Tom Misch first gained recognition making beats on SoundCloud – creating songs by himself in a London studio. Nowadays, he is selling out shows all over North America, backed by a seven-piece band beneath a giant disco ball.
After a DJ set from Montreal’s own Voyage Funktastique, Misch walked on stage accompanied by haunting violin sounds and immediately kicked things off with the title track of his Yussef Dayes album collaboration, “What Kinda Music.” Sporting a white t-shirt, baggy pants, and Converse, we were invited into a casually curated jazz-funk jam session under an ambient light show.
There were low murmurs in the crowd during the slowed-down songs before the more recognizable hits like “Losing My Way” and “Disco Yes” earned screams of enthusiasm.
He brought out collaborator Joel Culpepper for “Money,” who proceeded to take off his shirt and dance around the stage while Tom stayed put behind his instruments.
Mixing in old songs and new, the set was built to feature impressive musical moments from lengthy guitar solos, skillful piano playing, and saxophone riffs that stole the show. His voice echoed throughout MTelus as bright lights ricocheted off the disco ball. “Movie” was a standout as the young fanbase swayed back and forth with lovers and friends, comforted by his smooth vocals.
Tom Misch closed things out with long-time pleasers “Lost In Paris’ under red, blue, and white lights and finally said goodbye with “South of the River” as people started to make their way out of the venue on September’s first chilly night.
Misch and his band have proved to be seasoned touring professionals with the same type of setlist, occasionally throwing in improvised key changes with little to no banter between songs. They showed up for the music and the music only.
Set List
- What Kinda Music
- It Runs Through Me
- Losing My Way
- Falling for You
- I Wish
- Nightrider
- Never Too Much / What’s The Use?
- Disco Yes
- Money
- Better Days
- Movie
- Water Baby / Crazy Dream
- Tidal Wave
- Lost In Paris
- South of the River
Review & Photos – Ryley Remedios
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