LITT MAGAZINE

How you like your sauce?

I like mine Alexander O'Neal style-served spicy at the Dakota on the Nicolette mall, in Minneapolis.
Whether you like your R&B slick, sticky and saucy-or juicy and greazy-there's one entertainer that can do it ALL, and he's always crisp...

On one already stormy July night, longtime soul soldier, Alexander O'Neal slammed into Minneapolis' Dakota nightclub like a hurricane. The storm outside couldn't compete with storm that took place inside.
Not only did O'Neal stoke the embers of music past, but unveiled his latest musical incarnation ; 5 Questions: The New Journey.
We could do an in depth analysis of O’Neal’s body of work from 1985-2005 and/or simply sing 3 or 4 O'Neal songs from each decade-the histrionics in O’Neal’s case aren't necessary....but PLEASE, allow me; Does the song "Fake" ring a bell? How about "Criticize"-maybe "Innocent"....

The prodigal son returned to Minneapolis and entertained the entertainers. An electric crowd of Twin Cities' musical personae, as well as music lovers at large, were upfront and on time for O'Neal's 120 minute show. O'Neal burst on the stage like a bull from Pamplona. It was clear from the start that O'Neal and his cherry picked band, were stoked, tuned, and ready ignite.
A smooth, but solid surface of keyboard sound was adroitly, and unselfishly, finessed by master keyboard veterans Brad Martin and Todd Burrell, along with "baby" keyboard master Kevin Gastonguay. The tri of keys provided a seamless flow-with enough "give" to allow the multi layers of Charles Hayes' bass (guitar) and the sexy playfulness of George Parrish's guitar to shine brilliantly, without dominating. The bands dynamo engine was fueled by an unbridled Pancho Lopez on drums. Lopez' drums were so hot after the set.... ALMOST had to call the fire department.
O'Neal and company were ready and willing to play all night-but there are city ordinances ya' kno' ...you betcha!

Photos: Billy Briggs