Self-indulgent, personal and intimate; this is how Samm Henshaw described his recent show in The Sunflower Lounge, all of which rang true from the moment his set began. Although there was no live band present, Henshaw’s show was far from lacking. His set was defined by conversation, from conversations surrounding faith and identity, imagined conversations with past lovers, to conversations with the audience. Offering the choice between “story and song”,
Henshaw took his time with his set, holding his most popular songs under a microscope with his in-depth synopses. The backstory to “East Detroit” was equally as heart wrenching as the vulnerable lyrics, entailing where the mind often wanders post-breakup. In uniquely allowing the audience to choose which song he played next, Henshaw had the audience enwrapped in an unpredictable show. A special bond exists between this artist and his fans, with music that clearly meants a lot to him tethering him to the crowd through is sheer relatability.
As a first-time listener, Samm’s retro R&B sound reminded me of Daniel Ceasar’s 2017 album “Freudian”, a record that truly defined my teen years. Frank Ocean’s seminal “Blonde” also parallels Henshaw’s sound in its deeply self-reflective nature. “For Someone Somewhere Who Isn’t Us”, Henshaw’s latest release, is a listening experience for everyone, showcasing his talent with an alternative, soul-inspired edge. He is certainly an artist to keep your eye on.