The Me’shell Ndegeocello concert last Friday at the New Parish was a great example of how satisfying a good cover can be in the hands of the right music ensemble. Me’shell Ndegeocello did a great set of Prince covers. The highlights included her versions of “Pop Life,” “Controversy,” and “Party Up.” While I would have loved to hear her do more from Purple Rain, her interpretations of key early hits were more than enough to make this an outstanding show.

The biggest surprise of the night, however, was the opening band, headed by singer and musician Martin Luther. Their set was amazing. Their Beatles covers were soulful and tight, and they threw in songs by The Police and U2 that had the whole crowd singing along.

About this drawing: Even though they were standing near the stage, in full view of the band, the men in this drawing never sang along to any of Martin Luther’s songs. It was hard to tell whether or not they were having fun at all, though they did clap energetically at the end of the set. They might have been saving all their enthusiasm for Me’shell, but I cannot say. I lost sight of them before she went onstage.

8-Rock