Song Spotlight: J Laconn's Church (Speaking In Tongues) (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

It was a fun night at Bar Lubitsch for the WFNM showcase night. The night included a backing band that played for the singers on the bill: keyboard, bass, drums. It allowed for rapid switch-overs from singer to singer and let everyone perform with a full band. Also, on specific tunes for each performer, Sean Kellz came up on stage to play the saxophone. 

J Laconn at Bar Lubitsch

The highlight of the night (for me) was the first artist up: J Laconn (Jerrell Laconn). His Spotify bio mentions that he came to Los Angeles via Mississippi. He writes about his R&B live sets, "thrives on meaningful crowd interaction, creating unforgettable moments with every performance."

J Laconn at Bar Lubitsch

That describes the set perfectly so I can testify that this isn't some over-exaggeration. If one hasn't seen him before (that included me), the first perception one might come away is that his set will be laid back. He came up on stage wearing a bucket hat, shorts, and t-shirt. Yet, his fanbase knew what to expect as the venue was packed. For his opening song, "Miss America," he went right out into the crowd, dancing and singing. He even got those sitting on the couches to dance in their seats. He then got the crowd clapping to the beats of "Outta My Head." His stage performance energized the crowd and when it comes to his mash-up "The Best" that blended in the cover song "Lovers and Friends" they became his full back-up choir. 

J Laconn at Bar Lubitsch

Yes, his stage performance gives you a jolt of energy, but that doesn't mean he won't get real with his audience. He mentioned that his song "Janene" was about being dumped, "Sometimes you've got to beg to get that girl back." He also mentioned that he suffers through periods of depression. His song "The Edge (Part Two)" deals with those moments in his life.    

The song spotlight goes to his final song of the night, "Church (Speaking In Tongues)." Before starting the song, he asked the crowd to come right up to the edge of the stage. The crowd followed his request without hesitation. "I really want to have church in here tonight," he told them. The song is about falling for a real "sexy baby." Off to church he must go in this gospel tune, but he's turning the Kirk Franklin tune on it's head. Does he need to take her to church or does he need to go to church to have some spiritual cleansing. The backing band ended the song and set with a church revival instrumental conclusion.    

J Laconn at Bar Lubitsch

Baby girl you know you looking good you got me saying hallelujah
Oh the spirit is moving in this place today baby

Setlist: Miss America, Outta My Head, See You, Lovers and Friends (Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, Usher, Ludacris cover) / The Best, Janene / Purple Rain (Prince cover), The Edge (Part Two), Better Days (Part Three), Church (Speaking In Tongues).