A&E
Despite minimal audience attendance, Best and Blume captivated the crowd with their music and likeable personalities; Photo courtesy of KT Glusac '17
Best and Blume brighten midterm season
By Zac Ball ’20
March 30, 2017
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On the Thursday before Spring Break, CAB brought Jess Best and Michael Blume to Hamilton for an electric performance in the Events Barn. Jess Best, an amazing young artist, and her four-piece band, opened for Blume with songs from their self-produced album. Her beautiful falsetto in songs like “More” gave the audience goosebumps. During her set, she gave shout outs to each of her band members, who brought her soulful sound together. Unfortunately, not many people were in attendance because of midterms, but Best congratulated those who made it out for having the wherewithal to use music as a distraction from the stress of testing.
Best worked the mic throughout her set, singing emotional and personal songs that rang throughout the Barn. At one point, she stopped to tell the story of one of the band’s albums that was written and recorded in one of the band member’s childhood homes. The band did this as a tribute to the family and their home, which was being sold. The song, called “Kitchen,” painted a picture of a loving, affectionate home with lines like “I love you like coffee in the morning.” Best ended her set with a song about her father’s childhood, and preceded the song by saying, “I don’t usually say the exact inspiration for a song because I think it limits other people’s possibilities.” This time, however, everyone in the audience could understand her intended emotions. Best’s band had a soulful sound, and was the perfect opener for R&B artist, Michael Blume.
Blume followed Best with an emotional R&B set, accompanied by a guitarist, a percussionist and two background singers. The acoustic guitar, barstool drum and harmonies from his background singers enhanced his soulful performance. His songs represent difficulties Blume has faced in his own life, while also tackling issues that he sees growing in society around him. He said of his song “Manufactured Love” that “Love is getting f***ed by things and that’s messed up.” He also talked about feeling left out of traditional romantic structures while growing up as a gay man, and how that experience affected his perception of what it means to be loved. He translates all of these experiences and feelings into an electric set that made the audience in the Barn swoon for his deep and melodic voice. His music, though tackling serious topics, appeals to audiences because it is upbeat and captivating. Blume transitions from just singing to performing on the piano–representing his versatility as an artist.
Overall, Best and Blume complimented each other well, and entertained those able to make it out in the midst of midterms.