On a stormy winter night at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Nov. 26, Daniel Caesar warmed the souls of his crowd of concertgoers. He brought melodic and refreshing sounds to his 26th sold-out show on his tour for his newest album, Freudian.
The crowd was riddled with enthusiastic fans waiting to hear the smooth tracks Caesar was about to bring them.
Opening for Caesar was L.A. based singer/songwriter Snoh Aalegra. She wore a shimmering pink ensemble and soothed the crowd with soulful vocals, singing tracks off of her latest album, Feels. Although the crowd was not particularly familiar with Aalegra’s work, they were all impressed with her song style and continued to cheer and clap along throughout her performance.
Caesar, whose real name is Ashton Simmons, got his start in music back in 2014 with his critically acclaimed EP Praise Break.
The 22-year-old Toronto based singer arrived onto the stage with an all-white clad band and immediately started hypnotizing his eager crowd with his harrowing voice. Caesar’s unique sound has led him to success, selling out of almost every show listed on his tour.
Not only did he play songs off Freudian, but he sparked flames in long-time fans by playing songs off of his older EPs and some singles such as “Violet.”
The crowd was very engaged with Caesar’s performance, and he felt the energy as he climbed down from the stage and interacted with fans while performing songs like “Neu Roses (Transgressor’s Song).” The crowd then became very lively as fans took pictures and videos with and of the artist, getting up close and personal, which Caesar didn’t seem to mind.
Throughout the show, the atmosphere was relaxed while they listened intently, hanging onto each and every lyric. Due to the intimate vibe of many of Caesar’s tracks, as well as perhaps the intimate feel of the venue, many couples in the crowd could be seen embracing and singing along to one another during tracks like “Best Part” and “Transform.” The crowd’s energy sparked in excitement every time he played tracks off his newest LP, singing in unison. The show was closed with the romantic single, “Blessed.” After lively chants for an encore, he was enticed back to the stage to lead the night to an official close with his hit single “Get You,” which features Kali Uchis.
Judging by the roaring applause and standing ovation Caesar received at the end of the show, it is safe to say all those in attendance that night left the venue feeling pleased with their choice to come. Comments such as, “that was one of the best concerts I’ve been to in a while” could be heard as fans piled out of the venue. Overall, Daniel Caesar has proven himself to deliver as good on stage as he does on his recordings. Shows like his are not ones to be missed.
Photo by Jas Foong
