Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds is currently at the start of his world tour and his one and only date for the very first time in London at the Indig02 was fantastic. Kicking off with “For The Cool In You” in true Babyface style we were transported as you’d expect into two hours of a world of romance and smooth tunes. All the classics were performed “Two Occasions,” “Never Keeping Secrets” and the like – and he also treated us to songs he’d written for others like Boys II Men “End of the Road” and Tevin Campbell’s classic “Can We Talk.”
His charm and sense of humor oozed into the crowd as he admitted his first few songs were written at a time he was madly in love. It wasn’t hard to be totally smitten by him and hope that he’d notice you… Some got this wish as two very lucky ladies were sang to romantically whilst Babyface jumped into the front row.
Babyface fans were treated to stories of him dancing back in the old days with The Deele coming on after El Debarge and talking on the phone to Eric Clapton feeling quite humble. You have to admit that with all he’s written and performed, Babyface is a legend in himself.
Slickly dressed in all-black, Babyface put on a show that was fast moving, wistful of old times and great magic songs. His entourage were equally entertaining, consisting of a very talented guitarist who was literally bouncing with energy and a tres sexy smouldering bass guitarist.
A tribute to Michael Jackson was added to the line up and he promised that all his live performances now would include a hit from the belated star. We were treated to a moving version of “Gone Too Soon” – Babyface with guitar in hand, softly stringing the notes and moving us all.
Unfortunately he missed a few favourites with “Rock Bottom” not included, but it still made for an amazing evening that slipped by too quickly.
He plays Switzerland at the start of the week and goes on to Denmark followed by a short stop back in the states with many of his dates in Japan, finishing up the tour in Mississippi, US in October. All I know is he needs to come back with more than one date – and soon.
Review by Hina Pandya
Photography by www.aworan.com
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