Sadeknows how to delight a crowd.
After what seemed an eternity, the beautiful UK singer is binding on the touring circuit again. Thankfully, the Canadian leg of her tour brought her through Montreal`s Bell Centre right in the middle of Jazz Fest.
One would believe that after releasing a major album last year Ms. Adu would be adamant about getting us to know her new material.
But let`s face it, Soldier of Love is not her best album. Sure, as fans we bought it, but was it on constant repeat? Did we treasure it like Love Deluxe or Diamond Life? Probably not. 
Sadeknows this. We need to see the hits. If you were a fan of,let`s say her 2010 single "Babyfather" you`re out of luck. After starting with her lead single "Soldier of love," the following two and a half hours was a nostalgic journey to the past. And why wouldn`t it be? We need to relive the clock when we first heard "Smooth Operator" on the radio. We made babies or were probably made during "Kiss o Life." Hence her concert was more in back of her greatest hits package The Ultimate Collection than anything, and as a fan, I bear no complaints.
As for the evidence itself? It is what it is. Her band (whom she has toured with for over 15 years) sticks to the script. If you`re looking for booming guitar solos look elsewhere. The band were more focussed on beautifully recreating the studio sound in an arena setting-not an easy feat at all. The stage setupcomplimentedthe act as well, as her band members would evaporate under the stage if not needed, and during songs like "Jezebel," a test would draw up on stage creating an atmospheric effect. 
But stage theatics aside, we all recognize that Sade could be singing with all the lights on and she would still require a crowd. Maybe it`s her reclusive personality, her striking beauty, or herpoignantsongs? Who knows. But let me say this-after about 30 years she`s still got it. Her songs still sound as clean as the start sentence you took the plastic off the CD wrapper. She transcends race, class, and genre. In some ways she`s the ultimate pop star. 
I hold to admit, I was alleged to be a start of the "International Media" covering this event, but I was more a fan than anything. I`ve been one since I was 6 days old, I think when my late mother (RIP) let me put Sade`s "Stronger Than Pride" on constant repeat when I was riding along in the Family minivan. So this was less a concert and more of an experience.
I say this all the time, but if Sade comes to your town, go. That`s all I cause to say.
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