GIBRILVILLE

Gibrilville – THE FOREIGNER/JJC DELUXE: Not a lot of rap gets reviewed here, quite simply because not a lot gets submitted to me… as soon as I listened to the first couple of tracks, I realized that this is “different” rap – ‘coz it actually has MUSIC in it! Tunes like “Bad Girl” are full of dynamics, and lots of nice little pipe sounds smokin’ down ’round under the vocalist. The 3:55 “Ghetto Youth FT Blitz The Ambassdor” serve up the protest you’d expect for a song with that title – but Gibrilville uses the text without overdoing the “explicit” part that’s advertised… and, of course, I respect a player who understands that “less is more” when it comes to profanity… he uses the language very well, and I’m impressed by that. It was the musical/instrumental twists & turns on the backup to “We Are Going To Make It” that made it my personal favorite of the sixteen full-tilt trax offered up. I give Gibril and his players a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED on this release, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at the Gibrilville website. Rotcod Zzaj - Rotcod Zzaj

In a time where finding a unique and individual sound is becoming a harder challenge, Gibrilville doesn’t lay down and take the generic route at all. On The Foreigner J.J.C, Gibril fuses together modern hip-hop elements from American and African influences, culminating into a wild blend of sound. Over the 17 tracks, Gibril steps up to the plate with exceptional production as he relays his message and story to us in a project that has his passion pouring out of every song.

“Foreign Exchange Hustler” might be the least unique track on the album, but that doesn’t harm it in any way and makes for a solid opener. The hidden guitar riffs layered beneath the beat are the nice subtle touches of production made that are the icing on top of the track. These type of decisions show strong musicality and are spread throughout all of The Foreigner. You get a taste of the cultured world Gibril lives in as he rhymes all over the beat in French, a big highlight that happens on other tracks as well. This is a feel good track, all about feeling yourself and embracing the moment, like coming to the U.S. as a new artist and living your dreams. The next track, “We Are Going to Make It” transitions into a more grimy vibe, and the grind and struggle is brought out on the hook echoing “on the street corner / we hustle for dollar.” This helps paint the picture of the grind and struggle Gibril went through to make it this far. During this first half of the album I noticed similarities in vocals that are reminiscent of Akon. While this isn’t bad from a vocals standpoint, there was also similarities in lyrics, especially with the tracks “Bad Girl” and “SEXY LADY” back to back. These two tracks seemed to take me out of the unique sound Gibril creates on the album. They were just too typical in the sense of talking about women. Spacing them out might have had a better effect, because “SEXY LADY” actually has a nice beat to it. That’s where The Foreigner could use most the improvement, is the lyrics. At times they seem to fall flat and don’t always flow together in the most cohesive way. That doesn’t mean there aren’t nice rhymes on the album though, because there definitely are.

The biggest thing that stuck out on this album was the production. Gibril incorporates so many elements of sound on each track. From reggae influences, to techno, to what sounds like some Jimmi Hendrix, this album has a little bit of everything. You apply all these aspects of musicality over a hip-hop beat and it’s really something special. There are also a lot of vocal efforts that stand out, such as the girl singing on “Take Your Life” or the “Ma Cherie” remix, which could be the best track on the whole album. It takes a slower tempo approach compared to the other tracks, but you can’t help but fall into the smoothness of the beat that feels like the first day of Spring, and then when Faraji comes in with his amazing falsetto it creates chills.

The pride Gibril takes in his heritage is very apparent on the album, and the album captures his essence very well. This type of diverse music is hard to come by, and Gibrilville put together a collection that shows versatility and talent. The album had tracks that are intriguing and enjoyable to listen to, with well done beats and catchy hooks. However, there are still some tracks I would leave out of the rotation. At times some of the songs can sound a little too cluttered, or the vocals aren’t meshing with the music. With that said, I still recommend giving this record a listen for its sheer diverseness of sound. - ISAAC BIEHL

RATING: 6 / 10

Genre: Rap
Songwriting: 5.5 | Music: 6.5 | Vocals: 6
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Websites: www.gibrilville.com
For fans of: Akon, Rock City, 50 Cent

Life isn’t easy for a lot of people around the world and in some respects, we get to see this through the words of guys like Gibril. The Africa native/Brooklyn resident, shares what life is like for a young inner-city black man who has not had the world handed to him on a silver platter.

