Amel Larrieux and Daughter Sky Sing to a Sold Out Crowd at the Conga Room

It had been a long while since I last heard of Amel Larrieux. You must probably feel the same way or even ask Amel who? But unless you are one of thousands of loyal fans you might not quickly remember Amel Larrieux was a hit in the 1990s when she surfaced on the neo jazz scene with her beautiful voice that needs no instrument to render it rhythm. Larrieux was the lead act in the group Grove Theory with Bryce Wilson of Mantronix. Their early 90s hits include "keep tryin'" and "baby luv."

On July 24^th I was at The Conga Room in downtown Los Angeles for a concert by Amel Larrieux. The Conga Room is located in the heart of entertainment center of downtown right by the Staples Center, the Nokia Theatre, and LA Live. Perfect place to relax and have a good time.

Prior to Amel Larrieux taking the stage, concert attendees relaxed and unwind at two corner bars located right in the corners of the concert room. DJ Kadejia warmed up the atmosphere with hits from the 90's pop and neo jazz artists. Tunes from Mary J Blige, Maxwell, and others blasted from the speakers as attendees sipped cocktail drinks and awaited the arrival of Amel Larrieux

As soon as she entered the stage, there was instant standing ovation and applaud as Larrieux warmly greeted the fans. She sang such numbers as "For Real" from her 2004 Bravebird album. The tune is a classic neo soul, reminiscent of Jill Scott. Others include "Get Up," "Trouble,"

Performing as back-up singer were Amel Larrieux daughter Sky Larrieux who is 15 years old and is a splitting image of her mother both vocally and in appearance.

We were serenaded with hits from her albums. She told the story of how she met her husband Laru Larrieux all as she sings. The woman can really sing! She reminds me of Beyonce in some ways.

And her daughter, what a gem! Her voice at 15 years old is incredibly strong like her mother's. When her mother introduced her through singing of course, she responded telling her story through how else- singing. She sang that " I learned everything I know from my mama" and the audience went wild. You could feel the strong bond between mother and daughter right there. It was beautiful, it was incredible.

In between songs, Amel Larrieux got the audience involved by having different sections sing certain tune, all to a beautiful harmonious performance. We were singing along and loving it!

As the night ended, I thought this woman is the most gracious soul to be performing. She kept thanking the audience, blowing kisses at us and saying "thank you for letting me do what I love to do!" I really felt her sincere gratitude.

I love Amel Larrieux's music for their uplifting lyrics, for the hope and positive outlook she reveals about love, life and family.

To hear some of her latest songs go online at http://new.music.yahoo.com/amel-larrieux.

Her latest songs are also available for downloads on Itunes and other online music outlets. You can watch some of her music videos at www.youtube.com