Moses Sumney performs live at The Roots Jam 2016.
Moses Sumney performs live at The Roots Jam 2016.
Moses Sumney joined The Roots at the 10th annual Roots Jam Sessions in LA to deliver a rendition of Floetry's "Say Yes" like none other.
Known for his unique vocal stylings and ethereal musical sound, rising star Moses Sumney brought the heat for his performance at the 10th annual Roots Jam Sessions in LA. As a super exclusive pre-Grammys event series, the sessions bring out some of the best voices in music, and Night Two was definitely one of those nights. Although the evening was comprised mostly of female voices, there was one male voice that made time stop, and that was the voice of Moses Sumney. As his career has been bubbling over the past year, what with a co-sign from Solange Knowles and sharing the bill with Blood Orange at Okayplayer's own Summer Stage concert, he could have easily performed one of his own tunes, but instead, he went for the cover route.
The Californian by way of Ghana dressed plainly in all black with cool locks perched on the top of his head like a crown, put on an impassioned performance of Floetry's sultry hit, "Say Yes." Floetry songs are notoriously, incredibly difficult to cover as Marsha Ambrosious's stellar vocals have little competition, but Sumney proved that he is a vocal force to be reckoned with. Deciding against singing the verses and sticking strictly to the chorus, his tone was angelic, switching octaves with ease and performing virtuosic runs as if he was born to. The Roots backed Moses up with their own, jazzier rendition of the tune, captivating the audience with every second their version paired with Moses' voice.
Looking around the room, there were people swaying to the beat, looking on in awe, cheering, smiling, and generally having a great time. There was so much soul in his performance, and it was felt throughout the space. Watch Moses Sumney's performance of "Say Yes" with The Roots below and stay tuned as we have more videos to come of George Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, and Bilal!
[Video Content Removed By Request]
Videographers: Jake Remington + Lance Steagall (Collabo!)
Editor: Jake Remington (Collabo!)
Producer: Ginny Suss
