India.Arie in concert

from ToneAudio Magazine, issue # 21

The Kiss and Fly Club

New York, New York

February 10, 2009

By Brian Hughes

India.Arie was classy, outspoken and soulful as ever, performing at the Kiss and Fly
club, in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. This small club, in-the-round setting gave the audience an intimate perspective on Ms. Arie’s newest work, as she
played tracks from her fourth studio album, Testimony: Vol. 2 – Love and Politics, from Universal Republic Records.

Warning that she was about to go into a rant, Arie broke out her anti-Bush White House rocker, “Better Way.” Labeling it “anti-Bush” limits the scope of the song, which tackles issues like “children on TV … glorifying their bodies,” Hurricane Katrina, and drug abuse.

Reggae star Gramps Morgan joined Arie on “Therapy,” her second single from the new album, and then thanked two of the most important women in her life—her mother, Joyce Simpson (a jazz vocalist, songwriter and actress), and Sade. She explained that Sade introduced her to the African continent, transforming her life. She then dedicated “Pearls,” a song about female suffering in Africa, to Sade. Next up was a song co-written by her mother, “Long Goodbye,” which showcased Arie’s vocal strength, as she soared over a powerful melody.

Arie closed the show with “Brown Skin,” and the audience responded with smiles all around. India.Arie is a bright, passionate singer; a comforting throwback to the heyday of R&B.