Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

Critic's Pick: Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Aug. 3, 2011

You gotta hand it to hometown girl Jill Scott: She has always had a knack for taking her brothas and sistas back to simpler, better times. Her progressive-soul, vocal stylings have most likely made many listeners remember the good ol’ days of Minnie Riperton and Roberta Flack. Now, she embarks on a tour to promote her latest album, The Light of the Sun. But, of course, much like Scott’s music, the show will have more of a nostalgic, old-school feel. Known as “Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party,” the bill also includes old-soul crooner Anthony Hamilton, 90’s quiet-storm radio mainstays Mint Condition, DJ Jazzy Jeff as the house DJ and Doug E. Fresh emceeing it all. Hell, the tour itself is a Budweiser Superfest presentation. Don’t tell us we’re the only ones who remember when this King of Beers-sponsored package tour would come around every summer back in the ’80s, promising such R&B acts as Kool & the Gang or Freddie Jackson or Evelyn “Champagne” King on its bill. Oh, those were the days. Thankfully, our girl Scott is bringing them back. (Craig D. Lindsey) 

Sat., Aug. 6, 7pm. With Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, DJ Jazzy Jeff + Doug E. Fresh. $65.75-$150.75. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J. 856.365.1300. livenation.com 