Going back to an era when music made you feel like you were living the main-character dream. Often coined the “soundtrack to romance,” R&B has defined much of our budding sense of love and blurred notions of intimacy. Under the influence of a hip-hop, funk, and intrepid pop blend, the smooth style of music found its way to the top of the charts thanks to Usher‘s undeniable charisma.
Beyond its sensual melodies and evocative desires, R&B rests on a well-crafted euphony – defined by those signature soulful voices that glide through smooth grooves and floor-filling bangers. With a deep voice and melodies that can only be described as silky smooth, Del Hartley will bring these familiar sounds to life, stripped down to their emotional core. No flashing lights, just the raw essence of the genre, reminding us of its true potential; something the Toronto-based singer and his band will channel in an intimate Candlelight performance.
Candlelight: Kings of R&B: Usher, Chris Brown, and More ft Del Hartley
Often described as a “magical night out,” Candlelight has been keeping audiences on their toes with intimate performances of public favorites. This time, the experience arrives in Ottawa with a handpicked selection of R&B’s most quintessential selection. Think Usher’s “Caught Up” and “I Need a Girl,” or Chris Brown’s sultry “Residuals” and the iconic “Take You Down.” We’re not talking average here, it’s a matter of royalty; these are the kings of R&B featuring in a Candlelight show. And unlike the usual string quartet format, this one is brought to the stage with a live band.
Surrounded by Candlelight’s signature glowing sea, this intimate evening finds its way into The Gladstone Theatre. Finding comfort in the nostalgic melodies and enduring rhythm of a genre that shaped generations, expect the soulful arrangements not only from the catalogs of Usher and Chris Brown, but also tributes to their peers – artists like LOON, Ne Yo, and Tyrese – all brought to life in one wondrous performance right here in Ottawa.
Truth be told, Ne Yo may be sick of love songs, but after a Candlelight rendition, you just might disagree. Let the show take you down memory lane to the late ’90s and early 2000s – when phones were carved from brick and CDs were your one-way ticket to discovering your own emotional congruence.
As Candlelight: Kings of R&B lands in Ottawa, the realization will settle in for you too, because some eras never really fade. There are usually two showings scheduled at The Gladstone Theatre to meet the demand, the first starting at 6:30 p.m. and the second at 8:30 p.m. So pick the time that suits your style, and come join the show.