By Joslyn Keenan
Photos by Brittany Ward
May 1, 2018
Adam & Kizzie perform at The Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., on April 28, 2018. Brittany Ward/KZUM.
Soul/Blues duo Adam and Kizzie performed at the Zoo Bar on Saturday night, with the Sebastian Lane Band opening with their own lively, electric version of the blues.
The show started off with a guitar solo from Sebastian Lane himself, later mentioning he is the grandson of famous blues singer Jimmy Rogers. He continued to play songs off of their upcoming album,Walking by Myself. He then continued to play a song named “Tired,” showcasing his extensive skills on the electric guitar. Lane goes on to play more funky music later in his set, and let the music do most of the talking. The last song played, ‘Jezebel’, ended with an edgy, rock sound that was different than the previous songs. With his own sound, Lane gave the audience many genres tastefully combined into his own.
Adam and Kizzie started by warming up to the sounds of the piano and light snares, and Kizzie’s voice blended with the notes beautifully. With a unique tone, her vocals were strong and perfectly on key. Adam chimed in on different parts of their set, rapping lyrics strategically on beat..
The most memorable performance of the night was the pair’s rendition of Paramore’s “The Only Exception,” which caught much of the audience’s attention. Other big songs played were the single, “Train,” and other songs off of The Book of Eedo Vol. 1 and 2.
The Sebastian Lane Band performs at The Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., on April 28, 2018. Brittany Ward/KZUM.
At one point, Adam and Kizzie asked the audience to harmonize with Kizzie, offering three choices:soprano, alto or bass. One couldn’t help but notice Kizzie’s natural talent and range as a professional vocalist, and knew they were no match. The last song played was “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait,” and ended with cheers from the Zoo Bar. The duo put on an inspiring set.
Hailing from Oklahoma, both Adam and Kizzie Ledbetter are seasoned songwriters. Adam played the piano and periodically rapped, while Kizzie sang. Adam has been playing the piano since he was 10 years old, while Kizzie has been singing since she was three. The two became great friends in an arts school at a young age, and went their separate ways after. After much traveling, thirteen years later, the couple’s paths crossed again. This is where Adam and Kizzie began. Kizzie explained her musical influences come from a variety of artists, ranging from Lauryn Hill to Celine Dion. They describe their sound as EEDO, a “non-genre genre”. They are firm believers in mixing different genres of music to make their own, and embrace their individuality. Sounds they are inspired by are Soul, Blues, R&B and Gospel.
EEDO, a phrase coined by Adam and Kizzie, stands for freedom. It is anything that is just and good. They explain that EEDO can arise from anything. For example, a book, song or poem. It can be any medium that inspires you to feel that good feeling and what is right. The essence of EEDO is just that. Expressing one’s self, creating and inspiring growth. EEDO is a way of synthesizing all influences into one unified approach, which translates to true freedom.
Adam & Kizzie perform at The Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., on April 28, 2018. Brittany Ward/KZUM.
The duo is driven by their belief that music helps share our lives in special ways which words cannot, which is what drives them most. They advocate love, enlightenment and truth. They also have a strong faith in God, who has given them to talent to share this music, love and light with the world.
The accolades of Adam and Kizzie are incredible. The two placed third in Usher’s 2017 Megastar Talent Competition of over 7,000 contestants from around the globe, chosen by fans and celebrity judges, They have been featured on many television programs such as Food Network’s Season eight of “Restaurant Impossible,” Season Four of the Chevy Music Showcase documentary series and KOKH-25’s “Living Oklahoma,” with Meg & Mitch. Their popular song, “Train,” was very successful and the music video was awarded the official Short Film selection at the 2015 deadCenter Film Festival and OKC Black History Month Film Festival.
Adam and Kizzie are releasing The Book of Eedo Vol. 3 on June 8. Find out more about the duo at adamandkizzie.com.
Joslyn Keenan and Brittany Ward are multimedia interns with KZUM.
