Okay, UCLARadio.com, do not lose faith in me.  I see you, raising your eyebrows and scratching your heads.  Honestly, I did the same thing when I decided to go to this show.  But this concert proved to me that just because something has the ‘Jonas Brother’ sticker on it, doesn’t mean its not good.  Upon arriving at the Wiltern, I was a tad nervous.  The venue was pretty crowded with pre-teen and high school teenage girls (some who even dressed up for the show).  But, after finding our seats, my friend and I relaxed while singing along to Stevie Wonder, Kings of Leon, and Prince (there was a pretty cool playlist going on throughout the venue).  After waiting and people watching for a while, the lights went down and the opening act walked onto the stage.  It was at that moment I questioned why I didn’t have any earplugs to reduce the screams.  But the performances by the opener and the main act both surprised me – in a good way.  Read the rest of the review and see the photos after the jump!

Diane Birch

At a concert where the name ‘Jonas’ was incorporated, I did not expect this band.  I was expecting something along the lines of Taylor Swift and instead I got a bluesy yet more upbeat version of Norah Jones.  The leading lady, Diane Birch, and her all-man band definitely set the mood for the type of vibe this show was going in.  For most of her set, she played at her piano and crooned sweet vocals that crossed country, blues, and folk sounds.  Some of the songs had that upbeat, Mardi Gras feel, while others were slow and sultry blues tunes.  The crowd – surprisingly – seemed to take to her well.  Some of them even seemed to know the lyrics to her more poppy tunes.  (Let’s hope that some of them start exploring a better side of music as a result of this)  While most of the songs she played had religious undertones, it wasn’t distracting from her overall performance.  She seemed to be very comfortable on the stage and played along with her crowd nicely.  Her band played along with her strongly, really driving the band home.
Really good set from Diane Birch and her all-man band, overall.  I cannot overstate how surprised I was from the sound of the band.  Check out her music here.

Nick Jonas and the Administration

After the lights went dim, and I lost my sense of hearing for a few seconds, Nick Jonas came out on the stage.  While my ears were still recovering from the screams of pre-teen and teenage girls, he launched into his first song.  And, once again, I was shocked.  For those of you who don’t know, Nick Jonas’ back up band -The Administration – is actually the band that plays with Prince.  Yes, Prince.  So, naturally, his songs definitely had a more soul and funk sound.  These songs don’t sound like your typical Jonas Brother hits.  Nick seems to aim at a more mature audience with this project, singing about bittersweet relationships and choosing more soul/blues/funk sounds.  He is definitely under the Prince influence.  The lead guitarist, in particular, ripped it up.  Seriously, his solos were amazing.  I’m not sure how the crowd reacted to this, but I was blown away.  Nick’s Jo-Bro vocals exceeded their usual, poppy limits when he sang songs like “Stay” – another performance where my eardrums were damaged after Nick Jonas ripped off his button down (there was a shirt under, thank goodness. no fainting girls).  The Jonas did give ode to his brothers – who he mentioned were at the event – when he played some Jonas Brother songs.  Which songs, I’m not sure, but it was evident because the crowd sang along with every word.  (The songs from the Nick Jonas and the Administration cd had yet to be released)  He also sang some cover songs to get some crowd participation – “Use Somebody”, “Fireflies”, and “You Belong With Me.”  But, to bring the show to a whooping close, the Jonas brought out his fellow brothers (and my eardrums still ring at the thought) to sing a Jo Bro song.
Nick Jonas’ solo project works to prove that the brother isn’t just Disney hits and purity rings.  He’s capable of singing soulful, bluesy, and funky songs.  He’s making music that’s not just for the hyperactive, teeny crowds.  During his set, I remember thinking ‘woah, I think my grandma would like the sound of this.’  I’d go as far as to say that this style is definitely a vein he should stay in.  He could do exponentially well.

Photos

-Aria

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