J Music: Bridget Kelly at S.O.B.s

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Bridget Kelly has been featured on my blog several times this year as she works toward the release of her debut album.  If you’re not familiar with Bridget, she’s a new artist signed to Roc Nation.  You most likely know her as “the girl who stands in for Alicia Keys on ‘Empire State of Mind.’”  I am hoping by the end of 2013, she will be known primarily for her solo endeavors.

Bridget’s new single “Special Delivery” was most recently featured on my blog. Bridget would close her set with the song, but it was far from the only highlight of the night.

When I first listened to Bridget’s EP Every Girl, I was a bit shocked by how aggressive many of the tracks were in contrast to the more mellow “Special Delivery” and “Thinking About You.” After seeing Bridget in an intimate setting, however, I get it. Her fiesty, yet gentle-hearted demeanor was reflected throughout her performance and in her music.

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“I’m not mad, a little scorned” – Bridget Kelly

Set List 

  • Empire State of Mind 
  • In the Morning
I loved the live performance of “In The Morning” even more than the subdued vocals on the original track. 
  • Seek and Destroy
  • Thinking About You
  • Say Yes
  • Ex-Factor
  • White Lies
  • Stay (Ft. Ro Johnson)
  • Special Delivery

Download Bridget Kelly’s EP Every Girl here.

Check out Bridget’s website here.

See my post about “Special Delivery” here.

P.S. Bridget just recieved her commemorative plaque as she serve as a writer on Kelly Clarkson’s smash record “Stronger” — Congrats Bridget!

J Music: Ro James at S.O.B.s

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Another great night at S.O.B.s! Ronnie “Ro” James opened up the night with a short set that included a cover of “Creep,” by Radiohead, and his original tracks “Neon” and “Pledge Allegiance.” Although Ro had trouble hearing himself in the monitors, he did his best to work through the technical difficulties and put on a good performance for the crowd.

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A New York native (amongst other infuences), Ro was dressed in a Fedora hat and leather overalls with two sleeves of tattoos and a gleaming gold tooth. I was a bit thrown off by Ro’s appearance —in a good way (I think).  His demeanor, dress, and direct lyrics seemed to contrast his smooth, sensual tone. I was curious to learn what influenced his image and sound.

Find “Introducing Ro James” below.

Check out Ro’s website here.