#shae fiol

Organic Fusion’s Soul Suite was a funky soul jam discovery Columbus Day Weekend! 

Photo preview by Kenji Jasper 

A variety of diverse, yet similarly funky artists pooled together in Organic Fusion’s Columbus Day Soul Suite. It was the first time I’d seen Levi Stephens, the first time I’d even heard of Shae Fiol, and the first time I would see Deborah Bond perform material from her latest release Madam Palindrome.

Nestled in the upstairs of an unassuming Twelve lounge in the upstart H Street neighborhood, interestingly resurrected as Atlas, Organic Fusion gave DC music lovers a star alignment that set off many a course.

After a thorough artist check-in and interview session, I along with other invited writers were ushered upstairs to reserved seating at the front of the venue. Angenella Fleming (@NeoSoulCEO) one part of the Chasing Soul hosting team, made sure that writers had an assortment of tasty vittles and beverages to wash them down with.

The room begins to fill with DC’s music lovers in store for a soulful and funky Soul Suite. Shae Fiol, who rubs elbows with Stuart Matthewman and Esthero, served as the show’s host but it was clear she was more comfortable with her guitar than her duties as M.C. She nervously wiggled her way through the show introduction and even a well meaning, but almost too abstract quote on music and philosophy.

I tweeted it but hoped there was more. But she felt moved, and so did the audience when she picked up her guitar and treated us to a few songs, warming up the room for the other artists on the bill. Her vocal range is impressive.

The crowd quietly reacts when she mispronounces Levi Stephens name. But he lets us know who he is with his stage presence. His band, background singers and music speaks volumes. He is one to watch and that’s clear from the beginning.

In the opening of his set, Levi announces something that he did not in the Artist Roundtable, that he wants to write for Disney and produce timeless classics. That’s a new one. An admiral goal. 

With a presence like Raphel Saadiq’s “Ray Ray” on stage, he’s channeling Otis and Wilson Pickett but wearing Chuck Taylors. His set consists of rock, blues and ballads. He transitions easily between songs and genres. At one point I count an equal number of covers and original songs in his set. One is a transition from an original song into “Use Me” by Bill Withers, the other, Bruce Hornsby’s “The Way it Is.”

Levi’s band, background singers and all elements seem to complement his entire vibe. With a keyboard player that favored Jamie Foxx channeling Samuel Jackson in “Kill Bill” to a husband and wife background duo, something about this dudes’ whole set up is working for me. Levi Stephens made a fan out of me. I’m sure he made plenty of other new fans in the audience along with his well growing buzz.  

After a brief intermission, Deborah Bond’s band set up for the introduction of Madam Palindrome. Nico, whom I know from Gaia: Earth, stretches the audience with a French introduction before grabbing his flute to accompany the rest of the 8 piece band.

Deborah takes the stage like only a performer can. In her dramatic movements, as she described in our earlier interview, she grabs her background singers’ hands and starts to sway back and forth. There is a complete joy on her face as she performs.

She reminds us that artists’ goods are for sale, including her first and second albums. She performs a few tracks from those gifts and commands the audience and the band. Her bird-like arms, complimenting her thin frame wave up quick and wildly as if holding a baton.    

 I’m totally enamored by her dress and tweet it live  #AutumnSoul “Wearing a FAB Frock to make Dianne Carroll do a double take!” Deborah would retweet this herself. Then, at one point of the energetic set, she dances RIGHT OUT OF HER SHOES.

Madam Palindrome did exactly what the title, performance and artist intended, forced you to move beyond your expectations. The French speaking flutist was a nice touch, and the band, Third Logic blends so much with the musical diva (she did one outfit change) as she changed the vibe of her set. If the performance is undoubtedly the case, the full album will be an eclectic mix of soul ballads, funk, and dance, which she did, literally, off stage to end her set and the Soul Suite. 

This event was like a night of bright starry lights and I’m so happy to have been a part of the. Organic Fusion’s Soul Suite #Autumn Soul was a fantastic musical experience for the “Columbus” day holiday, discovering something new, even if it is just new to me.

Hopefully, it’s no longer new to you. 

Make sure you check out the special guest photographer’s PhotoSET . There are some great pics that capture the night. Thanks to my friend, and photographer, Kenji Jasper. 

Each week, I’ll be bringing you more coverage and info on the featured artists from the #AutumnSoul Suite. Check back with Hell In A Handbag to dig deeper into this music.I’m holding myself to this schedule with the hopes that you’re anxiously awaiting:

October 30th for Interview Highlights with Shae Fiol

November 6th with Levi Stephens

November 13th with Deborah Bond