My first stop tonight was seeing Shawn Hewitt open at the Phoenix. I had seen Hewitt perform almost two years before as part of the Funk and Soul Revival and was blown away. I was anxious to see his progression.

Playing to a crowd about a third full, he immediately encountered guitar problems, but handled it like a pro and continued singing the song (the mic worked) and strumming his guitar (which only the first few feet of people could now hear). Hewitt’s music is a mix between electro-pop and soul.

Unfortunately, technological problems were not the worst thing he was dealt Friday night. Hewitt was just awful. He performed a medley of “love songs,” as he called it, but at points during the set, he just hit the piano over and over again. It was awkward and laughable. But it wasn’t a joke.

Hewitt did show promise. Take away the weirdness to the set, and take away the long unneeded instrumental pauses in songs, and Hewitt is the near-genius that I saw the first time. He needs some work, but I’m still hopeful he can break into a superstar.

1*

Next up, I headed to Clinton’s to see Julie Crochetiere play to a jam-packed audience. The former Sugar Jones member is nothing at all like what you may remember from her days with the Popstars winners.

Her classical-jazz sound is sultry. She played a mix of French and English songs, sometimes playing along at a piano. She had a booming voice that soared to the neighbouring bar.

Most of the audience was filled with jazz-loving 50 year olds, not the crowd she used to play for. “She’s sensational. She’s going to be a star,” someone said to his wife, having no idea that Crochetiere already had success with Sugar Jones. But he was right; she will be a star. This time, a solo star.

4*

I ended the night catching In Essence and Glenn Lewis at the Opera House.

The five gentlemen from Toronto’s R&B group, In Essence, were exceptionally enjoyable. The difference between this performance and the others I’ve seen in the past is that they have never looked more comfortable on stage. They catered to the audience, flirting with the ladies and making them scream for more. If this is the best thing Toronto’s hip hop scene has to offer, the city has something to be proud of. I’ve said this before: these guys are Canada’s answer to Boyz II Men, but cooler.

4*

Glenn Lewis closed the show by performing for about 40 minutes, singing some songs from his upcoming album, some from his debut album, and the one he sang in J.Lo’s Maid in Manhattan movie.

He was at his best as he always is, and so ended my night.

3.5*






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