Concert Review: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Theater at Ace Hotel

Photo: Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram (James Ehrenclou)

By Martine Ehrenclou

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram torched the packed Theater at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on Friday, May 13^th with his phenomenal talents as a contemporary bluesman and beyond. Ingram surpassed all expectations and proved he is a true superstar.

It’s one thing to listen to Christone’s 2022 Grammy-winning Alligator Records album ‘662’ and his previous Grammy-nominated debut, but to see him live is something else entirely.

Seated in the visually dramatic, gothic movie palace from the 1920s, energy and excitement permeated the venue. The crowd was in a party mood, enthusiastic and loud.

Vocalist and songwriter Brittney Spencer opened the show, one of the brightest new voices in pop and country. She and her four-piece band primed the audience with entertaining originals and a powerful cover of “It’s A Man’s World.”

Thirty minutes later, the lights dimmed and Christone’s band kicked off the set with “She Calls Me Kingfish” with Ingram’s sinewy guitar riffs heard from behind the scenes. The band consisted of bassist Paul Rogers, drummer Chris Black and keyboardist D-Vibes. As Christone appeared and strode across the stage playing his Telecaster, the audience jumped to their feet and shouted in praise. The opening song set the tone for a rip-roaring night of killer songs, guitar and vocals performed by an artist who had us all in the palm of his hand.

There’s more to Christone “Kingfish” Ingram than being a virtuosic guitar player, stunning vocalist and memorable songwriter. Seeing him live, you’ll get it right away. Confident and masterful on stage, he gives in to the spirit of his music, completely in sync with every note. You can’t take your eyes off him. They call that magnetism, but it sure seems magical to me.

After a stomping blues workout on “Fresh Out”, Ingram launched into the moody jam with groove “Another Life Goes By”, showcasing his baritone vocals. What a voice. In a state of pure bliss, Christone played a guitar solo with a jazz vibe and chord changes reminiscent of George Benson.

Photo: Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram (James Ehrenclou)

The crowd was entranced by Kingfish, his incendiary guitar riffs eliciting shouts and whistles from the many guitar players in attendance. The spotlight found him, not the other way around, the mark of a true master at work. At 23 years old, he has been called a phenom, the future of the blues, and the defining blues voice of his generation. From Clarksdale, Mississippi, he’s earned nine Blues Music Awards, including Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year and Best Guitarist, as well as the aforementioned Grammy Award.

“Empty Promises” by Michael “Iron Man” Burks saw Christone working his magic on this slow blues tune, his head tilted back, eyes closed, playing his Les Paul from an otherworldly place. A song of heartbreak, his soulfulness was authentic, real, and raw. And the audience responded in kind.

Influenced by Hendrix, Prince and many of the blues greats, Kingfish showed his funky side with “Too Young To Remember.” Strutting from the stage and into the audience on the floor while playing guitar, all eyes were on him. The crowd was so thick, it was hard to see him at times but heard him you did as he made his way to the balcony. From soft and sweet notes to ferocious riffing, Christone merged into “Your Time Is Gonna Come”, a slow blues that extended into an all-out jam, his fierce soloing taking charge of the night. More shouts erupted from the crowd as they leaned forward with cell phones high in the air to capture his performance.

Minutes later, Kingfish stood alone on stage without the band, acoustic guitar in hand. “You’re Already Gone” was a feast, a contemporary R&B number with a jazzy feel. The room was nearly silent as he performed, the crowd riveted. In the middle of his solo, a guy shouted from the balcony, “That is beautiful!” Which it was.

By the time Ingram’s band returned to the stage and performed the blockbuster “662,” it appeared that he could go on like this all night. You can’t buy that kind of legitimacy and talent. High-energy blues at its best. And then came the night’s closer, “Hey Joe.” Most were standing at this point, bunched at the stage. Christone delivered. Big time. You could hear the Hendrix influence, but more of his own innovative style, so innate and natural you’d swear he was put on this earth to play and sing the blues.

For more information about Christone “Kingfish” Ingram see his website Here.