Shemekia Copeland’s performance at The Egg in Albany on Saturday, January 18 was a masterclass in stage presence, powerful storytelling, and soul-stirring blues.
Nominated for multiple GRAMMYs this award season, Copeland’s performance was a testament to why she is one of the most commanding voices in contemporary blues.
Right from the start, her band, tight and in perfect sync, laid down grooves that were rich and textured, filling the room with each note.
Her voice rang out with a raw power that commanded attention exuding confidence, effortlessly connecting with the audience through both music and vibrant storytelling.
The setlist was a dynamic blend of blues, soul and poignant ballads, drawing from an extensive catalog including tracks from her latest album, Blame It on Eve.
It wasn’t just the music that captivated the crowd, though. Copeland’s ability to weave personal stories into her performance added an extra layer of depth to the evening. With each song, she shared anecdotes from her life, giving the audience a glimpse into her world. The storytelling was almost as therapeutic as her voice, allowing listeners to feel the heartache, joy, and resilience behind every lyric.
Songs like “Wine O’Clock” and the story behind “Fell in Love with a Honky” although she didn’t sing it – due to the political correctness, choosing “Cadillac Blue” also written for her husband brought the energy (and laughter) in the room to a fever pitch.
The setlist was fluid and songs that were going to be played changed with the stories she was telling. “Fell in Love with a Honky” was one such song about her husband that was cut from the set. Although she chose not to sing this tune – chalking it up to political correctness and the current transition of certain elected government officials – it brought the energy (and laughter) in the room to a fever pitch before switching gears and breaking into “Cadillac Blue,” also about her husband, in its place.
In those small and captivating moments, it was easy to see why she had earned her place on that stage.
It was clear that, for Copeland, music isn’t just about entertaining—it’s about charismatically conveying messages that touch the heart and spark introspection.
As the night neared its end, Copeland brought the crowd to its feet with an encore called “It’s 2 A.M.” that was equal parts fiery and soulful. For those lucky enough to witness it, her show was a reminder of the magic that live music can bring.
In the intimate setting of The Egg, Shemekia Copeland proved why she is one of the most exciting and vital artists in music today.
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