On his latest release, The Foreigner JJC Deluxe, Gibril offers a hefty mix of reality and superficiality that will capture the minds of those who can relate to this lifestyle. Of the 16 tracks available on The Foreigner JJC Deluxe, it is Gibril’s song with M1 of Dead Prez titled, “Streets of Africa” that stood out most to me. M1’s delivery and lyrics are exactly what I expected, AAA+. The music is melodramatic enough to set the mood needed to speak of how dangerous and corrupt life is for the people living in certain areas of the African continent. From lyrics about widespread gun violence, no police protection, civil unrest, and political corruption, to American greed and barbarism, this song really goes deep into just how messed up the world is outside of the lush green landscapes of suburban middle-class life in the U.S.

While Gibril does offer reality checks like “Streets of Africa” and “Long Road”, he also falls into the cookie-cutter mindlessness that has become rap music – where guys celebrate the exploitation of low self-esteem females and brag about ridiculous club excursions. If I’m being real about it, from one hood dude to another, I was less than impressed by the rest of the songs on The Foreigner JJC Deluxe. If Gibril’s goal is to break out and find any real success financially through his music, he’s going to have to broaden his subject matter to include things that people like me – who are from the hood but don’t hang out in clubs, objectify women, and tote guns – can relate to. If that’s not his aim, then he hit the nail on the head with this release and shouldn’t change a thing. - Shaine Freeman

Afrocentricity has always been a very prevalent in hip hop. Which isn’t surprising because it was conceived by African Americans as a form of catharsis and creative expression. Artists such as Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and Lauryn Hill have reveled in hip hop’s Afrocentricity. But, somewhat surprisingly, we rarely ever hear hip hop music and narratives from African artists. It’s a story and experience that often goes untold. And Gibrilville is here to change that with their latest album, The Foreigner JJC Deluxe.Gibrilville is a Ghanaese hip hop and alternative band fronted by Gbril, a Ghanese immigrant with a passion for hip hop. Gbril spent his days and nights in Ghana obsessed with hip hop but didn’t get actively pursue his dream of making music until he emigrated to the United States in the mid-2000s. These dual experiences set the tone for The Foreigner JJC Deluxe.

The Foreigner JJC Deluxe often feels like an old school hip hop influenced African rhythms and beat patterns. And his experience as a Ghanese citizen and immigrant dominates Gibril’s lyrics.

In an interview posted on the group’s website, gibrilville.com, Gibril reminisces on his early adjustment to the United States.

Growing up in Ghana, being a hip hop fan wanting so much to absorb [African American and hip hop culture]” Gibril said. “So, now I’m here and it’s like ‘wow’ and I’m a sponge for that and I’m trying to get it all in. So it really didn’t give me an opportunity to look at the negatives and positives of some of the things I did back then. Trying to fit in with certain friends who had been here and adapted to the African American way of life.”

The album’s opening song “Foreign Exchange Hustlers” captures Gibril’s dual experiences and adjustment to urban culture: “Makin’ my way to the top, and I’m chasin’ that paper/master my art like martial arts/it’s the foreign exchange, the African hustler/my feet don’t move if it ain’t on turbo/drove off the lot like it’s Gran Turismo”

“Foreign Exchange Hustlers” has an American hip hop in feel but it offers a new narrative. This narrative, while similar to many other artists’ pursuit of wealth and stunt-able possessions, it comes from the viewpoint of a foreigner. Someone who admittedly was trying to fit in to a culture he learned about through media with Africa’s history of unrest as Gibril’s internal backdrop.

Other joints like the “We Are Going To Make It” feel decidedly danceable and feel influenced by rhythmic African beats. It’s the type of joint you could imagine playing at bumpin’ African club or a spot that caters to entire gamut of individuals descended from Africans from the Caribbean and beyond.

