Jill Scott@26 Years Tour

Oh, went to see Jill Scott Thursday at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. She was amazing! It was really "grown-soul storytelling" (to borrow a phrase from Tammy Moir). Scott talked about everything.

Of course, she had to catch us up on everything. It took a minute...but hey, we were not in a hurry. Folks had their drinks and snacks but were ready to jump up to wiggle and rock a bit. Hands were in the air waving the ASL sign for heart, which Scott sent back as she left the stage a final time.

The setting was her front porch: AS/IS on a couple stacked blocks. There was a yard sale: Toxic Relationships, Inner Child, a blouse. Her backup singers were Freemen—love it. They were very good.

Her first number was “Be Great,” which features Trombone Shorty on the recording. A trombonist was onstage. New Orleans, here we go, right! The next song, “Offdaback,” was about the ancestors. The accompanying videos were really powerful.

Her son came out on the rap/song “Norf Side”—Norf Philly. She also sang “BPOTY,” which features Too $hort on the album. The accompanying footage looked at a whole system preying on women and girls: false prophets—preachers and pimps—drugs, sexual exploitation, and political complicity.

Got out about 11 p.m. I drove.

The house-frame interior was red even when there was no porch. Was it Shango or maybe a bit of Oya in the house? There was no rain, but thunder? Oh yes!

The audience was right there with her on classics: “Gettin' in the Way,” “Cross My Mind” . . . (keep running, I thought)—“It’s Love.”

Loved the back and forth. Oakland can sang (smile). Our phones were locked up after we had our tickets checked, so everyone was present in body and mind.

My seat was centerstage: HH 112. My song was the encore: “Golden.” The bassist played a vagina-healing vamp. Coolness. It was a bit of 12-Step, Righteous Living. Let go of what hurts; pain never serves one's highest good. She talked about releasing excess baggage.

She did some cool erotic pieces mixed with lots of smack: one for the Nig-'ahs and Bi—ches, a blues tune performed at the Juke Joint called “Pay U On Tuesday,” “Gettin' in the Way,” “What I'm Feelin'.” She also talked about wanting better sex and about a new lover. They were learning how to play together. She said she was a virgin again (smile).

Songs like “Me 4” and “The Math,” both on the new album, speak to knowing one’s worth and the importance of self-validation.

She wore a really frilly, comfortable black dress. Lots of hat changes and shades—as in cool. She wore this really fluffy, feathery white coat for the song “He Loves Me,” where the sista showcased her vocal range . . . from Leontyne Price to Nina Simone. The women in the theatre and the ones I'd spoken to in the long line on Broadway were waiting for that one. I admit, I didn’t know it—now I am a new fan.

I met a mother and daughter in the line in front of me. The concert was a late birthday present and a complete surprise. The two had driven up from Sacramento for dinner.

The mom was beside herself. She had on a lovely red miniskirt and top highlighting her voluptuous gifts. In fact, they spilled over a couple times. We just laughed as she tucked them back in.

Everyone was excited. She bought a T-shirt. The vendor was reasonable.

Missed the opening act. I don't know what time the To Whom This May Concern set started, but it was way past 7:30. Perhaps it was 9 p.m.

I just people-watched. The woman in front of me had tiny gold Africa stud earrings. Quite lovely.

Folks dressed and came as they were. Scott was appreciative of the audience. She was home. We loved her presentation.

She had the lovers stand up and sing “Beautiful People” to each other. Another sweet moment. I'd forgotten my binoculars. I usually just zoom in with my camera. I also didn't have paper and pen. I just remembered, I did. I could have taken notes (smile).

Anyhoo, it's the 26th year of her career. Wow!