Glasgow's OVO Hydro witnessed a sea of extravagant headwear this week as the iconic acid-jazz outfit Jamiroquai brought their tour to town. The audience, many sporting the fluffy and sparkly hats synonymous with the band's frontman, were treated to a career-spanning set that highlighted both the enduring appeal and the live limitations of the group's meticulously produced catalogue.
A Legacy Act in Full Flow
Jay Kay, the band's sole founding member and famed hat enthusiast, led the proceedings with four different pieces of headgear throughout the night. The setlist journeyed from their 1993 debut 'Emergency on Planet Earth' right through to new material slated for release next year, showcasing three decades of music. Kay's vocal prowess remains remarkably intact, demonstrated powerfully on early single 'Too Young to Die'.
Polished Performance Versus Lost Soul
The stage evoked a vintage Vegas revue, with the backing band arranged on cascading levels. This setup, however, seemed to constrain the famously energetic Kay, who shuffled and bounced on monitors, appearing to wish he could join the fervent crowd. While the band handled some sound issues with professional ease, the review noted a significant problem: the highly polished live act often lacked thrill and depth.
Key elements of the studio recordings were lost in translation. The sweeping strings of 'Little L' and the driving beats of disco favourite 'Canned Heat' were buried in the mix. Tracks like 'Seven Days in Sunny June' fared better, benefiting from looser, acoustic-driven arrangements.
Substance Sacrificed for Sheen
The critique extended to the emotional core of the music. 'Cloud 9' aimed for gospel heights but felt shallow, 'Tallulah' possessed funk elements without true sensuality, and 'Disco Stays the Same' missed the transcendent peak of the genre it honours. Ultimately, the performance was described as a facsimile of music with more substance.
Yet, for the devoted audience, this seemed to matter little. As with many beloved legacy acts, the sheer joy of hearing these songs played competently was enough. Jamiroquai do not need to convert non-believers; their fans will love these tracks for as long as Kay and his band continue to play them. The tour continues, with a show scheduled at Manchester's Co-Op Live on 6 December.
