One of my favorite artists came all the way from Australia to Orlando to perform this weekend. His delivery, sound quality, energy, and look were all precisely on-point. No fake showiness. Just sincere mutual appreciation of music with an intimate, jubilant crowd.
I was exposed to Sam Sparro shortly after moving back to Tampa in 2009. His most popular song was also my favorite – Black and Gold. Since then I’ve developed a shortlist of SS favorites: Waiting for Time, Pocket, and Sick. To the uninitiated, Sam’s truly unique sound is best described as electronic soul. He sometimes has a voice not unlike that of a 1960s African-American female starlet like Etta James or Aretha Franklin. It is an amalgam of old and new, and his persona perfectly matches. Armani model good looks, paired with John Waters physical manifestations, and Dior-quality style, Sam is decidedly non-commercial, and non-mainstream. His accompanying band is equally charming and endearing, with skills and sounds that complement Sam’s own. A perfect act for a small, oversized living room setting (The Social in Downtown Orlando).
The experience was well worth the $20 price of entry. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Hopefully Sam’s new album will drop soon!