IMG_1693

The album’s best song, “Streets of Africa,” features hip hop luminary M1 of Dead Prez. M1’s energy, experience and lyricism does a fantastic job in helping tie together Gibril’s dual experiences by revealing they’re shared experiences. M1’s verse is arguably the best on the album but Gibril isn’t totally outshine either.

In the first verse, Gibril spits: “Let me tell you about the streets of Africa/AK-47s and M-16s/government officials, blowin’ up houses and refineries/Now, let me tell you about the streets of Africa, bangin’ on your doors at night/You at school, another armed robbery/pick up your phone but you can’t call the police”

While the settings are different, the social unrest Gibril details feels hauntingly similar to African American experiences in urban ghettos. Crime is prevalent and the establishment’s involvement and indifference is self-evident. To the point that Gibril, and his people, don’t feel empowered enough to inform those who have sworn to protect and serve.

In a way, you could say it’s the same old song we’ve heard many times before of street porn and gore. But the narrative Gibrilville African narrative lining up so closely to the American struggle makes it international and universal. Gibril is sharing his perspective of a shared narrative and struggle. Which makes understanding his as important as understanding our own.

And that makes Gibriville and their album The Foreigner JJC Deluxe as important as any domestic hip hop offering. - Karl Hyppolite

Gibrilville is a 5-member Hip Hop and alternative band founded by Hip Hop lyricist Gibril Mansaray, who serves as the lead in the band. Gibrilville sound can be described Hip Hop that provides a positive world view from an African perspective as the catchy lyrical content about Gibril’s life story is accompanied by a unique composition of sounds used in alternative music. Through it all,, in the music and Gibril’s characterful vocals serve as a clear influence with the recent release of their album, The Foreigner J.J.C. Deluxe as it blends styles in a way that thrillingly recall the kitchen-sink endeavors of this new wave sounds.

The Foreigner J.J.C. is slick, soulful and full of the emotive use of reference points that is so accomplished at bending to their will in their storytelling. The pleasures are plentiful if you give your ears the time it deserves to listen as you get the opportunity to journey through unexplored avenues, genre blends and left-field Hip Hop gold that seems to always surround the Gibrilville. The Foreigner J.J.C. Deluxe is available on all online retail stores with 2 bonus songs and is accompanied by a documentary on YouTube about Gibril’s experiences in America as an immigrant. It also documents the making of his live album Black Cadillac.

In the meantime check out Streets of Africa featuring M1 of the Dead Prez. - cre8tive Shift

He's a rare breed of alternative rock / rap artist - passionate, gifted and adventurous. With his debut radio single ‘Gorilla’ rocketing up the charts, Gibrilville is in a unique position to re-define the genre.
Typically, alternative rock / rap musicians must rely on a stack of amps and clever lyricism to succeed in the market, and Gibrilville is well-armed in that regard. Perhaps that's why critics had this to say about the alternative rock / rap artist's award-winning work: ‘Distorted and grungy, Gibrilville's 'Gorilla' is in-your-face and powerful with raw lyrics and a polished production.’ Now that his blazing new radio single ‘Gorilla’ is lighting up the airwaves, it's clear that we'll be hearing a lot more of him. Reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Gibrilville to learn more about this experimental new alternative rock / rap artist and what inspires him to create great music.


ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
GIBRILVILLE: Performing in Long Island. My band and I were under the impression that we were showing up to a festival, but we got there to find an empty hall. We rocked the empty show anyway!

ALEXIS: Your song ’Gorilla’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
GIBRILVILLE: I still have not caught it live on the radio yet, but I can tell you now that my reaction is going to be crazy.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
GIBRILVILLE: Live music and a dream I had-- believe it or not, all of my lyrics came from a dream I had. In 2011 I got into the habit of writing my dreams down and when Mantse, one of the featured artist on the song, sent me the lyrics to the chorus, I immediately connected it with the dream. So, I dug out the lyrics from my dream for the verses. Luckily enough, while I was recording, Kwaw Kesse showed up at the studio after coming in from Ghana. He heard the record and the rest is history.

ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
GIBRILVILLE: Yes, the dream I had that inspired 'Gorilla' occurred in jail. I almost got deported back to Ghana, and spent nine months in a detention facility. I promised myself to make it to the top of the music game when I got out of jail. And I'm not going to quit.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
GIBRILVILLE: Very serious with tons of fun and love.


ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
GIBRILVILLE: It has been rocky. I'm very opinionated and all of the producers on my team have like ten or more years of experience on me when it comes to making music. I make music in very unorthodox ways and that creates a lot of craziness at Gibrilville. But we get the job done.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
GIBRILVILLE: There is no one famous or seriously into musical instruments in my family. But I grew up in a house that loved playing records loudly. My dad had a big music collection and I was always dancing.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
GIBRILVILLE: What I find most challenging is attaining the rewards of being an artist. 


ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
GIBRILVILLE: Bob Marley is the only role model I can think of. But, I get inspiration to write songs from life.

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
GIBRILVILLE: We had a show in Queens, New York. The crowd made the performance memorable. The chemistry was all there and I could feel the whole place move with me. There was a moment when I was performing a song called 'Dope Fein' and Brandon and I hopped on these huge speakers in front of the crowd. In the middle of a verse I was lying on the floor, lost in my performance, and for like five seconds I remember opening my eyes and seeing a sea of cameras and people all zoomed in. It was awesome.

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
GIBRILVILLE: Make unorthodox music. Don't recreate what you hear. Strive to create something new.

ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
GIBRILVILLE: I just released an album called 'The Foreigner JJC Deluxe.' It has been three years in the making and it's a project I am very proud of. What's next is my latest album called 'Black Cadillac.' It's a live album mixed with co-production from my band and my team of producers.

ALEXIS: Can't wait to hear everything! Thank you for sharing more about your life with me. I wish you continued success in the future.
http://www.gibrilville.com
© 2016 Marquix Global Network - Marquix Global Network

“If you overhear a righteous gangster on Nostrand avenue, discussing the streets of Africa, and owning passports, he is not talking about global affairs.He is on that Gibril Foreign Exchange Hustler ish.” - Tony Swep

Gibrilville deliver a unique blend of World Hip Hop & Alternative music on their latest project, “The Foreigner JJC Deluxe” album. After releasing a series of solo mixtapes, Gibril formed the collective to further his creative vision of showcasing Hip Hop from an African perspective. He does so brilliantly on a lineup of tracks that push the boundaries of innovation & originality. “Foreign Exchange Hustler” & “We Are Going To Make It”(ft. Kwabena Jones)are two spirited, uptempo cuts that present a joyous display of energetic vocals & live instrumental rhythms easily embraced by the masses. “Bad Girl” conjures up images of partying in a Caribbean dance club while “SEXY LADY” & “Take Your Life”(ft. Reggie Rockstone)bring understated yet potent arrangements to the forefront. The latter selection in particular is augmented by breezy rhymes that fit the track to a T.

“Streets Of Africa”(ft. Dead Prez’s M1)shines the spotlight on searing, authoritative lyricism from one of Hip Hop’s finest. The blurring of lines between the conditions of black males in Africa & the U.S. is VERY intentional. “Ghetto Youths”(ft.Blitz The Ambassador) is a personal fave due to it’s catchy, somewhat sinister production soundscape while “Righteous Gangster”(ft. Black Prophet) & “this is who i am” convey raw emotion live & direct from the streets! “Long Road” contains a downbeat vibe that evokes feelings of nostalgia while “Love Me Not”(ft. Faraji, Luke Larkin, and Malik Darby)serves up romantic sentiments over a bumping beat.

“What You See”(ft. M1)offers up another infectious dance groove before the “Ma Cherie Remix”(ft. Faraji)mellows things out. “Passports” is a funky tour de force of kinetic beats & rhymes while “All I Know” presents electronic grooves that wouldn’t be out of place on a Kraftwerk album. “I Am Guilty” wraps up the collection with more electro-funk that is especially fitting for a high-energy band that appears to be unstoppable!

– Kevin Keith - Kevin Keith

World hip-hop band, Gibrilville is challenging and attempting to change the misconceptions about the large continent in their track “Streets of Africa” featuring Dead Prez’ M1.

