Returned “I love you’s” from Koreans in the attendance could be heard from the second floor, while local stars Big Bang and Insooni were also spotted among the throng. Though she stayed away from new material from her upcoming album this year, the classic selection of tracks offered just the right amount of nostalgia and modern MJB.Ī cry of “I love you” and “I see you, thank you” inspired roars of appreciation from the crowd. Philosophically-geared inspirational messages marked the singer’s chit chat, echoing the theme of the tour: “Sometimes we gotta go in,” “News flash: we already made it.” “Family Affair,” “Just Fine” and “I Am” proved crowd pleasers as Blige went on a roll of hits, before some more audience interaction integrated with the sporadic “gamsahamnida” (thank you). While foreigners peppered the domestic crowd, providing the majority of the singing call-backs and supportive hand waves, halfway into the concert most of the sit-down audience stood up to dance - by its finale, the entirety of the first floor raved for the queen of hip hop, all self-consciousness forgotten, hands swaying shamelessly in the air.
Though a misbalance in the sound mix of high and low frequencies lent toward muddled instrumentals, Blige cut through the ringing din - filling the theater with her pure voice.Ī soulful train of songs, including “Reminisce,” was accompanied by her smooth dancing skills before breaking down the stage with the pique song “Good Woman Down.” The performer shook, jumped and shimmied in perfect motion, spurring the crowd to rise in an emotional fervor. Though she just turned 40 last week, the legendary performer seemed enthusiastic three months into her worldwide tour - her voice timeless.Ī clean combination of cut-and-paste segues saw verses from “I’m the Only Woman” and “I Luv U,” buttressed by Blige’s three background singers, three keyboardists, a guitarist, bassist and talented drummer. “It’s so good to be here, the welcome is so warm,” Blige greeted the rustling audience, along with a fair “annyeong-haseyo” (hello). Her knee-high, high-heeled boots added even more stature to her presence, as she roamed the stage gracefully.
“MVP” kicked off the concert, following an introduction that saw a sparkling black body-suited Blige enter the stage to a neon-lit standing microphone.
#MARY J BLIGE BE WITHOUT YOU MIX TORRENT TORRENT#
Blige rocked the house in her debut performance here Sunday, at Kyung Hee University’s Grand Peace Palace, northern Seoul.Īs part of the Asian leg of her five-continent “Music Saved My Life” tour, Blige presented a passionate torrent of rhythmic hits, luring in the shy Korean audience with her enthusiasm and undisputed skills over a 90-minute set. Blige performs in her first Korean concert at Grand Peace Palace, northern Seoul, Sunday.