All was quiet in the Carl J. Murphy Arts Center in Baltimore. The stage, set in a flowing, soft layout, exuded the feel of an old 1940's nightclub, which was complete with a smoky, dressed atmosphere. A video image laced on a black curtain began to play, displaying the music video, “Find Your Way (Back In My Life)”. The audience watched in intensity as the images shifted from scene to scene, building anticipation for what was to come. As the video playback winded down to its conclusion, the mood shifted.
One by one, the band stepped on to the stage. Each member of the six-piece set was given their own time to shine, moving to their own groove of their instruments, exuding their own distinct melody. From piece to piece, the individuals grouped into a whole and an orchestrated song was born. It was then that a spotlight hit a white curtain, illuminating the shadow of a man. Slowly, the figure twisted and turned; swaying to the rhythm of each beat and note. In timed measured, the curtain started to rise, revealing the man of the hour, KEM. As if floating KEM descended a flight of white stairs, bringing his own illuminating presence down to the audience. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored, black pinstripe suit accompanied with a tasteful pink vest.
KEM’s time had begun as he started the show off with the cool succinct sounds of “I’m Missing Your Love” from his second CD, “Kem CD II”. His strong voice filled The Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center with beautiful tones of colorful noise; a chorus of delicious ear candy. The band was absolutely dynamite. Each member in KEM’s band could firmly stand out on it's own, and sound even more brilliant once put together. The skill level was flooring to the mind and pleasurable to the ears. This was not your average band, nor your average singer.
The Baltimore audience received KEM well on his first cut, applauding loudly with approval. KEM gave all of himself to the crowd. He mesmerized the crowd, all while keeping his cool undertones. KEM successfully drew you into his world with his superior mixture of R&B, Jazz, Soul, and even variations of Scat. His tremendous voice shook every wall of the venue. KEM has an extremely wide range when it comes to his vocals. His innate ability to hit notes induced noticeable shivers through the audience. It is no surprise that he comes off as truly a master at his game. The vocalist, writer, producer, and composer, controls his craft with seasoned maturity that is unmatched in his area. He continued the concert with blazing melodies from his “Kemistry CD”, “Matter of Time” “I’M Missing Your Love”, and of course his hit songs “Love Calls” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You”.
KEM is a man with a tremendous gift, a gift that gives him leeway to command yet his gentle soul calls to his amazing likeability. At this show, he humbly and gracefully shared his life story to the audience, making public his trials and tribulations, that unlike the rest of the world, made light of a dark period in his past. KEM had abused substances, shoplifted, committed petty crimes, and even was kicked out of his mother’s home. Even with help from friends, it seemed that nothing would change his downward spiral. However, it was through KEM’s own spiritual awakening that gave him the understanding that the path he was walking down would ultimately lead him to death.
One night on a trip to a liquor store he managed to steal a bottle. Consumed with depression and a swirl of emotions, he drank himself into a stupor, passing out in the store bathroom. He was found hours later, and rushed to a hospital with severe alcohol poisoning. When he awoke he found himself in the hospital which was a scare of a lifetime. The ordeal sent the necessary shockwaves to disrupt his destructive behavior and rock him to his core. His eyes were opened to a new path towards life and to the long process that he had to embark upon before he could be rid of the demons that taunted him.
He would go on a spiritual journey, his music being his vehicle. The healing process had begun and it was up to him to maintain and struggle in positive progress until he was clear in mind, body, and spirit.
In time KEM developed his skills of music and his craft, leading to this night where he tells the story of his downfall and subsequent rise towards greatness. KEM feels it necessary to share this highly personal, yet reflective information on the turns his life took with all of his audiences as inspiration. He wants to prove that it’s never too late to change your life and travel in a direction conducive towards an uplifting goal. KEM certainly proved it during the show when, as response to his candid tell-all, the audience gave him a standing ovation. His love and appreciation for renewed life flowed through his beautiful ballads; the message of his words serving as ministry to hold on to faith and to put God first in your life. Instead of stealing items for greed, now he steals hearts for love of his sincerity. Instead of drinking spirits, his own spirit drinks in the nature of the melody and the energy of the audience.
KEM is more than beautiful, his will and strength is outright amazing. The studio-worked CD sound doesn’t give KEM justice. KEM and his band give a live performance to absolutely die for. The artist KEM not only talks the talk regarding drugs and alcohol but he walks the walk by supporting various organizations such as Music Cares, and the Detroit Rescue Mission.
For those that seek to immerse themselves in the pleasure of immeasurable music, with a truly hardworking and humble human being whose life's joy is simply to tantalize your heart and mind with his music, a truly awesome time awaits you. If you are able to attend one of KEM’s concerts you are in for more than just entertainment; but truly, simply--an awakening experience.
