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On December 3, SCOOPE contributor Giorgio Airietja covered James Vickery’s Paradiso Amsterdam performance, attended at the invitation of the artist’s PR team. The evening unfolded as a 55‑minute display of Vickery’s signature mix of sensual R&B, playful experimentation, and heartfelt storytelling—a compact set that left the crowd both fulfilled and eager for more.
The evening opened with Like That, a track originally featuring BIA. Though the guest artist was absent, Vickery compensated with a sultry live arrangement. The drummer and bass elements, partly supported by tape, created a lush, seductive atmosphere that resonated strongly with couples in the crowd. A distinctive microphone effect added a vocoder‑like low vocal layer, which the audience clearly appreciated, setting the tone for an intimate yet innovative night.
As the lights shifted to deep blue and smoke filled the stage, Vickery shed his jacket and revealed another side of his artistry. The Reason showcased not only his vocal depth but also his impressive guitar skills. This slow jam seamlessly transitioned into a different beat, surprising the audience and reinforcing his reputation as a versatile performer.
Introducing ILU as “eye‑contact lovemaking music,” Vickery leaned fully into the sensuality of his repertoire. The track’s intimacy was palpable, drawing the audience closer into his world of soulful vulnerability.
After the slow jams, Vickery lifted the mood with You Comfort Me. Originally featuring Earthgang, the track’s upbeat energy translated into a feel‑good moment for the crowd. Vickery filled in Earthgang’s verse with confidence and added unexpected dance moves, which delighted the audience and showcased his playful stage presence.
Before unveiling his tender take on Aerosmith’s classic Dont wanna miss a thing, Vickery light‑heartedly asked the crowd if they were familiar with the band—a playful moment that set the stage for his reinterpretation. He explained that while he rarely performs covers, this song held personal significance. Stripped of its rock bombast, his version relied on alternative arrangements and no heavy beat, creating a tender reinterpretation that the crowd warmly embraced.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came with You and I, a song Vickery wrote for his best friend and his wife’s first dance at their wedding. Delivered with sincerity, the track added a layer of emotional depth to the set, reminding the audience of the personal stories behind his music.
The finale carried a bittersweet note. Vickery revealed that due to label restrictions, Fall in Your Arms would no longer be performed — making this rendition a special farewell. The song’s emotional weight and soaring delivery provided a fitting conclusion to the night.
Though the show lasted only 50 to 55 minutes — shortened further by a late start — James Vickery’s Paradiso performance was a concentrated burst of artistry. From sensual R&B to playful dance moves, from intimate dedications to bold reinterpretations, he offered a multifaceted glimpse into his musical world. The audience may have wished for more, but what they received was a carefully curated journey through Vickery’s evolving artistry — one that balanced intimacy, innovation, and emotional resonance.
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