Feature: Shuggie Otis. Sweet Like Sugar.

by | Feb 28, 2016

A Shuggie Otis feature, Sweet like Sugar.

Shuggie Otis Portrait (Simon Jay Price)

Shuggie Otis Portrait (Simon Jay Price)

It was a chilly Sunday night in North London and my thoughts probably should have been focused on the working week ahead. Fortunately instead I was surrounded by the rouge walls and pendent chandeliers of Camden’s historic KOKO, about to watch one of music’s most celebrated enigmas – the effortlessly cool Shuggie Otis.

There was heady anticipation in the air, and quite rightly so. Singer-songwriter-musician Otis will be releasing a brand new solo album this year, his first since 1974’s classic Inspiration Information, and his comeback European tour should make the music world stand up and pay attention once again.

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Born Johnny Alexander Veliotes Jr., the son of renowned bandleader and musician Johnny Otis, he began his incredible career at the tender age of fifteen, playing as a session guitarist alongside Al Kooper and releasing his first solo album Here Comes Shuggie Otis in 1970 on Epic Records. B.B. King called him his “favorite new guitarist” and he has performed and collaborated with a wide range of respected artists including sessions with Frank Zappa, Etta James and Richard Berry.  

The expansive Freedom Flight in 1971 was a great success and spawned notable tracks such as Strawberry Letter 23 (later a huge hit for The Brothers Johnson) and Sweet Thang. Yet, follow-up album and masterpiece Inspiration Information, a rousing fusion of soul, blues and R’n’B, had modest sales and failed to meet over-inflated commercial expectations; perhaps a victim of its own genius and ahead of its time. 

There is a misconception the ensuing years saw Otis disappear into early retirement and become reclusive; a view contested in interviews with him and a portrayal that appears to be much to his chagrin. Instead, he was married, had children and supported his family, continuing to work on his music and performing as a session artist for his father’s recording project. Plus there were those famous offers from Billy Preston to join the Rolling Stones (replacing Mick Taylor), and from Quincy Jones to produce his next record. Both were politely declined as Otis chose to remain fiercely independent. 

In 2001, Inspiration Information was reissued by David Byrne’s independent Luaka Bop label and then again in 2013 by Sony, along with an appended disc of fourteen unreleased tracks called Wings Of Love which contains highlights from the so-called exile period.

Then, back in November 2015 Otis shook things up with a release of 7”, Ice Cream Party, a rip-roaring psychedelic musical ride and a tasty morsel of things to come. 

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

At KOKO, the lights lowered and Shuggie Otis arrived on stage promptly to face an appreciative and eager crowd. His presence alone commands attention; striking in a natty pinstripe suit and fedora and donning a white Stratocaster, he had lost none of the cool composure that emanated from his 1970s album shots and photographs. He appeared relaxed, asking his band with a wry smile ‘Where am I at?’ (the response ‘merry old London, sir!’) before launching straight into Tryin’ To Get Close To You, followed swiftly by the trippy soul-funk track, Miss Pretty, with shades of Sly and the Family Stone

After the irresistible grooves of Island Letter, the only song to be played from the original version of Inspiration Information, Otis introduced his band who had a great chemistry throughout the evening; Albert Quon Wing on sax and flute, Russell “Swang” Stewart on keys, brother Nicholas Otis on drums and his son Eric on bass who received a particularly loud reception.

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Me and My Woman, an album track from Freedom Flight , was a slice of natural funk and Sweetest Thang, which Otis clearly pointed out was pronounced ‘thang’ and spelling it out for good measure, went down well. As with many tracks from the compact but quality set, it became the platform for an extended jam, with drifting sounds and soaring solos. 

Picture of Love saw Otis treating us to some phenomenal guitar playing. Although at times a little wavering, his velvety vocals were still a delight to hear. After a simple nod from Otis to Stewart on keyboards, the band broke into the soft-rock Wings of Love. With the light reflecting off KOKO’s huge disco ball and the band decked out in vintage ‘70s apparel, it gave a brilliant, hallucinatory feel to the gig. 

Let’s do what’s right’ said Otis, introducing the upbeat ‘Doin’ What’s Right’ which offered another ending with a great crescendo. He said ‘Thank you very much, I really enjoyed it’ and blew kisses to the audience before exiting the stage. I wasn’t ready for it to be over, and thankfully nor was Otis. With barely enough time to grab another drink, he and the band returned for an encore. ‘Everybody followed me back here, I feel like playing some more!’ he said and then, ever the charmer, ‘Everywhere I go there is a pretty girl!’ to a lucky woman at the front of stage.  

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Through the cheers, someone shouted the word ‘strawberry’ as a prompt and, deep down, I suspect we had all come along for a slice of the classic track. We were indulged; the familiar chords of Strawberry Letter 23 played out and were met with huge appreciation. It sounded incredible live; punchier, bolder but just as intoxicating with its ethereal, psychedelic-tinged funk. We didn’t really need to be instructed to ‘Sing it London!’ by one of the band; Otis had the air of a minister on stage, the audience his loyal congregation, and we sang along of our own volition. A pinch-yourself moment if ever there was one.

