Mac Ayres in Berlin

Mac Ayres, the self-taught singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Long Island, known for his unique blend of soul, r&b, jazz, and hip-hop, is currently on a solo tour. It’s just him and a piano. And it’s a perfect showcase to highlight his songwriting prowess. Alas, Berlin didn’t show up for last night’s concert at Lido in Kreuzberg. Just as they didn’t show up recently for the great Zacchae’us Paul concert at Quasimodo. Many of the 50 people or so rather filmed themselves for their social media accounts or whatever. There was one woman right in the front row who actually recorded herself during the entire show. Wtf? But there were people who seemingly enjoyed the concert, too, thank heaven. And there was so much to enjoy: Mac’s truly soulful singing, the many tracks he played from his really brilliant album “Juicebox” (2019), the stories he told in between songs, his jazzy piano playing all added up to an exciting hour of music.

He also threw in some songs from his other albums and a couple of cover versions. It was a great opportunity to check out his discography which includes “Drive Slow” (2017), “Something To Feel” (2018), “Juicebox” (2019), “Comfortable Enough” (2023), and the most recent and excellent “Cloudy” (2024), which has just been released on double vinyl too. I bet there are many more interesting things to come from him.

10/05 Milan – Blue Note
11/04 San Francisco – Great American Music Hall
11/05 Vancouver – Hollywood Theatre
11/09 Napa – Blue Note
11/10 Ventura – Ventura Music Hall
11/12 Atlanta – Terminal West
11/14 Charlotte – The Underground
11/15 Washington – Miracle Theatre
11/18 Minneapolis – Dakota Jazz Club
11/20 Dallas – The Kessler Theatre