Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > February > 23 > Entry
Jill Scott’s “Real Thing” Rivets
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s hard to figure out what good thing to point out first about the first of Jill Scott’s two-night, sold-out stand at the Fox Theatre.
There’s Scott’s exceptional band — eight musicians (including Atlanta drummer Lil John Roberts) and three background singers who easily segued from James Brown funk to Roy Ayers jazz to Scott’s own accomplished R&B.
There’s the well-paced set list and staging.
But of course, most importantly, there was Scott (pictured), center stage and resplendent in a a revealing-yet-tasteful black dress, leading a heavily-female audience through a two-hour set of tunes about loving themselves (“Golden”), loving their men (“He Loves Me”), lusting after them (“Crown Royal”) and if necessary, leaving them (“Whenever You’re Around”).
Scott hinted at such an exceptional performance a few months ago, when Bailey’s brought the three-time Grammy winner and her band for a private show at the Freight Depot. But “The Real Thing” tour was a longer, more cohesive presentation of all that Scott brings to the stage: a solid catalog, a stage presence few of her peers can match, and an incredible voice.
Did you go to Friday’s concert, or are you planning to attend tonight’s? How would you rate it?
Comments
By Jill Concertgoer
February 24, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
I went to Saturday night’s concert. It was AWESOME. Jill is truly an artist and vocalist. I would love to see her back in the ATL @ Chastain Park Amphitheater this summer. She’s great.
By Alex
February 24, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
I guess this was a black event? How many shootings were there?
By Renee
February 24, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
No it was not a rock n roll event with kid rock and kiss where you have people who are doing drugs and stealing. Most African American functions don’t have shootings. This was class. She did have to go to Waffle House with her bus to get breakfast.It was already prepared for her.
By Renee
February 24, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
No it was not a rock n roll event with kid rock and kiss where you have people who are doing drugs and stealing. Most African American functions don’t have shootings. This was class. She did have to go to Waffle House with her bus to get breakfast.It was already prepared for her.
By Alex
February 24, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Most black events don’t have shootings? HA HA. That made me laugh. Simply turn on the news and you will hear about a shooting at a black club. In fact, 90% of all murders in this city are committed by you thugs.
By Lisa
February 24, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
I attended the concert with my friends from high school.They drove down from SC for us to hang out. That in itself made it special for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Jill. Her music is amazing. However I was very suprised at how vulgar Jill’s language was. I was not expecting her to swear and curse and make gestures of doing drugs and speak about sex in the way she did. I love her performance and her CD’s but her potty mouth dampened it a bit for me. I still had a great time and was glad she came. I would much rather be inspired to to good and feel good by an artist like Jill than to be inspired to smoke weed with my man..lol..that just didn’t cut it for me. She has such a classy image to sell out like that. I will still support her though.
By derrick
February 24, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Sorry racist, this event was at the Fox Theater, not at a strip club!! Class, something you obviously DO NOT have!!
By derrick
February 24, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Sorry racist, this event was at the Fox Theater, not at a strip club!! Class, something you obviously DO NOT have!! Why are you on this blog anyway? Spread your nameless faceless hate somewhere else..
By Tawana
February 25, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Outstanding!!..My husband and I attended the Saturday night concert and were blown away by Jill’s performance. Her voice was clear and strong and she rocked the crowd. She is absolutely, without a doubt one of the best vocalists of our time…and humble with it…I love that! Definitely money well spent, would do it again.
By Kelly
February 25, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
I went to the concert on Saturday. It was awesome - definitely one of the best concerts I have been to in a long time. She has a great voice and range. Raheem Devaughn opening act was great as well. Definitely money and and an evening at the Fox well spent.
By Renee
February 25, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. I went Friday night and Jill Scott delivered! I would like to have seen a little more energy from the crowd. This is the south and young people here don’t appreciate urban soul as much, so the crowd was a little older and laid back. I was out of my seat dancing the entire time. Hats off to you Jill, thanks for gracing Atlanta with your presence.
By Tonya Madden
February 25, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
EXCEPTIONAL show—I went with a group of friends on Friday night and we had a terrific time. She is truly a beautiful spirit and will continue to support her when she comes to the ATL.
By Tonya Madden
February 25, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
EXCEPTIONAL show—I went with a group of friends on Friday night and we had a terrific time. She is truly a beautiful spirit and will continue to support her when she comes to the ATL.
By JMack
February 26, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I went to the Saturday night show and it was amazing! Jill’s voice is astounding, I cant wait until she comes back to the ATL chastain would be great!
By mikea
February 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Awww man, the concert was so nice. A beautiful venue, beautiful people, with J-i-l-l S-c-o-t-t! My wife and I went on Saturday night. We drove down from N.C. specifically for the show and a weekend getaway. Neither Jill nor Atlanta dissappointed. My wife and I laughed, danced, held hands, and fell in love all over again. The sound was excellent! Lets not even go to the band, they all were on. Three times we thought the show was over and she came back with yet another song…..She gave a show! Well worth the sacrifice.
By die hard jill scott fan
March 5, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
One word - encore…….
Jill Scott need to bring herself back to the ATL pronto…… cuz she is phenomenoal!!
I was at Friday show and homegirl’s range is out of there… she hitting them low and high but she blew me away with that opera……
ooooo lawd have mercy!!
By Kim
March 17, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
Walked out of Jill Scott Concert My husband and I saw Jill Scott tonight in Richmond VA. She is one of the best female vocalist, very animated and has the prettiest smile ever. However, to our dismay the sexual gestures, comments and profanity overshadowed her as a great artist. We wasn’t aware her live show would be characterized by this type of illicit behavior. In her own words “Im nasty”. I suppose we’ve always been lured in by her melodic voice and great instrumentation. We will be more thorough in listening carefully to each and every word before we waste money on great seats for a show that we felt was too inappropiate to stay and watch. Such a shame Jill because your band and vocals was at a level 10 certainly exceeded my expectations, but the sexual content of your show caused us to walk out. I so wanted to stay because I truly value your vocal ability, but I value my bible- trained conscience more.