Saadiq charms with sweet soul

March 21, 2009|Sarah Rodman, Globe Staff

For one night, Raphael Saadiq fans got a sense of what it's like to be inside the R&B singer-songwriter-producer's head.

As his 90-minute Paradise performance demonstrated, Saadiq's brainpan is a place where synchronized dance moves and vintage soul music are all you need to get by. Where, just like on his Grammy-nominated 2008 album "The Way I See It," the spirit never half-steps, the mood only slows in order to bring your baby a little bit closer, and if love isn't true it's blue in the most soothing way. It's a pretty great place. And a comforting one given what's going on outside Saadiq's head.

Rocking a yellow suit and a smoky falsetto, Saadiq delivered the sweet sweep of "Love That Girl," the Prince-ly funk of "La La," a medley of smooth ballads from his Tony! Toni! Tone! days, and a warped, Funkadelicized take on "Still Ray"

The tireless frontman may have been the main attraction, but his nattily attired band more than pulled its weight, especially backup singer Erika Jerry. The diminutive firecracker stepped up for several duet spots - covering ably for Joss Stone on "Just One Kiss" - and was a true scene-stealer, vocally and visually.

The show could have benefited from some trimming: a few less slow jams strung together here, a little less extended vamping there, more pitch control everywhere. But the overwhelming sense of good will smoothed over those spots, especially for anyone in the grip of a few drinks or a dance partner.

Saadiq protégés Tha Boogie opened with a lively set of electro-soul and cheery chants.