Who does Michael Kiwanuka sound like?

[Julian]

Maybe marginal for DAK but hopefully this might make the cut…

I was out with friends tonight who don’t really follow popular music but they know that I do and that I’m glued to the TV coverage every Glastonbury weekend. They asked me for my highlights (kind of them but pointless since they will never have heard of anyone I mention) and Michael Kiwanuka was one I mentioned (pole position in my opinion). They asked me who he sounded like - from their frame of reference relative to only famous people from the 1970s or earlier - and I really couldn’t come up with anyone. That might be down to my teenager-in-the-1970s restricted knowledge so I’d be interested to hear if anyone can suggest a credible answer.

[servodude]

Maybe marginal for DAK but hopefully this might make the cut…

I was out with friends tonight who don’t really follow popular music but they know that I do and that I’m glued to the TV coverage every Glastonbury weekend. They asked me for my highlights (kind of them but pointless since they will never have heard of anyone I mention) and Michael Kiwanuka was one I mentioned (pole position in my opinion). They asked me who he sounded like - from their frame of reference relative to only famous people from the 1970s or earlier - and I really couldn’t come up with anyone. That might be down to my teenager-in-the-1970s restricted knowledge so I’d be interested to hear if anyone can suggest a credible answer.

I haven't seen his Glastonbury set (I'll see what I can dig up following the review you've given it).
but on what I've heard previously he sounds a bit as though someone had got Otis Redding to sing with the Bad Seeds (OK they formed in '83 but I can't think of any group directly comparable from earlier times ) when they are were in one of their gospel moods (harmonically quite traditional but with an interesting take on the production)
...or Terry Callier in his more progressive days ?

but I'd file it under folk/soul with a gospel edge

EDIT: I think i mispelt every second word above!

[bungeejumper]

I'd never heard of him, but he's pretty good. He uses the high registers a lot, which I don't remember Otis Redding doing unless he was really wailing. Very fine voice control and intonation at all pitches, as far as I can see. Definitely a bit bluesy.

Okay, go on and laugh at me. Bill Withers, circa 1971?

BJ

[GoSeigen]

but I'd file it under folk/soul with a gospel edge

The vocals certainly, but to me the music itself sounds very much in the White/Western/British four-on-the floor rock/pop/ballad tradition. If you're hoping for blues, soul or motown or any significant African influence it'll be disappointing.

EDIT: I think i mispelt every second word above!

The VB must be flowing!


GS