Cultural, political, spiritual: Sacramento shows are a homecoming of sorts for Karega Bailey, an emcee who previously lived in town and then spent many years teaching in Washington, D.C. And while he recently relocated to Oakland with his wife, Bailey still manages to get around the country touring. On Sunday he brought his amazing Sol Development troupe to Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub.
For the uninitiated, Bailey’s hip-hop fare is steeped heavily in cultural and highly spiritual beliefs with topics that include accountability and humility as well as unnecessary police aggression, seasonal depression and much more. Unlike other emcees who seem to have a limited vocabulary or a band to provide emotive musical swells, Bailey knows how to use his countless years of education—he was also a teacher at a public charter school—with great effect.
Bailey was in particularly good spirits and brought out more than 100 people—no small feat for a show booked less than two weeks beforehand. Then again, as he roamed the stage, it was wholly evident he likely knew at least 99 percent of those in attendance.
After a short intermission, Bailey returned with his band for a more somber and faith-based set. The night culminated in a group circle including nearly everyone in the entire club.
Aided by a rotating cast of wonderful female background singers, a small horn section, guitar, bass, keys, violin and live deejay, Bailey’s set showcased a band ready for anything.
Bravo.
(SN&R)