Who is Jeremy Bixby? I had no clue, but it caught my eye at the merchandise table after I climbed up the stairs at White Oak Music Hall. The venue sprawling in nature, inside and out, but this room was for Fat Tony and Friends. Low lights welcomed you into the room, a mix of Ska and Techno mash up booming in the cozy setting. But who is Jeremy?
The evening’s opening act was Peyton, a high register vocalist that has been working with Fat Tony on his recent tour, her tone reminded me of Minnie Ripperton. Peyton came out to a crowd that was ready to enjoy themselves. As she worked the small but growing crowd of about 40 ppl, the expanding congregation was treated to light hearted banter after each single, as Fat Tony played DJ and hype-man for the Neo-Soul songstress.
After being coaxed into a performing one more song, Peyton brought back Superwoman. The revelers didn’t mind the repeat, they just wanted a little bit more. The song, laced with light steel pan riffs, kept the Houston crowd in good spirits.
Edmonton’s own and fast-paced rhyme spitter, Cadence Weapon, informed the crowd the he wants to be Prime Minister of Canada, after his professional rap career of course. His latest project, Parallel World, earned the 2021 Polaris Music Prize. The award goes to an artist chosen by a team of journalist and broadcasters in Canada. Real name Rollie Pemberton, curated a tracklist that covered not only the political landscape of his country, but called for “changes in leadership.”
With songs like “On me”, “Eye to Eye” and “Play no Games” Pemberton’s theme of social justice and astute observations, combined with an 80’s synth vibe, seemed to merge seamlessly with Cadence’s calls for a mosh pit. Throughout the performance Cadence’s stage presence was frenetic as he struggled to describe a dystopian present but try to save something in the tank to save the world, after rap of course.
With this being Cadence Weapon’s fifth studio outing Cadence Weapon pondered on if we are making ourselves and our personal information too available? Weapon said he plans to return to Houston as he closed with “Night Service” a self described “ravey tune”, produced by Jacques Greene that was definitely well received as the song made a connection between religion and Montreal’s nightlife.
Nigerian Born Fat Tony cherished being on the stage October 13th. Tony’s latest album were recorded in Kingston, Jamaica the south side rapper revealed, produced with the help of “GldnEye”, the two musicians came up with “Exotica”. Fat Tony aka Anthony Lawson Obi for short story raps captured the crowd who already had their songs picked out. “Special Girl started the night,a whispery contribution again produced by GldnEye, was a good connection with those in attendance. As couples swayed to the synths and high hats, Fat Tony effortlessy transitioned to “Gambling Man. “Putting it on the line” was the horn infused anthem “I’m a Gambling Man” main topic. Tony informed the crowd with his lyrics that this song goes out to the ones that bet and lose and come back for more. The only thing missing was the Mariachi band for the remix! Then finally, an explanation to Jeremy Bixby that ended up being a sad tale, I don’t want to spoil the song for anyone, but the refrain is about the pressure we put on ourselves.
For most of the show Fat Tony delivered the features of the “Exotica” album to the small masses delight. “Je Ne Said Quoi” and Feeling Groovy amped up the show unexpectedly. FT also brought out his “valet” Champagne for a Morris Day vibe. After big upping Houston and members of the crowd, Fat Tony attempted to co-op the stage with Candance Weapon to end the show with a bang but unfortunately fizzled out due to a series of speaker malfunctions that left the crowd unsatisfied.
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