The track starts off with a few stereotypes like how they need an M16 to travel the streets but soon the band’s lead rhymer switches it up and talks about big mansions, water fountains and indoor swimming pools — all things that can also be found throughout the massive continent.

According to a press release from Gibilville, their debut album, The Foreigner JJC Deluxe, chronicles “the story of a young African artist that redefines the modern day griot experience by fusing African-American Hip-hop and promoting Africa through his music.”

Although the track, “Streets of Africa” could have been executed better (rhymes are often lackluster and quality isn’t great, it’s overall a solid track and the video is pretty tight which makes their 17-track debut album, The Foreigner JJC Deluxe, worth checking out.

Check out the track list and stream the album below. - Victoria Johnson

Gibrilville’s 16-track project will change your mind of what you think you have already heard before. With different alternative angles, Gibril was able to execute his plan to perfection on ‘The Foreigner JJC Deluxe.’ Gibrilville captures his true-life experiences and mixes it into tales that others can relate to. He does not at all stray away from promoting his roots of Africa on this project. He was even able to grab M1 of Dead Prez for the songs “What You See” and “Streets of Africa.” If the lyrics don’t pull you in during your listen, then the messages and production will amaze you.

While Gibril has started a solo career, he returns back with Gibriville for this new project.

The intro track (“Foreign Exchange Hustler”) helps us get to know more about Gibril. During the opening seconds of the song, Gibrilville mentions that he is the “African James Bond.” From the start, we can see that Gibril likes to have fun with his music while still pushing the envelope of his music.


“We Are Going To Make It” with Kwabena Jones is the where the motivational feeling comes into play. Upbeat tempo holding the song down, it didn’t take too long for the party to get started on this one. “They say we not gon’ make it,” Gibril says through the chorus. He ensures his people that they will prevail against all odds and make it.

‘The Foreign Exchange JJC’ is the follow up to his April 2014 release of ‘Dope Fein.’ Previous to that, was ’27 xxvii’ in December 2013. For having such an extended hiatus, Gibril has returned to the music scene with the ultimate confidence displayed.

The project is filled with inspiration, but it doesn’t shy away from Gibril’s love for women. You will find his flirtatiousness sitting on tracks like “Bad Girl” and “SEXY LADY.”

‘The Foreign Exchange JJC Deluxe’ is not filled with industry-ready production. Instead, Gibriville takes their own route and remains confident in their creativeness.

You’ll get moments of inspiration, spirituality, personal imperfections, joy, affection, and much more.

Gibrilville Hits Us With Their Album, 'The Foreigner JJC Deluxe' - Craig t lee

Gibrilville is a Brooklyn, New York artist with a fresh take on using his art form towards furthering his people. Gibrilville, “tells the story of a young African artist that redefines the modern day griot experience by fusing African-American Hip Hop and promoting Africa through his music.”
So often in Hip-Hop today we get caught up with all of the party anthems and club tracks but there are some who keep it underground and are trying to do something conscious with their platform. Insert Gibrilville and a world Hip-Hop and West African flair when it comes to production and lyrics.
In this album, “The Foreigner JJC Deluxe” we are graced with Gibrilville expression of, “his real life story from the challenges, trials, false misconceptions about Africa and provide a positive world view of Hip Hop from an African perspective with a unique composition and catchy lyrical content.” He even has been given the nod by equally as moving and political rapper M1 of Dead Prez by signing on as a feature in the video below. - Zachary Keirstead

Gibrilbville’s The Foreigner J.J.C Deluxe is a sprawling rap record about identity and incarceration as well as freedom by the band’s leader, Gibril. Opening with the tinkling keys of “Foreigner Exchange Hustlers,” we get auto-tuned vocals, desperate, interjecting keys and the heavy accent of the rapper with solid, repeating, singable choruses. “Bad Girl” sees those tinkling keys yet again (and auto-tuned-for-effect vocals) over a solid, tight, snapping beat, while “Passports” one of my favorites here, has a repeating line of, “Catch me if you can” and a sly beat, pretty much summing up one man’s trouble in trying to negotiate living in a few places. Ghana Hiplife godfather, Mr. Reggie Rockstone, takes center stage on the sexy “Take Your Life.” It’s not a song that actually goes any place, but the soft reggae beat and equally soft backing female vocals are a treat. “Sexy Lady,” with its arpeggiated keys over a low, walking bass and fast beat features Kwabena Jones in what is another of my favorites here, a nice calling-out, islands-influenced tune. The Foreigner J.J.C Deluxe is basically about one man’s journey in and around trying to find his place on the planet as well as in his heart. It is heady, thick stuff, not so easy to get through on the first listen, but well worth listening to repeatedly. It isn’t just your everyday beats and rapping to be sure. - Ralph Greco

