I must admit that I had fallen victim to the winter blahs opting more times than not to play the hermit; to remain home tucked ever so snuggly under the covers. What lured me out from under? Another quality entertainment experience promoted by Make It Happen Entertainment, the event Midnight Music series at Iridium on the bill Rogiérs (pronounced Ro-Ghe-ay). I was already familiar with Rogiérs as a featured vocalist on records by other artists, Platinum Pied Pipers “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” (“Triple P”, 2005) and Soul Cycle “Simply Beautiful” (“Mosaic”, 2009). My first onstage exposure to Rogiérs came via a Marvin Gaye tribute show courtesy of InJoy Enterprises and Make It Happen Entertainment. Rogiérs tackled and impressively delivered Gaye’s “Save the Children”. That evening’s musical experience was beyond entertaining so I was excited to attend his Iridium set.
Fast forward to a wintery day in New York, Rogiérs performance at Iridium marks his return to a New York City stage after touring the globe as keyboardist and singer with Alicia Keys. Rogiérs development as an artist is quite evident the moment he takes the stage, poised, quietly confident, rich vocals. Accompanied by a four piece band and two supporting vocalists we the audience was treated to a seven song set showcasing work from his first full album “Life And Music: All of It” (2008) with a few extra treats thrown in. Starting out with the declarative ode “My Gift” and closing with the mellow sophisticated “Come Into My World”. Rogiérs also debuted new track “The Handler” from his forthcoming release. “The Handler” has a thick lush bass-line it made me think of cheesecake. Not limiting himself solely to the mic Rogiérs tickled the ivories for the song “You’ll Live”.
At show’s end I couldn’t help but purchase some music and I’m not mad at all. Rogiérs “Life And Music: All of It” is a well-produced first effort, I mean the intro “Opening Explanation” will get your head bopping. Another treat is the appearance of two of my favorite artists Bilal and Robert Glasper both lending their talents as supporting vocalist and as producer. Standout cuts are: “Hollywood Story” both versions, “Come Into My World”, “Dust”, “My Gift” both versions, “The Walls”. Take the time and explore the life and music of Rogiérs.
