Charlie Wilson takes Essence Festival to church with a little old school and a little new school R&B

If there's one thing Charlie Wilson knows how to do, it's entertain a crowd. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome was rocking for another of Wilson's return performances at Essence Festival this year, and he continues to defy the odds and prove that he's just as relatable to the new school as the old.

Wilson spent the majority of his career as the lead vocalist with R&B and funk group The Gap Band and recently accepted the 2013 BET Lifetime Achievement Award, but he's hardly out of touch with today's young listeners. Wilson has been featured on various tracks through the years, including Mystikal's "Ghetto Fabulous," and he put in serious time on Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and more recently, "Yeezus."

There was a touch of old school class in Wilson's band: two keytars, a backup vocalist, a saxophone, drums, and four dancing women. And it wouldn't be old school unless they all had at least one costume change, right?

Wilson opened by calling everyone aboard the soul train, taking Essence Festival right on into The Gap Band's 1982 hit "Early in the Morning," but they didn't stay in the 80s for long. Wilson introduced "My Baby" from this year's "Love, Charlie" and last year's "My Love Is All I Have."

Wilson took his first quick change during "Burn Rubber," but Wilson's disappearance was matched by a magnetic sax solo. The saxophonist took the liberty Wilson's momentary exit allowed, stretching his legs and using the length of the stage, albeit earning it.

Wilson reappeared alongside his similarly dressed backup dancers in light-up, Crayola-colored zoot suits.

"I just got a BET Lifetime Achievement Award? And how do I look?" Wilson asked, to cheers from the crowd.

The dancers handled a few more costume changes, appearing alongside Wilson for "I Think I'm in Love," "Charlie, Last Name Wilson" and "Turn Off the Lights." Again, during "There Goes My Baby," the sax carried the weight of Wilson quick change, and the R&B crooner reappeared in classy a white tux with black trim. A lucite piano soon appeared beside him onstage.

"I must be the most blessed guy in the world. Every time I ask God for something, he gives it right to me," Wilson said. "I want to thank him in person, in front of thousands of people."

Wilson sang his praise in the gospel tune, "If I Believe," and soon got even more personal with the crowd.

"I was lead singer of The Gap Band for 18 years. I went from rags to riches, then riches to rags ? because I was an alcoholic and a crack-cocaine addict," Wilson said. "I found somebody bigger than me who picked me up and put my feet on solid ground. ? We're about to have a bit of church up in here!"

Wilson jumped into "Outstanding" before indulging in a bit more audience interaction.

"I'm old school," Wilson said, "and I'm new school."

Source: http://www.nola.com/essencefest/index.ssf/2013/07/charlie_wilson_takes_essence_f.html

nit championship transcendentalism bells palsy channel 5 news uc berkeley harrison barnes brett ratner