Untitled Document

MTV Base Presents Trevor Nelson’s Valentines Day Special with Chris Brown @ Ministry of Sound, 14/02/2006

By Belinda Boakye

Valentines night at Ministry of Sound and the ladies (single or not) were happy to ditch their partners in the crush to the stage to see Chris Brown in this first live UK show. As the special guest of Trevor Nelson, the latest US R&B sensation kept his crowd waiting with baited breath. However, it was all well worth it when he and his dancers stormed the stage proving he could indeed ‘run it’.

The club was warmed up with the opening track – ‘Gimme That’, and from the first verse it was easy to see why comparisons have been drawn with a young Michael Jackson or Usher. A young, but flawless live vocal was in no way compromised by his tight and original dance moves. It wasn’t long before he was as hot as the crowd, causing him to remove his simple grey sweatshirt to reveal and equally plan t-shirt. It is refreshing to see one so young and new to the scene choosing not to embrace the ‘bling’ culture that seems to homogenise his peers within the industry.

Brown connected with his fans immediately, showing his appreciation at their warm reception. He continued to build a good rapport throughout the performance by chatting in between songs and driving those closest to the stage crazy with physical contact during crowd pleasers like ‘Ya Man Ain’t Me’ and ‘Yo (Excuse Me Miss)’.

It is clear to see that the new phenomenon’s ability to attract a loyal following has translated across the pond, with the crowd singing every line of his unreleased tracks with equal accuracy and enthusiasm. Brown capitalised on this energy with lots of audience participation in his biggest hit to date at the end of his set – ‘Run It’. During this track he gave the crowd what they wanted, taking centre stage and freestyling some moves that initiated zealous chanting from all those that watched.

His showcase was over sooner than it had begun, but the crowd seemed satisfied and there was a good balance of ballads to display his vocal acrobatics as well as club tracks to show him off as a well rounded performer, able to give a crowd what they want. Brown maintained a chilled out, humble manner for his first UK show, proving that he has not been fazed by the overwhelming success he has already experienced on his home turf.

With such an unblemished and natural display of talent, it is easy to forget that Chris Brown is just 16. Bearing this in mind, it instils a quiet confidence in me that there is plenty more of the same to come in the future.

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	MTV Base Presents Trevor Nelson’s Valentines Day Special with Chris Brown @ Ministry of Sound, 14/02/2006 By Belinda Boakye Valentines night at Ministry of Sound and the ladies (single or not) were happy to ditch their partners in the crush to the stage to see Chris Brown in this first live UK show. As the special guest of Trevor Nelson, the latest US R&B sensation kept his crowd waiting with baited breath. However, it was all well worth it when he and his dancers stormed the stage proving he could indeed ‘run it’. The club was warmed up with the opening track – ‘Gimme That’, and from the first verse it was easy to see why comparisons have been drawn with a young Michael Jackson or Usher. A young, but flawless live vocal was in no way compromised by his tight and original dance moves. It wasn’t long before he was as hot as the crowd, causing him to remove his simple grey sweatshirt to reveal and equally plan t-shirt. It is refreshing to see one so young and new to the scene choosing not to embrace the ‘bling’ culture that seems to homogenise his peers within the industry. Brown connected with his fans immediately, showing his appreciation at their warm reception. He continued to build a good rapport throughout the performance by chatting in between songs and driving those closest to the stage crazy with physical contact during crowd pleasers like ‘Ya Man Ain’t Me’ and ‘Yo (Excuse Me Miss)’. It is clear to see that the new phenomenon’s ability to attract a loyal following has translated across the pond, with the crowd singing every line of his unreleased tracks with equal accuracy and enthusiasm. Brown capitalised on this energy with lots of audience participation in his biggest hit to date at the end of his set – ‘Run It’. During this track he gave the crowd what they wanted, taking centre stage and freestyling some moves that initiated zealous chanting from all those that watched. His showcase was over sooner than it had begun, but the crowd seemed satisfied and there was a good balance of ballads to display his vocal acrobatics as well as club tracks to show him off as a well rounded performer, able to give a crowd what they want. Brown maintained a chilled out, humble manner for his first UK show, proving that he has not been fazed by the overwhelming success he has already experienced on his home turf. With such an unblemished and natural display of talent, it is easy to forget that Chris Brown is just 16. Bearing this in mind, it instils a quiet confidence in me that there is plenty more of the same to come in the future. Return To Concert Review Archive
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