LUCY PEARL LIVE AT HANOVER GRAND
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from:	- Amina
re:	LUCY PEARL LIVE AT HANOVER GRAND

Tuesday 13th June was the night, Hanover Grand, was the place.

'Twas a perfectly sunny evening hosting a special one-off show, highlighting the immense talent of a group named Lucy Pearl. Virtually unknown, but not for long.

Stars were out in their droves, we spotted Jazzie B, Beverley Knight and Damage amongst the multitude of spectators fighting to get a peek of Ali, Dawn and Raphael. We are sure that most of you, who were there, couldn't believe that all three members would succeed in crossing over this side of the Atlantic at the same time in one piece!

Many of you who were privileged enough to obtain a ticket for the gig could tell anyone that the venue was packed to the periphery, full of industry types and fans alike who were there to see this group purely for their past endeavours in their former bands. However if you didn't obtain a ticket, sit back, relax and we will recap all details of this glorious performance.

Time: 10pm, the crowds were getting a little restless, surely after coming this far, please no, don't tell us that they've cancelled have they? It was more than some of us could bear. Many of the bands that had crossed over these shores could tell you that it doesn't always go to plan, but the audiences were in frenzy. It's not really surprising considering the UK doesn't get many artists of this calibre performing over here. It was also a chance for some us who hadn't seen En Vogue, A Tribe Called Quest or Tony Toni Tone perform previously were able to experience an element of each band on this particular night all under one roof. However it was much more than these separate elements.

Time 10:10 - The bass guitarist enters stage left donning an extremely flamboyant hat, relief was the only expression on the faces of those who had been anticipating this moment for what felt like an eternity. He continued by performing a funk-driven melody prompting those in the audience to carry out a little head nod. Next up, the drummer and guitarist enter stage right accompanied by a nostalgic instrumental cut over the speakers of A Tribe called Quest's 'Electric Relaxation' which was met with a roar of approval. The ambience was beginning to come together - brilliant!

The far too sexy backing singers enter, wearing their fab rock chick sleevless T-shirts donning the Lucy Pearl logo and faded jeans. The moment was finally hear Lucy Pearl had finally arrived - Raphael's voice resonated over the mic and the applause seemed deafening. Then whilst expecting a long wait before glimpsing this formidable trio, hyperactively Dawn, Raphael and Ali finally graced us with their presence. My heart nearly stopped - just couldn't believe they were actually here in the flesh and I nearly pinched myself to double check I wasn't dreaming.

Dawn looked exquisite, the TV screens don't give her enough credit she's stunning, Mr Muhammed looked seriously funky with his henna-coloured cornrows and Raphael had it going on with that perfectly toned chest displayed for all to see, under a stringed shawl. The funk was in the house for all to see. Everyone seemed to be getting into the swing of things. The Pearl crew greeted the crowd before slipping into renditions of old classics including Dawn's interpretation of chart toppers 'Hold' and 'Don't Let Go' which made a name for her in the sassy girl-group En Vogue well before the ultra cool Lucy Pearl had formed. It was absolutely perfect, everyone seemed ecstatic. Raphael then stepped in with the classic 'Anniversary' and boy did that bring back memories.

In one of many moments of exuberance, the 'Electric Relaxation' instrumental was playing again in the background, so Saadiq decided to mimic Phife-Dog's legendary rhyme on the track. All you could hear was 'I like 'em brown, yellow, Puerto Rican or Haitian....' The crowd immediately burst into laughter and applause but it wasn't a bad impression. It eventually kicked into some Lucy Pearl material with the feisty 'Trippin' most of the crowd seemed to know this one so they must already have the album. Dawn was ripping up the stage throughout this track with her sassy self. Next, Ali was alternating between bongos and turntables and began with the intro of 'Everyday' which kicked in with quite a funky beat definitely an Ali Shaheed signature beat. Dawn and Raphael did a fantastic duet, it was excellent how their voices just moulded together so well.

After Lucy Pearl had performed a few other tracks including 'Don't Mess With My Man', and 'Without You', came the finale. Their brand new single 'Dance Tonight' was almost like a battle of the sexes coming straight after they had sang such an enchanting track. Now, it was the time for the crowds to participate, Dawn was the female anchor and Raphael was the men's captain. Using the chorus of 'Dance Tonight' both Dawn and Raphael made up their own versions of the chorus getting both males and females to join in the festivities, taunting each other to see who would be the best. And, of course it was the ladies, Ms Robinson was on fire!!

They say all good things must come to an end and the end is here, Lucy Pearl showed all those critics they are THE supergroup with super talent and super songs what more could you want. A memorable performance, that was wrapped up, with introductions to all the band members - it seemed half the band was related to Raphael. Apologies if you weren't there but you missed a captivating evening that will never be forgotten.

As The Times quoted 'Lucy Pearl lived up to the hype'

-- by Amina © 2000