially memorable was his silky delivery on "Here's to Life", a song by another of the city's first daughters, Shirly Horn. Delving into the pop realm, the Piano Prince's "Human Nature" gave the King of Pop a run for his money.
Most impressive was the sheer breadth of Crawford's abilities. Combining the instrumental prowess of the most hard core jazzer, the vocal stylings of the smoothest R&B singer, the soul of the African American church, and the rich history of his hometown, Crawford produced an infectious sound that defies category. While bassist Roland Gurin, drummer Che Marshall, and horn player Thaddeus Richard were given moments to shine, it was clear their job was to support the bandleader, a task they performed quite well. Crawford was the focus of the show, and with his charisma and broad smile, he had the audience in the palm of his hand.
Last night's performance also underscored what a special experience it is to see a first rate artist in an intimate club setting. Whether it be Roberta Flack chastising a former student, she was once a DCPS music teacher, shouting "Sing it child!" to encourage her godson, or Crawford's flirtatious grin that had ladies swooning, these are precious moments that would be lost in a larger setting. That is unfortunate for those who will have to wait until next year's Duke Ellington Jazz Festival to catch his next local performance. But one thing is certain, last night's show left such an impression that we will make it a point to be there, and so should you.