Three days before Daniel Caesar’s show at The New Parish in Oakland, I went to Jacob Banks at The Independent in San Francisco. Banks was the first show that ever brought me to tears, so I had high expectations for Caesar.
I got to The New Parish thirty minutes after doors opened to make sure I got a good spot for Caesar’s opener, Snoh Aalegra. It was extremely sold out, as in prices on StubHub were going for $200, so I probably should’ve got there earlier. By the time I did, the place was packed, but eventually I found a view of her from just behind the soundcheck. Not only does she have a voice, but she knew how to use it, especially live. Like Jacob Banks, she can get a crowd going, but Caesar has something more with his crowd. They were working with him.
When I heard all this hoopla about Daniel Caesar, I didn’t understand why Jacob Banks wasn’t getting the same. After hearing Caesar live, I do now. Caesar’s lyrics are more accessible. It’s pleasant to sing, even for the worst of us singers. And once your brain gets it stuck up in your head, all you wanna do is sing it with Caesar. Something most of his audience did. Something I don’t think most of the audience for Jacob Banks could pull off.
Daniel Caesar with Snoh Aalegra tracklist
Daniel Caesar – We Find Love
Snoh Aalegra – Nothing Burns Like The Cold feat. Vince Staples
Daniel Caesar – Get You (feat. Kali Uchis)
Snoh Aalegra – Sometimes feat. Logic
Daniel Caesar – Japanese Denim
Snoh Aalegra – In Your River
Daniel Caesar – Paradise (ft. BADBADNOTGOOD & Sean Leon)
Snoh Aalegra – FEELS
Snoh Aalegra – Bad Things ft. Killer Mike (Official Remix)
Snoh Aalegra – Under The Influence
Snoh Aalegra – TIME
Snoh Aalegra – All I Have (Intro)
