FOTOBOM: ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO @ SANDERS THEATRE

I gotta admit that having the title of “Jazz Master in Residence” would look pretty cool on a LinkedIn profile, especially if that residency has the prestigious mailing address of Harvard Square. Of course, when you have three Grammy Awards in your possession, it comes with the terrority. Angélique Kidjo has been making some pretty amazing music for a while now, but I have to admit I was unaware of it until I heard about her forth-coming reinterpretation of Talking Heads’ ground-breaking record Remain In Light. The record’s not out until June, but you can hear “Born Under Punches” now via Spotify. Though she’s been playing some of that material in live shows from last year, tonight would be devoted to covers from other musicians, along with a few of her own songs. Two different ensembles consisting of Harvard students did a more than admirable job of backing her up, but her vocals were the true star, a pure, very human voice that lent new perspectives to well-worn classics by Sam Cooke, George Gershwin and Bob Marley. The rousing “Afirika” saw Kidjo move from the stage and connect directly with the rapturous, dancing audience, a great way to cap an ecstatic night of music.

Photos from the show: