Currently on tour in support of their latest album release, Little Ghost, LA-based alternative R&B trio Moonchild, featuring Amber Navran (vocals, clarinet, saxophone), Max Bryk (keyboards, saxophone, clarinet), and Andris Mattson (keyboards, trumpet, flügelhorn), played to a near-sellout crowd on Nov. 14 at the Fonda Theatre. In a year that has found the band performing at worldwide music festivals, concert tours with Kamasi Washington and alt-R&B band The Internet, as well as their own headlining shows, Moonchild was visibly pleased to return to their home turf for one very special night.
Multi-instrumentalist and jazz-infused rapper Kiefer opened the show with a loud but impressive set. Following a long intermission, Moonchild inconspicuously came on stage receiving an enthusiastic hometown welcome. Over the next 80 minutes, the trio performed selections off their latest release as well as some older fan favorites. This being my first time hearing Moonchild, I was impressed by their ability to seamlessly merge elements of R&B, soul, jazz, and a dose of pop. Navran’s lead vocal created an intoxicating sound that was pleasing to the ear. It is just a matter of time before stardom comes knocking at their door!
The trio met at the University of Southern California, forming Moonchild in 2012. That same year, they self-released their debut album, Be Free. Signing with the UK record label Tru Thoughts, they released their follow-up albums, Please Rewind (2015) and Voyager (2015). Opening for both Stevie Wonder and Georgia Anne Muldrow, respectively, Moonchild is rapidly gaining a following and respect among their contemporaries and music icons.
To stay up to date with Moonchild visit thisismoonchild.com.