I had the privilege to exclusively listen to Gibrilville’s Black Cadillac Season1 EP when my brother DJ SiRak from Africology puts me up to it. After eating some waakye and gulping a dark fluid, I let my earphones carry me into another world…seat belt strapped, chauffeured in the back of perhaps a Black Cadillac!
The vibes is all chilled from Gibrilville, a Ghanaian born New York resident. The rapper/singer just completed production on his new EP called “Black Cadillac Season 1″

This is a two part EP when we look at the genres presented. It can be likened to a cassette tape with two sides. ‘Side A’ has a hip hop influence and sets off on a K’naan type of flow in likeness of voice and in subject related messages as Gibrilville introduces the song and the EP with the unifying lyrics ” power to inspire the Will to be free and that’s the way it’s gonna be” Gibrilville expresses his hopes for a better world without war, peace for humanity now and the future generation. The ambiance from this runner up into the four track tape spews elements of American blues/bebop and reggae undertones fused with hip hop. The soft clear soulful melodic voice of New York native Sara Jecko, an actress and musician adds the needed spices that make the song a delicious positive uplifting jam.
My favorite song on the EP is Microphone which features Sena Dagadu, Ghanaian-Hungarian singer/rapper also known for her band Irie Maffia and collaborations with FOKN BOIS, VVIP. This song immediately embraces one’s ear with hip-hop braggadocio personified with sexy cutting edge lyrical deliveries from Sena and Gibrilville. “Me and my mic, we tight like virgins’ lips” sings Sena. A symbolic metaphor describing her bonding relationship with music and Gibrilville’s: “Bedroom bully to my groove” all paint a likened ‘sexual connection’ that both artists enjoy where their art form is concerned. Overall this is a smooth hip-hop tune with a live jazz feel; both artists invite you to ‘jam’ with them.
‘Side B’ brings out Gibrilville’s reggae and strong Rastafari/dancehall influences in the patois and the riffs and production on the Wyre assisted Kings and Queens, Gibrilville solidifies his love of the continent with the aid of his Nairobian connects on this song. The final song Long Way has a more introspective feel and reads like autobiographical portions that Gibrilville expounds on his journey as an immigrant in a faraway land.
The Back Cadillac Season1 EP project fuses rap /reggae and jazz nicely done on the four-track EP
This is a nice follow up to Gibrilville’s previously released The Foreigner JJC Deluxe which expresses his real life odyssey with chapters spelled in challenges, trials, and tales from the African perspective. These are four rather interesting and intriguing tracks in terms of sonic exploration and experimentation leaving you wanting to understand the artist and his creative motivations more and more. Lets look forward to future adventures of Gibrilville and his musical growth. - Delasi music

'Gibrilville furnishes some of the best reggae rhymes to hit the airwaves since Marley made the genre a sensation - and may one day hold the same towering place in music history.' - Akademia Music Award

A generous emcee, Gibrilville opens up his heart and his art to a host of guest singers on these catchy ensemble recordings. “Freedom,” a typically optimistic, worldbeat rallying cry for peace, love and harmony, is a rousing tune, but it ultimately gets a bit congested, with too many folks at the mic. Gibril showcases a percussive hip-hop flow on “Microphone,” a song that is perhaps his signature boast (“I’m the master...”) that would make a good live tune. Best of all is “A Long Way.” Powered by a meaty bass beat with a classic reggae touch, the song is catchy, engaging and allows him to channel his Ghanan roots with French lyrics. This artist’s penchant for sharing the spotlight probably strengthens his live show. - Music Connection