Saba’s “The Big Picture Tour” came to Boston on Sunday night in support of his new album with No ID, From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID. The Royale served as the perfect venue for the intimate night. Members of Pivot Gang – a hip hop collective from Chicago of which Saba is a part, were present, adding to the intimacy and family atmosphere for the show.
When Saba took the stage wearing a distinctive crocheted hat, three striking photos, including the cover of his acclaimed March release, were displayed behind him. The visual setup made it clear this wasn’t just a concert, but a full artistic experience.
The accompanying setlist had material from his collaborative work with No ID alongside other fan favorites. “Crash” stood out to me because it highlighted Saba’s ability to craft romantic storytelling, while “How to Impress God” showcased the spiritual depth that has become a pattern in his recent work, with Saba’s reflection questioning fulfillment and purpose.
One of the crowd favorites was “LIFE” from his 2018 album Care for Me. The Boston crowd was singing along to every word of this deeply personal track about the loss of his uncle and resilience. My personal favorite from the setlist was “Ziplock,” which really showcases Saba’s gift for vivid storytelling and amazing lyricism. However, what made this performance special wasn’t just the individual songs, but how it captured his ability to paint a bigger picture. Each song felt cohesive and purposeful while contributing to his entire discography.
The combination of Saba’s musing lyricism, storytelling, and the warm atmosphere of Royale created something very special, reminding everyone who attended why live music is so important for building community.
For tickets to see perhaps one of the greatest storytellers of our generation, visit https://sabapivot.com/
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