Review: Raphael Saadiq at UCLA's Jazz/ Reggae Fest

Photo Credit: Nican Robinson

There's nothing quite like sitting in the grass amidst a sea of beautiful people, delicious food, and dope art as good music washes over you with the afternoon sun. Thankfully, UCLA's Jazz/Reggae Fest supplies this setting year after year in a student-run two day festival that highlights a dope array of jazz, R&B, soul, hip-hop and reggae acts.

This year's line-up featured notable artists such as Nas & Damian Marley, Q-Tip, Barrington Levy, Bilal, Foreign Exchange and of course Oakland's own Raphael Saadiq. We would have made the trek anyway, but Ray Ray always sweetens the pot. The hope was to score an interview with him, but festivals aren't exactly conducive for randomly intercepting someone who is flanked by security at all times.

Nonetheless, we caught a great set that included material from his most recent album and on back to his Tony! Toni! Tone! days. His set was cut 45 minutes short due to Q-Tip's lengthy set time constraints, but he wowed many regardless. Having seen him before, I've had time to reflect on what a showman he is, and am continuously impressed. He works the crowd, woos the ladies, sings, dances, showcases his stellar band, and airs out a catalog about as deep as Mary Poppins' carpet bag.

We shot the first full number of his set, "100 Yard Dash," featuring some horn work that would make Tower of Power proud. If you've never seen the music video, check that out too.