While there's still time...

With the passing of Isaac Hayes a few weeks ago, I've been thinking that time is short to see some classic artists perform in person, and not just on retrospectively released videos. While we know that The Rolling Stones have sold their souls to the devil and will be touring well into the next millennium, other artists aren't so fortunate. That being said, I checked out the list of R & B Concerts on RazorGator to see who's alive and kicking AND on the road. A few names jumped out at me: Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and Erykah Badu (admittedly not so classic, but worthwhile never the less). There are a bunch of Motown acts still running the circuit, but Motown isn't completely my thing.

The first of the three is the one that tops my list at the moment. With a new album on the shelves earlier this year that's got some great reviews, Al Green is not fading away any time soon. Lay It Down features not only Green's trademark vocals, but also the help of Anthony Hamilton, Corinne Bailey Rae, and John Legend, as well as some members of the Dap-tones providing instrumental support. Add all these elements up under co-producers James Poyser and the Roots' Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson and you've got an album that feels classic yet fresh at the same time.

It doesn't hurt that Al's actually playing near me in November either. Check out his website for a full concert listing and then try to get tickets, as I'm sure they'll be hard to come by. If you want to splurge for some killer seats, try RazorGator.com

Visit Al Green's website, his label Blue Note Records, and become his friend on MySpace.
Get Al Green tickets on RazorGator.com