Ms. Lí-Lí Octave steps onto the stage with a confidence that grabs your attention right away. Play on Venus (Live) is a recording of her performance at Jazz ‘n Dine 2024, held at the Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa, and she fully comes into her own on this live album. There’s no room for perfect studio polish here—you can hear the audience, their laughter, those moments when she spontaneously interacts with the crowd. All of it adds a special warmth and reality to the experience. You feel like you’re right there, among those sitting and soaking up every sound she creates. Her voice seems infused with the rhythms and melodies of the Caribbean Sea, telling stories of what it means to be a woman, an artist, and a dreamer.
Photo by @lilioctave
Special attention has to be given to her vocals. Li-Li plays with tonalities, her voice shifting from quiet, almost intimate softness to a powerful surge of emotion that fills the entire venue. You can feel the audience responding to her songs, as if living through them alongside her. The recording captures all of these moments. This album was made to deliver the live energy of her performance. In a world that increasingly opts for flawless studio sound, Octave gives herself to the music without fear of being imperfect.
“This album is the result of my tireless work and deep passion. I sincerely hope that it brings inspiration and positive emotions to listeners all around the world!” noted Ms. Octave. The album includes 10 tracks, and each one undoubtedly deserves attention, but I’d like to focus on a few of them. Let’s start with the opening song, “Wait (For Your Love),” where Lí-Lí Octave’s distinctive vocal style is immediately felt. Her vocals reflect the influence of genres such as soul, rhythm and blues, pop, blended with jazz vocal techniques. This vibrant mix is inevitably overlaid with her own unique qualities. It’s no surprise she is called the “Queen of Caribbean Neo-Soul.” Lí-Lí Octave’s rich, chocolatey voice particularly struck me in the song “Out Of Place,” where it intertwines harmoniously with guitar solos, rhythmic drums, deep bass, and backing vocals. Unforgettable!
The songs on the album cover themes such as love, broken hearts, and the fight for rights. The sincere lyrics and captivating melodies add a special element to the album. One of my favorites is the song “Struggling.” It features an amazing combination of powerful basslines and guitar solos, while light, elegant drumming enhances the emotional depth of Lí-Lí’s vocal sections, creating a true “explosive mix” of melodies. On the other hand, in the track “Grandma’s Kitchen,” Lí-Lí Octave added a light pop rhythm, which turned out to be an unexpected yet pleasant twist in the album’s sound. This transition brought a sense of playfulness to the atmosphere, creating a feeling of homely warmth.
Concert recordings are appealing in that the conclusion of one song seamlessly transitions into the introduction of another. This effect creates a continuity of the musical flow. So here I am, listening to the album “Play on Venus (Live)”, and I didn’t even notice that I was already on the penultimate track, “Mind Your GD Business.” It instantly captures attention with its thick bass, which gradually paves the way for further musical development. It begins almost intimately, allowing each instrument to enter in its own time and setting the stage for something bigger. And then Lí-Lí’s vocals come in – juicy and deep, they sparkle against the backdrop of the swelling bass and drums.
Photo by @lilioctave
By the middle of the track, the drums begin to accentuate the rhythm more strongly, almost pushing the rhythm forward. Everything sounds louder, faster, tenser, but not chaotically. It’s obvious here – the piece is heading toward a climax, and the track “Mind Your GD Business” is preparation for the final explosion. With the final track “Top Of The World,” there is a rise to the top. Its rhythm and melodies can be compared to a spring that is held back at first and then shoots out with full force at the end. The vocal sections of the track reminded me of the powerful energy of James Brown. Lí-Lí’s voice becomes the center of attraction, this is where one can exclaim, “Long live the Queen!”
Music is a celebration, and Ms. Lí-Lí Octave, with the release of the album, celebrates it with genuine sincerity and passion. Her steps in music promise to lead to new heights, and the album “Play on Venus (Live)” is a bright confirmation of that. Lí-Lí’s experiment in creating a “lyrical Venus” – a planet of verbal expressions that formed the album – turned out to be successful.
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