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BARRINGTON LEVY with A-Team Band and Black Symbolic
October 5, 1996
SOB's
New York City
Barrington
Levy, one of the most famous singers of dancehall, hit the stage at SOB's
earlier this month backed by Jamaica's A-Team Band. There was a line halfway
down the block as SOB's filled up early with fans eager to hear live
renditions of hits such as "Here I Come" and "Murderer."
After seeing this show, I can tell you that if you have a chance to see
Barrington Levy perform live, don't miss it. Complaining of a cold from
travelling from sunny Jamaica to chilly New York, he apologized for any
weakness in his singing. But his voice showed no signs of illness. Much
to the delight of the audience, he belted out hit after hit late into the
night. The crowd jumped at the recognition of each song, and called back
Levy for two encores. SOB's was hopping.The night began with opening band Black Symbolic, a live roots ensemble fresh out of Brooklyn. The group is made up mostly of teenagers, some as young as thirteen years old, but they had enough energy and skills to transcend their age. This is a group with raw talent, but quite unpolished, as evidenced by songs that went on too long and a sometimes tentative stage presence. The band consisted of three singers and a five person backing band. Their material was mostly original and built around recognizable rhythms and music (including unavoidable Marley rhythms). Black Symbolic's appearance, which was a surprise substitution for the original opening band a3nd possibly their first big gig, contrasted nicely with Barrington's show. It gave New York reggae fans a chance to sample the new and upcoming sounds of the youth, while enjoying the presence of one of reggae's elders.
But
to call Barrington Levy an elder is misleading. While it's true that he's
been around in the business for a long time, starting trends, following
others, and helping to bring dancehall to the international prominence it
now enjoys, there is nothing to suggest that he won't be recording hits
for years to come. His set included most of his biggest songs, including
"Murderer," "Under Mi Sensi," "Too Experienced,"
"Dancehall Rock," and "Prison Oval Rock." When he did
a medley of "Black Black Roses" into "Here I Come,"
he had the audience whipped up to their highest frenzy, as they sang along
and leaped into the air. The A-Team Band kept things rocking out smoothly,
while Barrington prowled the stage in his sequined "U R Living Dangerously"
hat. During an encore, he was joined on stage by Junior Reid and Leroy Smart,
who each grabbed the mike for a moment or two. Reid sang a verse from his
own hit "One Blood," while Smart seemed hesitant to steal Levy's
thunder, and climbed back into the audience after a brief time on the mike.It was most impressive to hear Barrington's trademark singing in person. Sometimes you can hear vocals on record and never know how much of the quality is from studio tweaking and production. From the moment you hear Barrington live--his tenor voice bouncing up to the ceiling--you know he's the real deal. His voice hasn't lost a step over the years. And few people can get an entire audience to sing "Skiddly-wop Skiddly-whoa" as if it was the most important lyric ever written. After a big sing-along to "Looking My Love" and "Living Dangerously," Barrington Levy left the stage for the final time, and the doors opened as people began filtering out onto the street with looks of satisfaction on their faces.
This was another show in the AT&T Exodus Reggae series, which has done a tremendous job in bringing so many quality acts to New York on a regular basis. MC Simon Templar and massive deserve much respect for keeping this series going. After this show, I am convinced that there is no better way to spend a Tuesday night in New York City than leaping in the air and singing along to "Murderer" with Barrington himself leading the way.
By Lem
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::
Sanchez :: Sugar Minott Dec 3, 2002 New York City ::
Jr Kelly ::
Frankie Paul ::
Sugar
Minott ::
The Meditations
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