Durand Bernarr’s Genre-Bending Night at the Blue Note

The verdict is still out on whether Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr’s performance at the Blue Note Jazz Club was a concert or a stand-up comedy set.

In between bebop and doo-wop riffs, throwback dance moves like the “Orange Justice,” and his own chuckles, Bernarr evoked roars of laughter from the sardine-packed audience. At one point in the show, he turned the words “cellphone case” and “spicy water” into an improvised melody—the mark of a true modern jazz musician capable of avant-garde compositions.

On April 29, Bernarr performed two unique sets for attendees of the renowned Los Angeles jazz club. Known for his fusion of R&B, soul, and jazz, he made it a point to tell the audience about the care he put into curating each setlist.

“This will never been done the way it’s being done right now,” he said.

Bernarr performed just days before the May 1 release of his fourth studio album, BERNARR. The project is a tribute to his father, meant to pay homage to his own evolution as a man and a vocalist.

Though Bernarr’s theatrical energy may make it difficult to believe, he spent the majority of his career unrecognized by the mainstream music industry. He is no “overnight sensation,” as many remarked when he pranced onto the Grammy stage; Bernarr has sung backup for Erykah Badu since 2011 and has worked for over 21 years as an independent artist.

During the performance, Bernarr put his band on the spot. Each player, from the keys to the bass, had a chance to show off their expertise. The drummer initiated a call-and-response sequence, teaching attendees inventive rhythms.

“It’s jamming though, as foolish as it is,” Bernarr said.

One of the most consistent through lines of the show was Bernarr’s commitment to self-affirmation and empowerment. He played versions of his older hits, like “Mango Butter” and “Overqualified,” alongside new tracks performed for the first time, including the opening track “River” and “Sugar Family.”

Bernarr paused for a singular moment mid-set to take deep breaths. He was exhausted, but one never would have guessed based on the fullness of his tone; he never missed a note. His steady voice held such assurance that most listeners wouldn’t realize he was often uncertain of where the music would take him.

“We’re improvising, but that’s what jazz is about,” he said.

Albeit much of his performance incorporated hilarity, wholehearted advice sat at the center of the laughter. Bernarr shared the rationale behind each song, disseminating words of wisdom. He has remained true to himself even when it didn’t seemingly carry his career forward. That authenticity is now what distinguishes him—he is without parallel.

“They can’t find you being someone else,” he told the crowd.