Raphael Saadiq, Jamila Woods, DJ Duggz
When it comes to the subject of soul royalty, it’s a goddamn shame that the name of Raphael Saadiq isn’t a regular topic of conversation. Born in Oakland, Saadiq was brought up on gospel and his musical prowess landed him gigs with Prince, Shiela E., and eventually his most famous collaboration, as a member of New Jack Swing godfathers Tony! Toni! Toné! (“If I Had No Loot,” “Feels Good”). His solo career, in which he explores vintage soul stylings, was marked by two great albums: 2008’s The Way I See It and 2011’s Stone Rollin’. He’s spent the ensuing years touring and producing for the likes of Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg, piling up co-writing credits with Solange and D’Angelo, and is hitting the road again promoting his latest album, 2019’s Jimmy Lee. And with a career like his, which shows no sign of stopping, it’s little wonder Saadiq is treated with such reverence. (Thurs Feb 27, 8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $35-175, all ages) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Miguel Zenón Quartet
Saxophonist Miguel Zenón is poised for another great evolutionary leap in his art. His discography is filled with a smoothed out, easy-to-swallow sound that delves into his Puerto Rican heritage, like his most recent album Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera, which finds him exploring the work of the late composer and salsa singer. But recent performances by Zenón and his quartet have been explosive. It’s all prodded to greater heights by his rhythm section—drummer Henry Cole and bassist Hans Glawischnig playing fast and loose—and sax solos that peel back the layers of modal jazz to reveal its hot, molten core. (Thurs Feb 27, 7:30 pm, PSU’s Lincoln Recital Hall, $15-25, all ages) ROBERT HAM
Rapsody, Sa-Roc, Heather Victoria, DJ OG-One
Rapsody has really been getting her flowers in the last couple years, gaining lots of respect throughout the industry. The MC’s latest album Eve deserves every bit of shine. Its 16 tracks are all named after Black women icons and pioneers—which, [SIGH] are we not going to talk about the fact that Jamila Woods used a remarkably similar model for 2019’s LEGACY! LEGACY!, which dropped just three months before Rapsody’s album? No? Okay. (What’s even more coincidental: Jamila Woods is also playing in Portland this same night, opening for Raphael Saadiq just across Burnside at the Crystal Ballroom.) Regardless, Rapsody’s Eve is still excellent: It’s all conscious, womanist rhymes over soul production, and prestigious collaborations galore; highlights include the single “Ibtihaj,” featuring D’Angelo and GZA, “Afeni” featuring PJ Morton, and “Hatshepsut” featuring the incomparable Queen Latifah, who totally fucking raps about Living Single! Unfortunately, I don’t think Queen Latifah is coming to this show, but, in addition to seeing Rapsody’s undeniable rap prowess live, you can count on a thrilling opening set from hip-hop artist/goddess Sa-Roc. (Thurs Feb 27, 9 pm, Star Theater, $20-69) JENNI MOORE
