Live Review: N'fa Jones - Howler Bar

DJs M-Phazes and Flagrant warm us up with old school favourites from the likes of Biggie Smalls and Janet Jackson. Heads remain to nod to the hip hop beats as patrons cosy around the dimly lit tables. Clad in a bowler hat, N'fa Jones – tall, dark and striking – is noted strolling around chatting to patrons and friends throughout these DJ sets. Why doesn't he come over to us?

When it's Jones' time he performs from the DJ booth for the entirety of his set and his posse – attired in snapbacks and baggy tees – sit in the booth behind him. We move seats to get a better view. Jones' enthusiasm and charm is evident as he maintains a strong bop throughout his set. His long musical history and hip hop roots, from his 1200 Techniques frontman days, are quite apparent in songs such as Confidence and Live On, which maintain strong old-school swagger appeal.

However, Jones diversifies with songs such as Flying and Monsters Ballad from his latest Black + White Noise album that uses strong electronic and future beats without giving up Jones' trademark soul feel. His song Wayooy (ft Roots Manuva and M-Phazes) off Jones' Babylon EP utilises African tribal calls that supply a real dance-inducing feel. Proving he's no one-trick pony, Jones raps his verses and sings soulful melodies that help maintain a smooth set. He even throws in a few freestyle raps. Jones' diverse range could result in a disjointed listen, but song transitions are smooth and harmonious, and the set provides a constant groove for listeners.

There's some disappointment, however, when we don't hear Jones' latest single Money Better Come. But what we're left with overall is no disappointment. Sadly, the audience reception is dismal with only a couple of patrons really grooving to the music, the majority remaining seated at their tables to socialise. Those who were truly listening, however, were hooked.