NEW YORK CITY- Only one word can describe Sugar Minott's December 3rd show at S.O.B's. That word is, "wicked!" Born Lincoln Barrington Minott, "Sugar" as he is more commonly known, gave the audience what they wanted and more. He navigated his way down a complete set of tunes, masterfully bringing back a golden era in reggae.
The night began with DJ Gringo creating the perfect atmosphere with a nicely selected Studio 1 and classic roots and culture set. The Ruff Stuff Band then took the stage. Consisting of Earl (keyboards), Macka T (guitar), "Bubbles" (bass guitar/vocals) and Robbie (drums), the foursome played lethal rhythms behind Bubbles' vocals. Brother Tiba also gave a short performance.

Finally Kufunya, the show's host, introduced Sugar Minott to the massive. They welcomed him onto the stage with much love as he walked up the stairs wearing a silver button-up dress shirt, black slacks, shoes and do-rag. Immediately, Ruff Stuff tantalized the crowd with classic rhythms that Sugar had voiced major tunes on early in his career. Sugar thanked the crowd for the warm welcome then leapt into his lyrical onslaught with "Spinter Slayer" ("Run Things"). What an opener! Just about everyone had a hand in the air as the squinty-eyed singer belted out the everlasting tune. He followed up with "Buy Out the Bar," but not before making a humble reference to being one of the originators of a style that is often drawn upon by today's popular dancehall artists. Sugar was full of energy during the show, repeatedly skanking in a cool and deadly fashion. He sang with an intense love for the music, often hunched forward with eyes closed. Throughout the night, Sugar continued to wow the crowd with hit-after-hit sequences of music. Songs including "Rub A Dub," "Turn Me Loose," "Riddim," "Hard Time Rock," "No Vacancy," and "Smile," kept fans wanting more and frequently pleading for special requests.

At one point in the night, Sugar sang back-to-back covers of memorable American love songs over the "Smile" rhythm, and descended into the audience to dance with a few of the ladies. While the hits kept coming, Sugar took charge with his classic tunes, "Herbsman Hustling" and "Mr. DC." He received forwards just as a selector would for playing a huge dub plate in a sound clash. The frenzy these songs caused was an amazing thing to witness.

Sugar Minott also introduced The Demus Family (at right with Sugar back stage) to the audience. The three entertainers gave a to-the-point performance that was reminiscent of Junior Demus' memorable sets during the 80's. Sugar also took time out to big-up Ruff Stuff and his back-up singer Shalom, who sang a couple of solos as well.
Sugar graced the S.O.B's massive even further when he let loose covers of The Heptones' enduring tunes "Pretty Looks" and "Get in the Groove." He gave a special big up to the great Leroy Sibbles at that time. He continued on with the uplifting "Never Give Jah Up," Peter Tosh's "Legalize It," and "Thanks and Praise." I was particularly lucky that night as Sugar Minott sang my personal favorite, "Woman In My Life," right before ending an exquisite overall routine. That song alone sealed the deal as one of the best live reggae venues I have ever attended.

Sugar Minott is one of Easy Star Records' all-star line-up of recording artists. He has worked with the label since their 1998 debut release, "Easy Star: Volume One," on which he voiced "Born in the Ghetto." Sugar has also worked directly with Easy Star on several instant classic albums, including "Hidden Treasures: Volumes 1 & 2," and "Sugar Minott: Rare Gems."

Easy Star CEO, Eric Smith, can only speak enthusiastically about Sugar Minott saying simply and sincerely, "It's been special!" The label's producer/song writer, Michael Goldwasser, will go even further saying, "he is an amazing singer to work with in the studio because he is always on key, has impeccable phrasing, is willing to listen, and comes up with wicked harmonies." On a more personal note, Michael states, we enjoy a lot of the same music, so we can really connect as fans and as musicians. And lastly, he's been a great teacher in that we've learned a lot about the scene in Jamaica back in the days from him, and about reggae history in general."

Sugar Minott has enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy a career that is not only fulfilling and rewarding for himself, but also for his fans worldwide. Immense respect goes out to Sugar, one of the official veterans.

By Matthew Anthony a.k.a. DJ Teflon (pictured above with Sugar Minott)