Sigh. Whenever I think of the Masquerade, I think of its former home on North Avenue. Alas, those days are gone, but if it’s any comfort, the newest and emerging artists in music still make it a point to grace venue with their presence.
And whenever I think of Jamila Woods, I think of Chicago. And whenever I think of Chicago, I think of social unrest, political strife, civil rights, so on and so forth. It seems that the music Woods releases could not be torn from its conscious undertone if those who hated its unity brought the world’s strongest pair of pliers. In a way, this gives the singer an edge—her new album out on Jagjaguwar, LEGACY! LEGACY!, features songs named after a black or brown icon.
“Holy,” perhaps her best song, came out two years ago now and it seems Woods has moved on from it. Yet, it remains a starry cut in her discography, and a worthwhile reason to see her live band assisted set in Atlanta on this rainy Friday night.
There aren’t too many neo-soul singers embarking on tours this expansive in music today, and Woods seems determined to carry the genre on her shoulders and back. This has been a 25-date tour, kicking off in London in late March. After she plays the Masquerade this evening, Woods will go on to play 14 more shows before taking some time off from the road in late June.
Jamila Woods will perform tonight at the Masquerade alongside Nitty Scott and Dri Jack. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $15. All ages.
More Info
Web: jamila-woods.com
Facebook: @jamilawoodsofficial
Instagram: @jamilawoods
SoundCloud: @jamilawoods
Twitter: @jamilawoods