Son Little keeps it cool during Free At Noon on a scorching Philly Friday
Philadelphia’s own Son Little, real name Aaron Earl Livingston, popped by WXPN on a sweltering Friday for Free At Noon, where he delivered his signature brand of smooth and cool R&B and soul.
Son Little | Photo by Max Bennett
Son Little dropped his latest album in late March, and before he hits the road to support Cityfolk, he came by WXPN to play Free At Noon.
The Philly-by-way-of Los Angeles guitar slinger performed songs new and old by himself to a crowd that was happy to get a break from the heat.
He went right into the album’s lead track “Rabbit,” and his guitar tone was like butter, rich and smooth, and his voice powerful and heavy with emotion.
Continuing with new songs, he went to “It’s Your World,” which had his guitar work creating contrast by playing airy notes on the high strings followed by bassy low-end chords.
In speaking about his latest release, he joked the feeling of “new” lasts about 48 hours, but assured the audience he is already working on a new album.
He played “In Orbit” next and said the song is inspired by how touring can often feel like being in outer space. Time doesn’t matter while touring, he said, and being in different time zones from others can feel like you’re lightyears away.
All that, he said, can lead to some “bad behavior,” which served as a perfect segue to “Be Better,” also from the new record, which includes some truly groovy rhythms toward its close.
“Whip The Wind” was up next and also featured some tight grooves that had the crowd swaying in time.
Son Little talked about busking around Philly years ago and said he was unable to wrangle his full band for Friday’s show. Worry not though, he ensured the audience the full outfit will be onstage for his June 26 show at Johnny Brenda’s.
Up next was his most popular song on Spotify, “Mad About You” from 2017’s New Magic. Son Little was playing some deftly finger picked chords accented by trilling fret work and a lovely chord turnaround as he transitioned to sections.
He jumped to 2020 and played “neve give up” from aloha before ending his set with “about her. again.” from the same album. As he ended the song and the performance, Son Little was strumming his guitar with more ferocity, making it growl more than any other song Friday.
