Live Report: Fantastic Negrito @Τεχνόπολη Δήμου Αθηναίων, 18 July

Those who showed up got the chance to enjoy the American artist Fantastic Negrito on Monday, 18 July 2022 at Τεχνόπολη Δήμου Αθηναίων. The singer-songwriter made the absolute most of his first appearance in front of a Greek audience, delivering about 2 hours of glorious music and stage presence.

Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz aka Fantastic Negrito

 Negrito, known to his mother as Xavier, hails from Oakland, California. With a wildly varied childhood (he's admitted that at age 12 he was selling drugs and running with small-time gangs), he kicked off his music career in 1996. With now 6 full-length albums under his belt (the latest dropping this year), he already boasts 3 Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album. His albums The Last Days of Oakland (2016), Please Don't Be Dead (2019) and Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? (2020) have already paved the way for Xavier's brilliant music career.

A night that showed its quality early on

As I always do, I arrived at Τεχνόπολη Δήμου Αθηναίων pretty early. I wanted to have time to check out the merchandise too, and in the end, I got lucky since I managed to snag The Last Days of Oakland. Approaching the stage and watching the venue slowly fill up, I noticed the vibe was really intense.

Dr. Albert Flipout's one CAN Band

I was also caught off guard by the act that 'opened' the night. The Dr. Albert Flipout's one CAN Band were the reason I was 'hooked' on the live show right from the start. We're talking about an act that practically consists of one main member and Mr. Flipout CAN! Oh yes! For everything I saw, I've only got good things to say! The artist behind the band is hugely talented and even though he's solo, he fills the space and the stage brilliantly. Playing drums, guitar, harmonica and singing, Mickey Pantelous has got a lot of work to do on stage, but he pulls it off in the best possible way.

His music is really intense and it pulls you in. Rooted in blues, but presented with a modern twist, it has something earthy and familiar about it. I admit I didn't know them before then, but now I'll definitely keep them in mind. Although, as I heard straight from the creator's own mouth, a small hiatus has already been decided on, since he's going to be busy running some bar in Exarcheia! I can already picture myself dropping by to meet Mickey and talk shop about music… Either way, I hope they'll reconsider and get back to the music scene soon…

An artist with a fully-rounded presence

After the excellent Mickey, it was time for Xavier. The Fantastic Negrito is one hell of a showman. On stage he did it all. He danced, sang, played guitar, spoke Greek… In a phenomenal performance he presented tracks with deep history and background from every one of his records. With great respect for the audience, he tried every which way to shake them up, and in the end he pulled it off! By the end of the gig, all of us were moving to the rhythm of his music.

Since we're on the subject of the history and background of the lyrics, I'd definitely like to point out that Negrito's music is quite radical. He's an artist who draws on his roots and gives us stories you'd only hear in a Juke Joint down South from Robert Johnson and the rest of the Delta Blues crowd.

Part of the new wave, modern blues scene

The Fantastic Negrito is part of the new shape that blues has taken on. Music grafted with elements of roots, R&B and gospel. Xavier does a tremendous job of visualizing what his lyrics describe, while also getting the audience to participate, singing and living each song. I could say this was one of those gigs I enjoyed immensely. The variety in the melodies and stimuli was more than evident and surprised me at every transition into the next song.

Even though I caught myself waiting eagerly to hear my two favourite songs ('Plastic Hamburgers' and 'The Duffler'), I was always impressed by whatever song was being played. Throughout the whole gig, I can say I discovered plenty of other songs too, ones I hadn't given proper attention to before. Before we wrap up, I should mention that the sound was excellent. Organisers and band had done a very good job, confirming the tradition that Τεχνόπολη Δήμου Αθηναίων hosts very high-quality live shows.

I'll definitely be back to share my thoughts on the artist's latest record, which piqued my interest even more after Monday's live show (titled 'White Jesus Black Problems'). Until then though, I'm already looking forward to the next visit of Fantastic Negrito to Greece, which I hope happens as soon as possible!

Wrapping up, I'll mention a few lyrics from one of my favourite tracks by Fantastic Negrito, 'The Duffler':

'I don't got no money
And I don't got nobody
And I ain't got no place to live no more
'Cause she took everything

Welcome to my life
Welcome to my life'