Eric Roberson and Algebra add it up

Sound guys are wack.

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OK, maybe not all sound guys are wack, but whoever worked the audio at EarthLink Live the night of Oct. 13 is, without a doubt, wick-wick wack.

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From malfunctioning microphones to loud, continuous waves of annoying feedback, the sound quality at the Eric Roberson and Algebra show was just shitty.

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Despite the numerous technical difficulties, the show went on, and Roberson, once again, lived up to his reputation as a solid live performer. He presented a long set of songs culled from his early CDs (The Vault, The Vault 1.5 and The Esoteric Movement) and from his latest release, The Appetizer. His portion of the show was a bit ballad-heavy — even for an underground sex symbol such as Roberson — but, fortunately, he made sure to pepper the proceedings with extended versions of upbeat bangers like “Don’t Change For Me.” Yes, Roberson put on a good show, but honestly, it was his opening act — hometown heroine Algebra — who managed to shine the brightest.

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A soul singer who cut her teeth in metro Atlanta clubs, Algebra hasn’t performed around town much in the last year. The time away from the local spotlight, however, hasn’t diminished her formidable stage skills. Her opening number, “Nothing to Prove,” exploded like a shock-and-awe salvo. Her diverse set quickly moved from her own self-styled new-soul sounds to a Motown and gospel-flavored jam session. The band then seamlessly morphed into a medley of Southern hip-hop-tinged cuts, complete with Algebra singing the hook of Young Jeezy’s “Soul Survivor.”

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Though many “neo-soul” artists are content to sing from behind their acoustic guitars, Algebra pranced around the stage in low-cut jeans and a knit cap, occasionally breaking into a trendy dance move or two. In between steps, she confidently conducted her energetic (and mega-talented) team of musicians, which is no easy task. Tons of artists are quick to jump on stage with a huge band, only to be overpowered by their own “side men.” Algebra, luckily, is in full control of her phenomenal band and commands them to compliment, not compete with, her musical mission.