After 13 years between projects, it’s safe to say that Melanie Fiona is back like a boomerang with the release of her EP Say Yes. She’s returned to rotation while sounding just like we remembered on new songs like “I Choose You” and “Mona Lisa Smile.” Not only is she in fine form on her recordings, she’s killing it on her live performances, too, like her recent appearance on Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch series.
Melanie’s mic was on from the moment she stepped out of the house and onto the most famous porch in the DMV. Dressed casually fly in a taupe sweatsuit and leather trench, she took a seat on the top step and began her mini-concert with her 2011 single “4AM.” Fiona sang the intense song with her full voice and all the passion she could muster. Later in the song, she came down the stairs and gave the guitarist and drummer some time to rock out on their respective instruments.
Her next selection was “Fool For You,” which she joined CeeLo Green to duet on also back in 2011. A recording of Green’s intro played before Melanie launched into a sensational solo version. She sang from the depths of her soul as she swung her hair and bopped back and forth in front of the house and musicians. Fiona was so impressed by herself, she proclaimed “Period!” at the end of that number.
Melanie dug even deeper through her crates for her GRAMMY-nominated 2009 single “It Kills Me.” She belted out the emotional song like her whole life depended on it. After singing down, she sent praises up to co-writer/co-producer Andrea Martin (who passed away in 2021) and co-producer Jay Fenix. She ended her remarks stating, “R&B is forever,” which cued up her final song.
Fiona finally turned her attention to her new music and rounded her set out with Say Yes bop “Make Me Feel.” She held it down on vocals and her duet partner LaRussell’s rap by spitting his bars in his absence.
Melanie Fiona didn’t drop the mic at the end of her time, but she certainly could have. She sounded phenomenal and delivered one of the best Live From The Front Porch vocal performances we’ve ever heard. Although Melanie unfortunately had to postpone her full Say Yes Tour, we have our fingers crossed that she’s able to regroup and bring this kinda live energy to a concert stage near us.
