UDEiGWE finds truth in the space between notes.

A live album that doesn't perform the room it's recorded in, UDEiGWE snapshots a point where restraint, rhythm, and humanity combine.

UDEiGWE is a singer-songwriter from Nigeria, now based in New York. His birth name is Lawrence Udeigwe. The style of the song is really a mixture of modern jazz, soul, and the rhythm that comes from West Africa. He is a vocalist, a pianist, and a music composer whose works are the perfect combination of sophistication and the appeal to the, multi, senses. Besides being a musician, Udeigwe is also a mathematician and professor at Manhattan University, which is a double personality that reveals his insightful, well-structured yet fluid way of performing. His art always revolves around being present, rhythm, and human connection.

Live in Williamsburg is a snapshot of UDEiGWE at a moment of quiet self-assurance, recorded in a single night at Williamsburg Music Centre in Brooklyn.

Without overdubs or retakes, the record is an absolute work of honesty; it gives room to the space, breath, and small faults to be a part of the narrative. With the support of bassist Rade Bema, drummer Joshua Green, and trumpeter Stephan Clement, the performance evolves into a joint discussion rather than a display.

Mr Sabi: The record starting track, Mr Sabi, is an introduction to a somewhat earthy, groove-heavy vibe. The rhythm section lays down the beat straightforwardly while his singing comes in soft, quite akin to a chat. The musically theres definitely a feeling of composure, and the band is sort of allowing the song to unfold naturally instead of heavily driving it.

Falling: This song has very low-key dynamics that convey the emotional depth of the song, but not in an exaggerated way. UDEiGWE singing sounds like a secret that he is telling the melody, which he is lightly following, while the other players are in a state of alertness; they are responding instead of taking the lead.

Easy Busy: Easy Busy makes the whole record slightly alter the mood. The groove is made tighter, less serious, but the control is still there, and it's the interplay between the musicians that gets exposed. Drumming by Joshua Green is especially delicate; he is providing the beat while never overshadowing the laid-back mood of the tune.

Wait: Wait could be considered one of the album's quiet emotional centres. The barest minimum of the arrangement is used so that the silences and the spaces could be just as strong as the notes themselves. The work is on putting a cap on one's impulses, and it is the evidence that not going all out can be equally expressive as one who is giving their all.

Come My Way: The aura of Come My Way is one of an open and friendly greeting. The voice of UDEiGWE is warm and very welcoming, and there's a groove that is almost like a hug from an old friend, but with an element of branching off into something very personal. The musicians become one breathing instrument here, and the trust that is shared between them acts as the basis upon which this lovely mood is built.

What's Going On: A truly wonderful song. Instead of overdramatising the track, UDEiGWE goes minimal and lets the little quiet sound of its message be what really hits home. It is a genuine, yet very current and emotionally powerful rendition that can be felt acutely by the audience.

Waiting in Vain, Bob Marley's Waiting in Vain gets an equally well-thought-out, thought, out pretty makeover. The pace is easy, the singing soft. Trumpet phrases from Stephan Clement bring a slight tint that helps express the feeling of yearning in the song without stealing the spotlight from it.

Live in Williamsburg isn't just a live recordingit's a reminder of the amazing energy we get when we are present.