Imaani – Hideaway Streatham 14/02/2019

A sell-out Hideaway audience were given a treat as Imaani and her band presented a night of love songs.
The love songs came from different genres and from different perspectives. There were songs written by Imaani herself and others made famous by the likes of Luther Vandross, Patrice Rushen, Ledisi and Robert Glasper, James Ingram and Patti Austin, Incognito, Bread, Rihanna, John Meyer and Percy Sledge.
Imaani’s voice and stage persona are big. The first set started with her own song ‘Let’s Do It Right’ and also featured her own ‘Found My Light’ and ‘Please Let Me In’. The set included amongst others, a great version of ‘Diamonds In the Sky’ with a little touch of ‘Human Nature’ which was dedicated to her nine year old son.
The second set opened with ‘If Loving You is Wrong’ followed by ‘Always There’. There was a version of ‘Everything I Own’ which was more Ken Booth than Bread. Fellow Incognito member Joy Rose took to the stage and sang one song, her voice and smile are always a pleasure to hear and see.
The highlight for me was her tribute to James Ingram, she duetted with Lex Cameron on ‘Baby Come To Me’. Imaani’s band were superb, featuring Lex Cameron (Keyboards and Flute), Emlyn Francis (Guitar), Alexis Kantouris (Bass) and Daniel John (Drums).
Amongst the audience were two great singers, Acantha Lang and Kevin Leo. This was a great gig and a lovely way to spend a St. Valentine’s evening with one’s loved one.