Watching Thundercat play bass feels a little like watching an explosion. There’s the initial impact, then the realization that there’s much more happening than you can take in at once. At the Fillmore Minneapolis on Tuesday, Oct. 27, his technical skill was a major attraction. But just as memorable was the personality behind the playing, and the way he made room for a connection with the people watching him.
With North Carolina-based rapper TiaCorine opening, the evening offered two distinct performances connected by a shared sense of fun. She was immediately engaging, and the crowd loved her. Thundercat brought a different kind of intensity, giving the audience a performance that could be overwhelming in the best way.
TiaCorine deserves credit for making the opening set feel like a meaningful part of the night. There’s a particular challenge to performing for an audience gathered to see someone else. An opener has to give people a reason to pay attention, often while they’re still settling into the room. TiaCorine made that attention feel easy to give.
TiaCorine took the stage dressed as Lord Farquaad from “Shrek,” an apparent nod to Halloween just a few days away. The costume added to a set that was already a lot of fun to watch. Her presence gave the crowd something to connect with, and its enthusiastic response became part of the pleasure of watching her. The energy went both ways. Even with Thundercat still to come, there was plenty to enjoy in the moment.
That reception mattered. A good opening performance helps establish the mood of a concert, and TiaCorine’s set gave the evening an early sense of excitement. She held her own place on the bill and made a strong impression before the headliner took over.
Then came Thundercat, whose playing demanded a different kind of attention.
His technical ability is striking. Watching a musician with that much command of an instrument can leave you trying to follow the mechanics: how the notes connect, how the ideas develop, how someone can make something so complicated look so natural. There’s a lot to admire before you even begin to consider the overall effect.
But that effect was what stayed with me. The performance felt explosive, with a density and intensity that made it difficult to decide where to focus. At times, the best response was to stop trying to process every detail, put down my camera and let the whole thing hit me.
For anyone who plays an instrument, that kind of musicianship offers an additional fascination. You can recognize the difficulty of what you’re watching and still struggle to understand how it’s possible. Thundercat gave that fascination plenty of room. His skill was central to the experience, providing the kind of spectacle that comes from seeing someone do something exceptionally well.
His conversations with the crowd brought another dimension to the show. Between the intensity of the music, those exchanges gave the audience a chance to connect with him as a person. They also helped give the evening a conversational feel, even when the playing itself seemed to operate on a different plane.
That combination made him especially compelling to watch. The technical command was impressive, but his willingness to engage with the room and be a little goofy gave the performance warmth. There was room to be amazed and room to feel included.
Together, the two artists made the evening feel lively and rewarding. TiaCorine’s opening set established an easy connection with the crowd, while Thundercat delivered the thrill of watching a remarkable player at work. The lasting impression was of sound bursting outward, powered by a musician whose personality was as welcome in the room as his skill.
