Concert Review: JMSN Shines at The Masquerade

The Masquerade is known for holding some of the best concerts here in Atlanta. Located on 695 North Avenue, the mid-sized venue has three main stages. On Saturday night, Christian Berishaj better known as JMSN (Jameson) lit the stage up with music from his third album release on May 6, 2016, It Is. JMSN’s venue set up included a bar, a crystal ball, a section for fans to buy his personal merchandise, and of course several stage lights.

One of TUC’s leading photographers, Jesse and I were led backstage where we met JMSN. The interview had started before he hit the stage at 12:30 a.m. JMSN was dressed in a white and red bomber jacket, blue jeans, and sneakers. Jesse and I entered the room and greeted the multi-talented artist. Shortly after, TUC Magazine CEO/Founder Antonio Godfrey entered the room, and the interview began.

I asked JMSN several questions about his life and music career. He was extremely blunt during the interview but as a journalist, I must admit I appreciated his honesty. After the interview was over, we took a couple of pictures for the magazine then Jesse, Antonio, and I left the backstage room so the star of the show could finish rehearsing. We mingled around the venue, chatted with other photographers, and grabbed a few drinks. By that time fans started to enter the place. They bought JMSN’s merchandise and grabbed a few drinks as well before the show started.

The lights began to dim, and a woman dressed in a long trench coat and flat top beekeeper hat walked on stage. The songstress introduced herself as Tiffany Gouche. Tiffany is from Inglewood, California. As the opening act for JMSN, she performed her new EP “Pillow Talk” which the crowd seemed to love very much. The lights changed from a dark red to a light blue while the crystal ball in the middle of the stage kept turning. This gave a romantic vibe across the venue as lovers swayed back and forward listening to the soulful music. Tiffany’s DJ, DJ Hour Glass kept the crowd entertained before she came on set playing old school rap music from artists such as Tupac Shakur and Outkast. Tiffany played songs such as “Can I” and “The Deepest” off her EP. She performed for about an hour then it was time for JMSN to dominate the crowd.

Soon, smoke came behind the stage curtains, and JSMN’s band took the stage. JMSN followed right behind his band a couple of minutes later. The audience went insane as the sound of drums, pianos, and guitars filled the air. Music began playing and JMSN salsa to the sound of his musical creations. By this time, the venue was fully packed with hardly any place to stand or sit. JMSN had complete control over the crowd due to his powerhouse vocals, ability to play instruments, and dance. He even pulled out his tambourine not missing a beat to the music. I was intrigued by his smoothness. JMSN made performing look so natural. Christian’s (JMSN) band was in sync with him which showed me that they put a lot of time into rehearsing. Not one note was missed while he performed. JMSN would stop in between each song to talk to the crowd and let them know he appreciated them coming out to see him play. He performed “Most of All”, “Hypnotized”, “Addicted”, and several other songs from the album. JMSN’s audience was so diverse which proves that his music appeals to all races and genders.

A jazz and soulful night it was at the wonderful Masquerade. JMSN is the epitome of a real musician. This isn’t much of a surprise seeing that the Michigan native is already signed to a label, White Room Records. Fans are anticipating more from the vocalist but for now, they can enjoy music from It Is which can be purchase on Itunes, Spotify, and Iamjmsn.com.