D’Angelo and The Vanguard

Apollo, Manchester

Black Messiah is an album that tries to make sense amidst chaos. While the bulk of the album explores potent socio-political themes (“All we wanted was a chance to talk / ‘Stead we only got outlined in chalk,” goes an often-quoted line in The Charade), the overarching narrative is one of a search for leadership – some force to pluck you from the air of malaise and shake you into a sense of heightened consciousness.

When D’Angelo takes centre stage tonight, his singular sound comes to life just like it did on Brown Sugar in 1995. The recording of Minister Louis Farrakhan gives way to the downbeat sermonising of Prayer, with the beat always hobbling a few steps behind the vocal, just like it does on record.

  • © Clare Sarson

Unlike the sporadic festival appearances D’Angelo has made over the last few years, this show with the recently assembled Vanguard feels necessary and vital. The meandering bass-lick of Sugah Daddy is executed flawlessly by Pino Palladino, Questlove’s beat-dragging drumming on Chicken Grease is replicated immaculately by drummer John Blackwell. Jesse Johnson brings through the urgency and pandemonium of The Charade on guitar and a backing vocal section led by Kendra Foster performs the sensual croons of steamy pillow-talk anthems like Lady and Untitled (How Does It Feel). One of D’Angelo’s greatest triumphs here is his role as bandleader, constantly interacting with the musicians, gesturing how many final stabs they should bring in for the crescendo and bringing a live jam feel to a set of complex and intricate songs.

  • © Clare Sarson

Much like his hero Prince, D’Angelo has clearly rehearsed his current band to absolute perfection. Unlike Prince, however, D’Angelo doesn’t feel like a distant enigma. There’s no smoke and mirrors – his presence is felt. He’s there – gospel in hand – channelling the ecclesiastical leadership of his preacher father alongside the libido-fuelled showmanship of his heroes. As his extended live version Untitled begins to wrap up, the Vanguard leave the stage one by one. D’Angelo then takes to the keys and showcases his unparalleled vocal. A sole apostle trying to find truth in the disarray, ready – finally – to resume writing his own chapter in the history books.