A one-dimensional headliner grounded the Grey Goose sponsored Rising Icons concert Wednesday Night at The Pageant. Opening act Miguel came with a full band in tow. And the full voiced Marsha Ambrosious was outperformed in front of the near capacity crowd merely because she was without one.
The tour, which branches off of the BET and Centric Networks television series of the same title, highlights rising artists that have made prominence in the current urban music scene. In years past it saw R&B singer Melanie Fiona and rapper B.o.B.
Ambrosious, who established herself in music as one half of English R&B duo Floetry, made a splash this past year with the release of her highly anticipated solo debut, Late Nights & Early Mornings. Known for her melodic yodel like singing style, Ambrosious didn’t offer much else in her latest concert showing. Emerging on stage in as little as an oversized button down shirt, she went into the title track of her album followed by “Anticipation.” Standing on white floored stage only saw her, a piano and a DJ behind her hoisted on a platform. Although vocally warm, her set immediately underwhelmed due to lack of expansion from her last visit the St. Louis as part of the R. Kelly’s Love Letter tour at the Chaifetz this past spring.
Both found her in almost an identical set list and singing to backing tracks – which was a bit of a letdown for a headlining performance.
Although occasionally sitting at her custom made M-shaped grand piano through “I Want You To Stay,” “Butterflies,” (previously recorded by Michael Jackson), “Hope She Cheats on You (With a Basketball Player),” Ambrosious made the best of her limited display. Her recurring audience interaction – including playful break dances made it apparent that the crowd was enamored by the singer.
With an inclusion of an old school mix that highlighted the late singer Teena Marie’s “Portugese Love,” Jodeci’s “Come and Talk to Me,” Bel Biv Devoe’s “Poison,” and even new school with Ace Hood’s “Hustle Hard,” the singer did her best to distract the crowd from an otherwise unimaginative presentation. With “Your Hands,” Floetry’s “It’s Getting Late,” “Lose Myself,” and “Far Away” to close out, Marsha failed to provide much more than a performance that could have easily been held at a local nightclub or lounge.
Miguel, although not as vocally savvy as Ambrosious, gave a much more dynamic show in his supporting position. Decked in blue suit jacket and sunglasses, the R&B crooner was backed by a 4 piece band. Considering he sounded strained at times, Miguel made up for the shortfall by providing a full graphic light display while fully utilizing the stage with impromptu dance moves with occasional choreography with the band. “All I Want Is You” and “Pay Me” started his set as he worked through each song with enthusiasm and energy. Rapper 2Pac’s “I Get Around” cleverly served as an intro to his single “Quickie” while he maneuvered around like a modern-day Morris Day. As he closed his set with his radio hit “Sure Thing,” Miguel proved his blossoming place in music while staying mostly true to an often vacated R&B sound.
