Imaani impressed with a stylish, nuanced set. 

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Last night was one of several firsts for The House That Soul Built. It was our first trip to the 606 Club in Chelsea, our first time covering the EFG London Jazz Festival, and our first time seeing Incognito vocalist Imaani.

After descending down a flight of stairs, one enters what looks like a refurbished wine cellar with a stage carved out against a wall. Black throws with ‘606’ printed on them in white rest behind the stage. Tightly packed for the first night of the EFG London Jazz Festival, the venue feels even more intimate than its competitors. It has an informal charm, but the 606 is nonetheless driven by the music.

Imaani claimed it was ironic that she was opening the EFG London Jazz Festival ‘despite being as far away from jazz as possible‘. I respectfully disagree. Like her regular work with Incognito, where she states she learnt her craft as a vocalist and songwriter, there is a jazz streak throughout her original material.

She began the set with ‘Just For One Day’ from her debut album Standing Tall (2014), a slick politically-charged funk-soul number and Imaani’s first successful write. She followed with ‘Let’s Do It Right’ from the same album, a sensual slow-jam where she implores intimacy – performed with nuanced vocal work. Clear toned but with a hint of husk, she sings nimbly – switching between registers in tactile fashion. ‘Rapture’, written by Imaani and recorded on Incognito’s 2014 album Amplified Soul, was a standout performance. Even without Incognito’s horn section, the song has sparkly groove.

While (justifiably) scoffing at her nine year-old son’s music tastes, she conceded the beauty in the lyrics of Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’. Stripping the song of its R&B/pop structure, she interpreted Rihanna’s global smash hit as a shimmery quiet-storm number with a melodious piano solo by Lex Cameron and ethereal backing vocals (see our tweet here). She also covered the serene ‘Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B)’ from the Robert Glasper Experiment, with backing vocalist Yvonne Park delivering the first verse with rich tone.

Nate Williams, a touring member of Jamiroquai and a solo artist, joined Imaani as a special guest. Though not able to match Imaani’s vocal dexterity, Williams’ skill at constructing a boppy funk tune shone on songs such as ‘Seven Years’ and ‘Lying Eyes’ – the latter with self-described ‘bitchy riffs’ from guitarist Emelyn Francis. In an act of fine collaboration, Williams and Imaani joined together to sing the mischievous ‘D.T.M.B’ from Williams’ 2014 album Got To Let Go. 

The Full Band

Imaani – Vocals
Francis Hylton – Bass
Daniel John – Drums
Lex Cameron – Keys
Desta Zion – Backing Vocals
Yvonne Park – Backing Vocals
Nate Williams – Guest vocalist, keys

The reviewed performance took place on 16th November 2018 at the 606 Club. 

(Image taken from the 606 Club website)