The parting track was Ice Cold Daydream, which saw Otis genuinely lost in the music, his tall and slim frame crouching down for some virtuoso guitar playing. It was an explosive performance and gloriously ear-bursting stuff and the denouement was protracted but epic.

Then it was over. Otis pretended to hurl his guitar into the cheering crowd before leaving us with a simple coda of ‘Good to see you!’ and letting his band play out and bid us goodnight.

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

Shuggie Otis live at KOKO, London, on Sunday 21st February 2016 (Photographer: Simon Jay Price)

As the audience spilled out and KOKO was stripped bare of action, apart from the disco ball that continued to revolve in the glaring bright light, I had an overwhelming sense I had witnessed something meaningful; a 1970s soul prodigy live in my own home town. 

Otis’ name has been spoken in reverential tones by a number of different recording artists, his artistry extensively sampled by Beyoncé, J Dilla and OutKast to name a few and people care passionately about Inspiration InformationI can see whyShuggie Otis is an intoxicating music enigma and seeing him live was as sweet as sugar. 

Feature by Nicola Greenbrook and portrait and photography by Simon Jay Price.

Nicola writes about music, fashion and London events in her blog Material Whirl. http://www.materialwhirlblog.com/

 

 

 

Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age @ iTunes Festival 2013 (Kalpesh Patel)

Queens Of The Stone Age Announce Intimate European ‘Catacombs’ Tour, Including Special London Show

Queens Of The Stone Age have today unveiled details of their eagerly awaited Catacombs European Tour – a string of uniquely atmospheric shows inspired by their acclaimed 2024 Alive In The Catacombs performance. The tour, set for October 2025, will include a standout UK date at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 29th October, promising a rare and intimate reimagining of the band’s formidable back catalogue.

Alice Merton @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Trudi Knight)

Alice Merton Brings Sharp Pop Precision To The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

As the sun began to dip behind the trees in Hyde Park on 11th July, a throng of festival-goers packed into the Rainbow Stage area, drawn by the magnetic presence of German-Canadian artist Alice Merton. The singer-songwriter—best known for her breakout hit No Roots—delivered a punchy, emotionally agile set that brought the stage to a vibrant close, just before Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts took the spotlight over on the festival’s main Great Oak Stage.

Brian Molko of Placebo @ Brixton Academy (Kalpesh Patel)

Placebo Announce Deluxe Collection This Search For Meaning, Featuring Documentary, Live Album & Bonus Tracks

Anglo-American alt-rock icons Placebo have announced This Search For Meaning, a four-disc deluxe collection arriving 12th September via SO Recordings. The package offers a comprehensive portrait of the band’s current creative era, combining introspective documentary filmmaking with live performance energy and exclusive music content.

Die Spitz (Anatheme)

Die Spitz Announce Debut Album ‘Something To Consume’, Drop Ferocious New Single ‘Throw Yourself To The Sword’

Austin punk outfit Die Spitz have announced their debut album Something To Consume, arriving on 12th September via...
Dean Lewis (Sean Loaney)

Dean Lewis Releases Deluxe Edition Of ‘The Epilogue’ with Powerful New Single ‘Hurt So Bad’

Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis has unveiled the deluxe edition of his acclaimed third studio album The Epilogue, alongside the release of an emotionally raw new single, Hurt So Bad.

Jeff Lynne Cancels Final ELO Show At BST Hyde Park 2025 Following Illness

In a heartbreaking development for fans, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) have cancelled what was set to be their final ever UK performance at BST Hyde Park on Sunday 13 July 2025. The decision follows Lynne’s continued ill health and comes just days after the group’s second show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on 10th July was pulled moments before showtime, after the venue had already filled with fans. Lynne, 77, has been battling a systemic infection and is now under close medical supervision.

Olivia Dean @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Olivia Dean Warms A Damp Hyde Park With Soulful Resilience At BST Hyde Park 2025

Though clouds still loomed and the ground remained squelchy underfoot, Olivia Dean brought a welcome calm and undeniable warmth to BST Hyde Park’s Great Oak Stage on Sunday afternoon. Following a weather-disrupted opening set by Amber Mark — whose performance was cut short by a torrential downpour — Dean arrived as the skies cleared, bringing poise, polish, and powerful vocals to a crowd that refused to let a bit of British summer rain dampen their spirits.

Clairo @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Clairo Brings Soft Focus And Dreamy Intimacy To The Great Oak Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

In the golden lull between a dramatic afternoon downpour and Sabrina Carpenter’s headline pop spectacle, Clairo turned London’s Great Oak Stage into a sanctuary of softness and reflection. Her early evening performance at BST Hyde Park on Sunday 6th July offered a tender contrast to the festival’s typically high-energy crescendo, inviting the crowd into a quieter, more introspective space.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing