Greek Theater Los Angeles, CA
Web: michaelkiwanuka.com
Contact: [email protected]
Players: Michael Kiwanuka, guitar, vocals; Michael Jablonka, guitar; Steve Pringle, keys; Alex Bonfanti, bass; Graham Godfrey, drums; Simone Daley Richards, vocals; Emily Holligan, vocals; Paul Butler, vocals
Material: Winner of England’s Prestigious Mercury Album of Year Award, Michael Kiwanuka and his stellar band stopped in Los Angeles for a highly anticipated performance as part of his co-headlining tour with Brittany Howard. With fans traveling from as far as Chile, this marked his first L.A. appearance since before the pandemic, and the show comes ahead of his latest album, Small Changes, just released in November.
As the band took the stage to the sounds of “Hard to Say Goodbye” playing over the PA, Kiwanuka himself emerged last, launching into the energetic “You Ain’t the Problem,” immediately bringing the audience to its feet. The 12-song set showcased selections from his three albums, as well as two new songs from his new release: “Floating Parade” and “The Rest of Me.”
Musicianship: Since his early days as a session musician and touring guitarist for Adele, Kiwanuka has refined a unique modern soul/R&B/rock style, shaped by collaborations with iconic producers like Inflo and Danger Mouse. His band was tight and well-rehearsed, moving seamlessly between upbeat tracks and softer, more introspective songs like “Light,” which highlighted the talents of his backing vocalists.
Performance: Kiwanuka’s joy at being back on an L.A. stage was palpable, and he drew the crowd in, song by song. By the final number, “Love & Hate,” the entire audience was on their feet, captivated by his artistry. The show featured thoughtful video imagery behind the band that underscored themes of love, loss, identity, and resilience. In a particularly moving moment during “Floating Parade,” footage of the Challenger disaster created a stark yet powerful juxtaposition with the song’s poignant lyrics, “Ooh, love, like this, nothing like this.”
Summary: At the end of his concise yet impactful 65-minute set, Kiwanuka left the crowd wanting more, likely converting many Brittany Howard fans in the process.
