Brittany Howard and her band premiered new songs from her solo album titled “Jaime” at the St. Paul’s Palace Theatre and was live streamed by 89.3 the Current. The new album “Jaime” is not written about her sister, but unapologetically for herself. Howard was inspired by traveling across the United States, from seeing the natural landscapes, and “beautiful and many heartbreaking things: poverty, loneliness, discouraged people, empty and poor towns.” Howard is currently touring North America and will continue to tour in Europe.
The last time I saw Brittany Howard, she was performing with Alabama Shakes at Paisley Park for an intimate after show and was mysteriously joined by Prince for one guitar solo. Brittany shared that Prince reached out to her because she wore prince’s head cutout earrings during the Shakes’s performance on Saturday Night Live. Thursday night Howard dedicated and covered Prince’s song “The Breakdown” and defiantly was channeling him in her performance.
Howard was joined by a full stage of musicians. Nate Smith on drums, Zac Cockrell on bass, Brad Allen Williams on guitar, Alex Chakour also on guitar, Paul Horton and Llyod Buchanan, both on keys, and Karita Law and Shanay Johnson as backing vocals.
The crowd when crazy dancing during their third song, “Stay High” which has been on rotation on 89.3 the current and had released a video starting Terry Crews. Crowd reactions next to me were in awe sharing words like “amazing,” and “wonderful” from Brittany’s powerhouse voice and energy. Howard and the band were dressed like a 1960s/ 70s band coordinating in reds and blacks. Brittany appeared to be paying a homage to James Brown by wearing a custom-made cape. The stage lighting was consistent to their branding with the backdrop matching their vibe.
The band finished the night with a four-song encore, starting with “Bring Your Love To Me”, followed by a Beatles cover of “Revolution”, “History Repeats”, and lastly “Run To Me.” Myself, and fans included cannot wait to for Brittany Howard to return and see where her music will continue to take her.
Encore : / Bring Your Love To Me(unreleased) / / Revolution(Beatles cover) / History Repeats / Run To Me
