ELI “PAPERBOY” REED, 100 CLUB LONDON, 13TH JANUARY.
Eli “Paperboy” Reed is all about soul. Not the faux, glossy soul that abounds in today’s charts though. No, the Bostonian embodies the gritty, tear-your-heart-out soul of the ‘60s. The kind of soul that intrinsically makes you want to clench your fists tight. Shake your head in appreciation. Move.
The 100 Club in Central London is the perfect venue to host Reed’s intimate, yet energetic brand of music then. Dimly lit in a warm red and packed from side to side with an expectant crowd of all ages, “Paperboy’s” seven-piece band promptly starts jamming. It’s more energetic than expected, and once the dapper multi-instrumentalist bounds on stage dressed in a fitted suit, shirt and tie and unleashes that voice, it’s evident that live, Eli “Paperboy” Reed is something else.
Reed has understandably been compared to the likes of Sam Cooke, Otis Reading and Wilson Pickett. What you don’t notice on his records, is that when performing live, Reed sounds incredibly like James Brown. Not just a little bit like James Brown. Exactly like James Brown. When he talks to the crowd, when he half sings, half screeches those powerful notes, even down to the hit – pause – hit – pause – flourish, perfectly co-ordinated with his always on-point band. It’s astonishing.
Showcasing mostly songs from his forthcoming album, as well as some oldies but goldies, Reed is as natural and charismatic as a performer could be. “This is one we composed,” he says of ‘Just Like Me’ from the new album. “Composed… Like we know what we’re doing!” he quips with raised eyebrows and a smile. It’s this carefree attitude that makes him so engaging, so likeable. Coupled with a relentless, explosive set filled with nothing but pure passion, this man is surely one to keep both eyes on.
Words: Ian Hsieh
Photography by Tim Ferguson
