Acute Inflections jazz and joy brought Harlem Renaissance spirit to the Gem Theater
Acute Inflections // Photo by: Rowan Bickelhaupt
Acute Inflections, the NYC-based jazzy R&B duo and real-life married couple, brought their Soulful Sounds tour to the historic Gem Theater on Nov. 18 — and within seconds of stepping onstage, they transformed the space into something warm, playful, and entirely their own. Celebrating 13 years as a duo, vocalist Elasea Douglas and bassist Sadiki Pierre created an evening that honored Harlem Renaissance jazz while showcasing their unmistakable chemistry, sharp wit, and extraordinary musical talent.
Before the crowd could even settle in, Douglas improvised a welcome song that set the tone for the night. Her greeting drifted somewhere between sincere and mischievous: “Welcome all, ladies and gentlemen, humans and unicorns, whatever you are calling yourself these days, you are welcome here.” It was an early signal that this performance was an invitation into their world, where humor and heart sit as comfortably as jazz riffs and soulful runs.
Improvisation threaded the entire show, sometimes through Douglas’s spur-of-the-moment lyrical play, sometimes through her airy scats or explosive riffs, and sometimes through Pierre’s rhythmic embellishments on the bass. They made the spontaneity feel effortless. Even their banter was improvised gold. One of the evening’s first running jokes — the grave sin of referring to a bass as a cello — sparked mock horror from Pierre and delighted laughter from the audience. It became clear very quickly that these two don’t simply perform for a crowd; they perform with them.
The theme of the show paid homage to the Harlem Renaissance, and the duo began the night by sharing their “disclaimers,” including a brief but pointed lesson in proper jazz etiquette. The Gem Theater’s stage held nothing but the two of them and Pierre’s bass, creating an intimacy that heightened every note and every quiet pause. With no background visuals, no additional musicians, and no distractions, the focus rested solely on the collaboration between Douglas and Pierre. It was endlessly entertaining whether they were mock-teasing each other or slipping into a velvety, harmonized groove.
The setlist blended originals, classics, and contemporary favorites, each filtered through their smooth, soulful style. Songs included a buttery, slowed-down take on Prince’s “Kiss” and a reflective rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” They charmed the room with “My Funny Valentine,” dipped into Tyla’s “Water,” and even tested the crowd’s musical knowledge by playing only the first four notes of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” The audience (with some hesitation) passed the test.
Douglas’s vocal performance alone could have carried the night. Her riffs, skips, scats, and high notes were executed with a smoothness that almost disguised how technically impressive they were. She balances a radiant clarity with a textured rasp, a contrast that makes each note feel personal. At one point, she harmonized with the audience, revealing a range that seemed to expand as far as the room could hold.
Midway through the show, they asked the audience to observe three minutes of absolute stillness. No talking, no walking in or out, just listening. They used the moment to sing honestly about unity, compassion, and the importance of staying connected in a time when division is everywhere. The house lights stayed up to sharpen the message, and Douglas didn’t hesitate to pause the show when a few latecomers disregarded their request. Their sincerity made the moment one of the night’s most powerful, even if the ongoing crowd movement throughout the evening kept breaking the spell.
Beyond the music, Acute Inflections use their platform to uplift others. They shared that a portion of ticket proceeds supports the Renaissance Youth Center, a South Bronx-based program involved in everything from robotics to music to agriculture. The duo also spoke about the center’s ongoing “Keep the Lights On” campaign; the building’s electric bill alone runs $6,000 per month. Pierre also revealed another facet of his life: he is a pilot who raises funds to help students of color learn to fly through RedTail Flight Academy. Their mission is to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and to allow more people of color to pilot planes, given that the industry is 94% white males. Their advocacy added another layer of purpose to the evening, and donation stations were set up for each of their causes.
Before closing, the pair mentioned an upcoming trip to South Africa in April 2026 and extended an open invitation for fans to join them. After an evening defined by community, connection, and musical excellence, it didn’t feel like an outrageous offer. Acute Inflections make you feel, even if only for a night, like you’re already part of their orbit.
