On February 17, London-based multi-talented artist Benjamin Clementine played to a packed sold out crowd at Brooklyn venue Rough Trade NYC. There was a buzz in the air ahead of this performance after his huge win at the always prestigious Mercury Prize last year for his 2015 debut album At Least for Now (released via Virgin EMI). Well familiar to the album by now, you could sense that everyone in the room was curious to see what Clementine would bring to the table in the live setting.
His performance was a delicate and truly an intimate experience that featured just Clementine along with his drummer. It’s one thing to take in the music at home, but experiencing Clementine’s expressive vocals and his delicate arrangements was something else live. While I enjoyed the record, there was just something so true to the moment about seeing him perform live that night that really touched me in a special way. He’s already proved that he’s a special talent to behold, and yet, he’s literally only getting started.
He’ll be back on June 8 for a performance at Irving Plaza. If you want to catch him in a slightly intimate setting before the eventual shows at larger theaters, you’d best grab a ticket right away.
Benjamin Clementine:
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