Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Getting started in the girl group Sugah, who were part of Jodeci member Devante Swing’s Swing Mob collective, gave Tweet a chance to meet monumental rapper Missy Elliott and not only become fast friends, but be featured on the platinum-plus “Miss E… So Addictive.”

The New York native went on to lend backing vocals to several others, including Ja Rule and Timbaland & Magoo, though it wasn’t long before “Southern Hummingbird” became a gold-selling solo breakthrough and made her a sizable star as well, especially in R&B and neo-soul circles who enjoy a hint of hip-hop.

Of course the singer/songwriter recorded a couple more outstanding but somewhat overlooked long players and an EP, then switched to a stream of singles while winding her way to the wonderful City Winery for an overview entitled “Just Tweet Up Close And Personal.”

For about 90 minutes in the early edition of opening night, prior to another “low ticket alert” double header on Tuesday, February 6, the headliner, a four-piece band and just as many backing singers delivered like clockwork with gospel-like fervor and heavenly harmonies.

Tweet’s voice is indeed as potent as when it was initially introduced shortly after the turn of the century and as she steadily switched between grooves and ballads such as “Call Me,” “Neva Shoulda Left Ya,” “My Place” and “Beautiful.”

The brilliantly crafted “Smoking Cigarettes” was another earlier, extended standout, while the more recent “Magic” and “Taxi” suggested her spark keeps burning bright.

“Boogie 2nite” brought a few their feet and also allowed the musicians to stretch out with so much momentum it made it feel like midnight was rapidly approaching, despite actually being much closer to happy hour.

The Elliott tag team “Oops (Oh My)” came next as Tweet and company boldly carried out all the parts, earning such a reception she was called back for an impromptu edition of “Motel” before checking out to to sign some wine bottles in the lobby and quickly recharge for the reprise.

For additional information on Tweet, visit Facebook.com/TWEETSPAGE.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Tweet (Feb. 6); A Tribute To Jay-Z (Feb. 7); HBCU & Greek Celebration (Feb. 8); “Don’t Call Me White Girl” (Feb. 9); Daley (Feb. 10); Soul Brunch (Feb. 11); Wine Bowl (Feb. 11); Public Announcement (Feb. 12); Dave Hollister (Feb. 13-14); 10,000 Maniacs (Feb. 15-17); Mamma Mia Brunch (Feb. 18); J. Howell (Feb. 18); Torrei Hart (Feb. 19); Lace Larrabee (Feb. 20); XOXO, Cody (Feb. 21); The Veils (Feb. 22); Howard Hewett (Feb. 23); Soul Brunch (Feb. 24); Al Franken (Feb. 24); Beatles Brunch (Feb. 25); Al Franken (Feb. 25); Nurses’ Night Out (Feb. 26); Melike Sahin (Feb. 27) and Avery*Sunshnie (Feb. 28- Mar. 2). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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