Live Review: Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires, Saskwatch

It's the second-last show of this year's Melbourne Zoo Twilights program and a sea of people have already staked a claim to prime real estate closest to the stage when Saskwatch arrive. The group is on the cusp of releasing their second LP Nose Dive, which will feature the restrained-yet-lovely Born To Break Your Heart, a number that is delivered just as confidently as older material. Vocalist Nkechi Anele is as effervescent as ever, a striking display of lengthy braided hair and animated hip shaking.

One may as well be at a James Brown concert the way Charles Bradley's set commences. Up-tempo beats drive horns and guitars, courtesy of backing band The Extraordinaires, in anticipation of the man of the hour's arrival. After the band quietens enough to allow for some quality spruiking by hirsute and dapper organist Mike Deller, Bradley graces the stage, beaming with gratitude. The funk starts to flow and quavering horns bring in Love Bug Blues, Bradley punching it out with more wailing abandon than on the recording. “We aim to please YOU”, Bradley enthuses, with husky voice. Funk now switches to soul balladry, the bittersweet Crying In The Chapel getting Bradley's eyes a-watering. From here, the band shifts straight into The World (Is Going Up In Flames) without pause, giving the crowd plenty of reasons to bust a solid groove.

“I'm gonna try and give you what you came here for,” Bradley emotes, ushering in the heartfelt Lovin' You, Baby. It's during this number that his dance moves take a walk on the comical side, a finger moving (sexily?) from mouth to nipple region. Entertainment-wise, Bradley's trumpeter gives him a run for his money, however, dancing with about as much style as a slender man should legally possess during You Put The Flame On It. Unwittingly countering this, Bradley's pelvic thrusts result in his belt's shock retirement; this precipitates his exit from the stage, the band now enjoying some spotlight.

Bradley's return brings with it the heavy funk of Confusion, punctuated by some tasty horn stabs and guitar solo work. Closing the set with an extended Why Is It So Hard, Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires exit the stage having made it look oh so easy.