Floetry broke up after their 2005 sophomore album, Flo’Ology. The group recorded two studio albums, one live album and sold over 1.5 million records worldwide. Formed in 1997, Floetry started on the performance poetry stage. They officially parted ways in 2007, embarking on separate solo careers. Unclear why the duo split up, the tight lipped, hip-hop spiked, neo-soul act, singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius (The Songstress) and emcee-songwriter Natalie Stewart (The Floacist) seemed as if they never missed a beat this past Tuesday night in downtown Nashville. The sold out showcase was as smooth and soulful as it was breathtaking. The live band added yet another level of perfection. The style and sweetness of the venue also provided a calm soothing element to the intimacy anticipated.
Late 2014, Stewart reunited with Ambrosius during Ambrosius’ concert, performing ‘Floetic’ at The Clapham Grand in London. In February of this year, Stewart confirmed, that the duo would be touring in 2015. A little less than two months past on May 16, Floetry reunited and performed their first show in nine years. Of course, it was only right that the Floetry reunion tour take a date in Music City. Even on this gloomy, wet and rainy night, this city’s vibe was in party mode.
There was a sense of euphoria and camaraderie among the gleeful, excited and most courteous fans. The British pair even took its drop-dead harmonies, bass-boom hip-hop beats and whispered, spoken-word passages up several notches during their respective performances.
Lots of laughter poured out from fans. Marsha, in particular, displayed ample humor and sassiness in between sets, keeping her fans closely engaged. She even made reference to the Tennessee Titans. New and old Nashvillians alike were an extension of the duo, singing along all night. Of course they performed mostly all of their hits, including the classic ‘Say Yes.’
The magic was still there as the harmonious duo brilliantly played off of each other’s strengths.
Floetry’s main formula includes Ambrosius singing behind Stewart’s poems delivered in a rap-like cadence; or Stewart providing spoken breaks to Ambrosius’ often impressive wailing. This was definitely intact throughout the show.
Many have said, that Natalie and Marsha take the sweetness of early Janet Jackson, the sophisticated cool of Sade and the street vibe of Mary J. Blige’s debut and it all swirls together for, Floetry!
