This show was one of those nights that keep that fire blazing of my music loving soul. Definitely the most touching act I’ve experienced since Xavier Rudd.

This show was the second night run in Chicago. The previous night’s show at the Subterranean, that I heard was an intense, freight train of a spectacle that featured Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey’s McGee. I feel that this show was more like a chill, magic carpet ride, with time to take in the view. Even Dan Sears, the trumpet player, remarked that they felt more open and free in their playing that night.

It started off with Chris Berry taking the stage for two solo acoustic songs where he could debut his signature mbira to this tiny, yet responsive crowd. It was so beautiful it honestly brought a tear to my eye. But, instead of keeping his act solo, it is taken over the top by this incredible band, Pangea, that truly is a blending of old-world cultural and music talent, but also leads us into the future of music as we know it. These pounding djembes and rhythmic drums, blasting trumpets, sizzling saxophone, and human voices are all things that we’ve heard before but not like this. I truly feel something new has been created here and a new musical vein has been tapped.

Each one of these musicians took turns influencing our movements and enticing our ears. Their love for each other and clarity of the musical communication that they shared was obvious, especially between Michael Kang and Berry and the rest of the band. But that didn’t stop on the stage, as the energy between the band and the fans was just as strong.

During “Love on the Mountain,” which I referenced in the first line of this review, Chris Berry came out to the dance floor and shook everyone’s hand. In my opinion a key song on the album, it sums up the mission of Berry. I Found Love on the Mountain and I’m tryen to bring it down to the streets/Love like a Fountain and I wanna give it to the people that I meet, which is exactly how I also feel about this music.

Throughout this whole night of conscious and uplifting lyrics, I felt the power of music directly. I felt the rhythms and beat flow into my body and dance themselves right out again, healing and renewing my soul.

This experience truly renewed my spirit and faith in music today.

--By Melissa Bruck