The Swinging sounds of legend

You know you've got the almost better deal when an artist delivers a live set sounding like he does on his albums.

When John Legend performed on the penultimate night of the jazz festival on Thursday, his fans got the real deal. And then some - he gave a stellar performance, his deep chocolaty voice sounding slightly deeper than expected and packing a more powerful punch.

Dressed in his trademark black pants, jacket and tie, offset with a white shirt, Legend sauntered on stage in shiny black trainers, clutching a mike a black gloved hands, his eyes hidden behind old school shades.

He'd ditch the sunglasses after a few songs, striking a pose. Looking stage right, arms outstretched he basked in the appreciative high pitched screams.

The confidence with which he accepts this could in a lesser artist be interpreted as arrogance, yet Legend's on-stage persona is tinged with a cockiness that stems from the knowledge of the effect he has on his fans, especially the female contingent. He seems to be singing to each of them individually, serenading them with his songs of love that clearly make them swoon.

As Legend launched into up-tempo songs, a group converted the grass banks into a dance floor, free styling as hit followed hit. The fans were treated to Legend's full repertoire, with couples leaning into each other for his slower numbers.

- Eduan Maggo

Multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning recording artist John Legend.

Jonathan Butler and Dave Koz join forces.

Fans sing along with the stars at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

A guitarist for the Dave Koz Band.

Jonathan Butler.

photos by vazhisojan

Dave Koz.