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Nate James: Funk Defined...
review
Nate James emerged from behind the curtain - shuffling his feet in a Michael Jackson fashion - in 70s dress, with a groovy purple/green stripe shirt, subtle purple trousers, deep purple shoes and burnt sienna belt. And the only thing bigger than his afro was the backing singer’s chest!
The female backing singer had a gorgeous voice and charismatically involved the audience frequently. You could tell the band love doing what they do, each offering up lengthy solos. And the fans like what they’re doing too; the moderator of Nate's website, “Scoobie”, had travelled 190 miles to see him play, along with 12 others who are on the site, perhaps likening them to disciples.
The front line troop of the audience danced in such awe and love of NJ that you’d imagine he was the second coming, spreading that funky love. One guy shouted: “You’re better than Lemar... you should have got the MOBO!” But then, this wouldn’t be the first time institutions haven’t accepted a messiah when it’s in front of them. Not downtrodden from being overlooked, Nate replied: “Lemar won? I know! What’s that about?! Lemar’s been around for years; I’ll kick his arse next year”.
NJ, in his own words, “loves this place”. He continued, “[I’ve been]…looking forward to Brighton, so lively, they just groove”. He was very in touch with the crowd, usually saying a few words after each track. The love was very much reciprocated. His version of Superstition was wickedly cool. Impossible reminded of a modern Stevie Wonder. And the jaunty Pretend, his last single released in the UK, really was a pinnacle to the night. New track, Funk Defining, only proved to show that Nate James is the definition of funk. He harmonised: “nothing but the good stuff; nothing but a good thing”. By this time, he was preaching to the choir.
His first album, recorded two years ago, sold 100,000 copies worldwide and the next album is due in the spring. You can hear his new song Nervous Expectations on his MySpace or explore his webiste at natejames.com.
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about Komedia
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The gem in Brighton's performance arts crown is, undoubtedly, The Komedia - bringing an impressive array of comedy, live music, cabaret and theatre to a diverse audience. In fact, together with the sister-venue in Edinburgh, Komedia are at the forefront of the country's entertainment scene attracting professional and fringe acts from around the globe. The next Komedia date for your diary:
Wednesday, 1st October
The Duke Spirit
Click for more info and complete listings for Komedia 
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The Aquarium Theatre Bar
