Erykah Badu. House of Blues. April 28

In the realm of the neo-soul there are many players who continue to mine this fertile musical field but there are few who can be said to explode the genre if not leave it entirely behind (only to return on occasion). Erykah Badu burst on the scene 20 years ago and was instantly a star/diva (watch the video of her hosting the 2015 Soul Train award for confirmation that this is STILL true) with her debut album "Baduizm." The past two decades have seen her move through all forms of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and even performance art. Her performance at the House of Blues on Friday was all of this and more.

Ms. Badu took the stage in a floor length coat (and hat) constructed of the flags of many nations. A political sign maybe? Or perhaps just an indication of her music's ability to bring lots of different people together? Regardless of the visual implications she looked fantastic: like a robed priestess of music here to take us all away. And that she did.

Over the course of two hours Erykah Badu took the entire House Of Blues (filled to capacity of course because -- Badu!) on a journey across her career and it was a trip that I'd do again and again. While she hasn't done a full tour in quite some time she was clearly in her element. She owned the stage and the audience. Backed by an extensive band, some of whom are also part of the Cannabinoids (her "other" band), Badu kicked the show off with a lengthy jam that had the room moving until she took the stage and blew up the crowd. A couple of the many highlights was her intensely fun cover of the Snoop Dogg song "Ain't No Fun (If The Homies Can't Have None)" and, of course, her anthem "Tyrone," a song that the entire room was clearly waiting for. The show was an exercise in peace and love with Badu using her music to take us to another level.

Returning to the stage for an extended encore she did an amazing rendition of "Bag Lady" while walking through the crowd. As if she hadn't touched us enough with her music? Her tour isn't very long and as she's not promoting a new album this is a chance to be in the presence of Ms. Badu and see her go deep into her catalog. It is well worth a trip. The journey is amazing.