Jamie Lidell’s hybrid funk party at The Independent

Photos by Sam Heller

Did I just step out a party from the Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’s interpretation of the future? I mean, I see the trench-coat, hear the vintage funk beats and am experiencing the linear visuals, but I certainly don’t feel like I am in 2013. So is the barrage of a show that is Jamie Lidell and his full on soul-funk, electronic throw-down which pulled into San Francisco’s own Independent on March 29th.

The equation of Lidell’s music is rather basic, as it entails multiple layers of drum and synth sequencing layered with his rich, largely augmented vocals singing sultry soul songs. “I’m Selfish” opened the evening, as it does on his new self-titled release on Warp, and Lidell jumped out of the gates grooving and crooning along to his infectious tracks. Comparisons to Prince are hard to ignore on his latest album, but this does not detract from the unique act Jamie has cultivated over the past decade. The capacity crowd gradually loosened up as the headliner bounced between his older, more house influenced tracks and the soul funk bangers that brought more gyrating to the dance floor.

Lidell is a rather charming character on stage, prone to silly banter with the crowd, as well as rocking a smile that will not leave his face. The same could generally be said for the crowd who ate up this hybrid genre that is difficult to not enjoy, whether singing in the shower or on a Friday night with your friends.