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Macy Gray’s performance at the Circus nightclub in Helsinki was top-notch. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
“I love you, Macy!”
The woman expressing her affection seemed to speak on behalf of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at the Circus nightclub in Helsinki on Saturday night.
Macy Gray, one of the most soulful R&B singers on the planet, walked on stage with her trademark afro wearing a golden dress, and after she grabbed the diamond-coated microphone stand, the crowd barely remembered to inhale during the cheers.
Gray opened with a faster version of “Why Didn’t You Call Me,” the first track from her first album On How Life Is (1999).
Her voice was raspy, as if she just smeared her vocal cords with honey and butter.
“Sexy people!” Gray screamed between songs.
Gray continued with “Do Something“—the second track of her debut album.
This incredibly funky track was sped up to about 120 beats per minute.
“You got to get up and do something. How will you make it if you don’t even try. . . ,” Gray sang while the crowd swayed and waved.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the drummer went for a funky breakbeat in the style of “Melting Pot” (1971) by the legendary soul and funk group, Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
Among other highlights were the slow songs “Glad You’re Here” (Big, 2007) and “Sweet Baby” from the album The Id (2001).
“A Moment To Myself” from her first album was one of the songs where Gray really wanted to involve the crowd.
“There’s a time in your life when you got to be selfish and do things for yourself,” Gray advised.
“Say, one for me!” she exclaimed
While the song was playing, Gray said, that she would now take a moment for herself and went backstage, while the drummer continued to play a funky beat.
The moment was one of those that turned your skin to goosebumps.
The drummer, Tamir Barzilay, performed a 10-minute solo.
It. Was. Amazing.
Gray immersed in her songs on stage in a way that you felt the energy on your skin. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
After Gray returned from backstage, she went straight into an upbeat version of “Ghetto Love” (Big).
Gray enjoyed talking to her audience. She reminded the public that this is her last show during her European tour and she is in Helsinki far away from her hometown Los Angeles on a Saturday night. She wanted the crowd to “feel free” as it’s the “greatest thing in the world.” She wanted people to act during the show as if they were at home and portrayed this by scratching her bottom.
Gray’s raspy voice was smeared with honey. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
After the encores and total showtime of 90 minutes, Gray left the stage and the crowd, which was thrilled to bits.
