It is rare that an artist arrives as fully formed as Toronto’s Daniel Caesar. His 2017 debut, Freudian, moulds classic gospel with the sensual groove of neo-soul: showing a confident, mature and honest approach to the peaks and troughs of love and heartbreak. At his debut show at KOKO, his talent is obvious. His extraordinary vocal range and understated charismatic presence make it a night to remember for 1,400 adoring fans.
Opener ‘Japanese Denim’ instantly provokes a frenzied sing-along; the rousing chorus offering the first glimpse of Caesar’s gorgeously sharp falsetto. ‘Best Part’, one of his biggest hits, is a moving acoustic tribute to a lover who is “the coffee that I need in the morning”, though it misses the harmonies brought by Gabi Wilson (‘H.E.R’).
Caesar’s versatility, as a musician and songwriter, also becomes apparent on his slower, more melancholic songs. The gospel harmonies on ‘Neu Roses (Transgressor’s Song)’, ‘Hold Me Down’ and ‘Blessed’ are handled beautifully by his backing singers, who shine in their own right. Caesar’s band gives him a fantastic platform from which to shine: simultaneously rhythmically and musically tight but also happy to improvise, solo and let songs meander gently.
Meanwhile, ‘Take Me Away’ is a crowd favourite, with a dreamy and reverb-laden chorus that has the whole venue swaying. Yet, it is the opening piano chords to heartbroken ballad ‘We Find Love’ that have the whole of KOKO reaching for the Kleenex. It is a raw and powerful anthem that is best experienced in a live setting, with every word sang back by hundreds of voices. “You don’t love me anymore, let’s see how you like this song”, Caesar sings: bitter but self-aware, heartbroken but equally smirking.
Caesar saves the best for last, however, with ‘Get You’: an irresistible slow dance that has become his biggest hit. It carries on for about seven minutes, with Caesar leaving the stage to ecstatic applause and even tears in the audience. “Don’t you love when I come around?” Caesar sings, blowing a kiss to the crowd. Based on this excellent performance, London certainly does.
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Words: Daniel Keane
Photos: Zac Mahrouche
