Adiel Mitchell | JUNGLE EP Review

Adiel Mitchell emerging from the Jungle of Hobby Lobby. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Adiel Mitchell just released his newest EP titled Jungle and we have been vibin’ to it in the office for about a week now. The three song EP captures a different side of Mitchell than we are used to hearing yet he still maintains that unique sound we fell in love with from his previous EP About Last Night.

"Following About Last Night, I really wanted to create a small package of songs that I just wanted to party with," he said. "I felt like ALN was a real groovy project with deep lyrics but packaged with a signature pop vibe but I wanted to broaden those horizons and really follow where my inspirations and influences were taking me...Every song has its own story on how it came together and how it affects me. I purposely stepped out of my box to take some risks and see how truly free I could expose my artistry."

On this EP Mitchell is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone and prove the versatility he has in his arsenal as he rips through the three song EP with no abandonment. The lead song aptly sharing the same title as the EP “Jungle” , has Mitchell storm out the gate with a lyrical bombardment accompanied by a devastating drum beat that has us singing the chorus with ferocity (strange flex for us mild mannered music snobs), the song transitions into a slower soulful beat in which Mitchell demonstrates his expertise in being able to flip the switch at the drop of a dime. Easily our favorite track on the EP.

Jungle (photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The second single “Stuck on You” takes Mitchell back to his roots as he belts the chorus to what we can only imagine slow dancing with our significant partner in a rather sensual manner. Turn up the 808 on this one and sit back as you indulge in some of his finest work.

The last track “Ugh (There She Go)” is a classical take on a simple yet successful formula for what a radio hit should be. It has all the elements from an infectious beat, to a classic hook that we can repeat over and over. Mitchell continues to grow in front of our eyes and with this EP he proves that he has plenty of tools in his belt to succeed in the game. It’s time the world to take notice! Production credits on JUNGLE are provided by Levi Double U.


Denver Music Spotlight: Who Is Miggy Camacho?

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Hailing from the City of Angels, Miggy Camacho has been one of the Denver music scenes true ambassadors to live music. Just Miggy as he is known by has been at the forefront of blessing us with some of the finest R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, Funk and Motown music our city has to offer. From rocking the decks to promoting one of the best nightly parties at Goosetown Tavern on a weekly basis, Miggy is the heart and soul of a scene that truly caters to those who appreciate the throwback sound of yesteryear. His events always spark up nostalgia (Sorry Fresh Prince, we had to) with some classics and rare unreleased joints that people often find themselves scratching their heads when played. Truly a music ambassador in our ever growing music scene. If you are ever in the Bluebird District drop by Goosetown Tavern for a drink or two and enjoy some good quality grown folks music, tell him we sent you!

Make sure to check him out and one of the many events he hosts on a weekly basis. this week the amazing and talented Mandy Yoches and The Hell Knows will be Miggy's guest along with DJ Polyphoni (who just rocked our amazing anniversary party). As always the party is free and no cover for those 21+ 

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Povi Gives Us A First Glimpse Of Her New Song "Usta Was" | First Listen

Our girl Povi just hit us with a new jam. The track is produced by Cory Kendrick and Scott Pace. The track gives us a subtle r&b flare with Povi's lyrics coming at you with a rather sultry approach giving the song a great dynamic and easy listen. It's as we are witnessing a modern day Aaliyah, as Povi reaches into a place in which she is in full control leaving the rest of us to feel comfortably satisfied.

Music | Leon Bridges Gives Denver A Dose Of Texas Lovin' | May 25th

The incredible and talented Mr. Leon Bridges. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The shaky frame of The Paramount Theatre was not ready for the funk Leon Bridges was laying down this past Wednesday night. Everything from the velvet seats cushioning your back to the swagger and excitement emblazoned on each band member’s face transported you back to the soulful era of our past. Bridge’s oversized collars jutting out to his shoulders and suit pants resting above his bellybutton were just the cherry on top of a 1960’s New Orlean’s dream. 

Since the debut of his first album Coming Home which was immediately embraced by the masses as a fusion-jazz cult classic, Leon has been on tour catering to the demands of cities from east to west. With Bridge’s spring tour throughout North America being his largest headlining tour to date. Due to the pandemonium surrounding each performance we think it only heralds more of what’s yet to come for the Texas bred soul singer. 

Singing and Dancing were in full effect. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The Paramount was greeted by RnB experimentalist Solo Wood prior to Bridge’s performance. Many did not know how to react to the rhythm of the bongo drums accompanied with distorted electric guitar and manic, soulful vocals emanating from the duo. But Wood’s unbuttoned blouse, coy smile and buttery voice lulled us into the night on a new age RnB cloud. At times the performance ranged from smooth, soulful, romantic tempos but then quickly escalated to hyper electric guitar and falsetto vocalism. A truly unique and thought provoking performance - something we would not have expected to experience at a Leon Bridges show, but something we are definitely glad that we did. 

The always dapper Leon Bridges mesmerizing the crowd (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The always dapper Leon Bridges mesmerizing the crowd (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

I am R&B. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

It did not take more than a minute after the lights dimmed and the first note danced out of Bridge’s mouth to bring the audience up out of their chairs. A sort of taboo act given the pastoral atmosphere that surrounds the Paramount. Despite the unwritten rules of sitting in sequestered silence, the audience raised their metaphorical middle fingers high in the air and danced and swayed to the sweet euphony emanating from center stage. The buoyant and jazz centric harmonies had even the smuggest of audience members up and singing along. Opening with the saxophone heavy crowd favorite, Smooth Sailin’ set the tone for what was to be a amazing evening, complete with swooning ladies and a zoetic performance by Bridges. 

In between songs the soulful lead of the 7 piece would sermonize about calling your mother and his expeditious rise to fame. Coyly introducing Coming Home as a “little song that he wrote in 2012 that changed his life forever” he held a humble yet confident stage presence. Throughout his 16 song set he played the crowd favorites and teased us with new doo-wopish dance numbers from what we’re all hoping will be tracks off a new 2016 release. During his performance Bridges traipsed the line of 1960’s heart throb and 2016 “cool-kid” so carelessly that it transcended time and societal normalities. Each time we see Bridges live we are left in awe of his idiosyncratic stage presence and ability to turn each show into a unique personal experience. 

Nathaniel Ratliff and Leon Bridges performing together at The Paramount Theatre (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Although Bridges played for a little over two hours, when the spotlight evaporated and the fog smoke cleared no one was ready to let him leave the Mile High City.  And to our good fortune, neither was he. Bridges ended his stint in Denver with a bluesy and gospel like rendition of River with talented back up singer, Brittni Jessie. The Paramount stood in silent disbelief as we took it all in as one breathing, sentient being. The silence after the song was quickly filled as Bridges began introducing his band members, pausing briefly to look to the side of the stage at a familiar bearded face. And to the bemusement of everyone involved out walked Nathaniel Ratefliff and acclaimed Denver horn blower, Wesley Watkins. Together they coalesced into one giant blues band jamming out in their parents garage after school - a fangirl inducing sight for even the macho-est of audience members. 

Although only equipped with one album, each time we see Bridges it is a truly unique and metamorphic experience. A true testament to his unwavering talent as a multidimensional performer. Wednesday night will not soon be forgotten - but we wouldn’t mind if Bridges came back soon to jog our memory. 

Words - McClain Morris // Photos - Robert Castro