Tonight:
5°c
John Aizlewood's rating
Island Life Festival celebrates its roots
By
John Aizlewood
27 May 2009
It seems only fair to note that they don’t make record companies like Island any more. In truth, Island — now part of the Universal universe — isn’t as Island was but for most of its 50 year-history celebrated by the Island Life festival, it’s been a clearing house for all sorts of maverick talent from all sorts of genres.
Last night, Island Life crackled into life and nodded to founder Chris Blackwell’s Jamaican roots with a swashbuckling set from Island stalwarts and arguably the world’s finest rhythm section, drummer Lowell “Sly” Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare.
Theirs was a set of two halves: firstly an ear-splitting, teeth-rattling, often breathtaking dub symphony that included re‑workings of Black Uhuru’s Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner and the reggae staple You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No). The pair didn’t say a word between songs. They didn’t need to.
Then, the ever-rotating All Stars were joined by a succession of vocalists, including Aswad, whose African Children showed their harder side and the I-Threes featuring Bob Marley’s widow Rita, who (with Aswad’s Brinsley Forde taking her late husband’s leading role) sashayed their way through a Wailers medley including a spine-tingling Redemption Song.
As a climax, Grace Jones elected to sing from a slightly wobbly table surely purloined from a local primary school. During an undeniably in-your-face Pull Up To The Bumper, she cavorted in a buttocks-waggling manner not every 61-year-old could pull off, before joining the more grandmotherly I‑Threes on a ramshackle but endearing assault on Bob Marley’s One Love to send us skanking home.
These sort of ensemble occasions often fall flat. This one was a life‑enhancing evening of joy.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (3)
In the presence of legends… just an amazing special, 1-off show that left me, my 15-year old son and his friend spellbound. Relaxed and intimate, like a pub gig but what a line up for a ‘back room’ affair…
My boy and his mate are in a jazz funk band and were just blown away by the Kid - such a tight band who clearly love to play and look great esp cute Christina and the gorgeous Coconuts.
Sly and Robbie - the best D&B in da world - hit the right notes, my left ear will ring for weeks. Seeing my heroine Grace just a few feet away will live with me forever. ASWAD and the i threes gave us the chorus lines to sing too.
An unforgettable night. My LP (thats the first time I've used that term in 20 years) collection started on Island with Steve Windood, and moved onto Free, Traffic, Bad Company, Bob Marley, Grace Jones and Sly and Robbie - what a label. What a night. Thank you Mr Blackwell and enjoy the rest of your celebration. I hope my 50th birthday is as good as yours..here’s to your 60th!
- Geoff Brighty, Cambridge, 27/05/2009 22:27
Report abuse
wicked and wild
- Allan Ramsey, london, 27/05/2009 16:26
Report abuse
An absolutely beautiful gig. I went to see the master showman Kid Creole, who was as slick & professional (& funny) as I hoped his 13 piece band might be. But Sly & Robbie were astounding. The opening salvo of dub choons almost tore me apart. Then the way the I-3s, Aswad, Grace Jones, VV Brown (but pointless Tinchy Stryder) were seamlessly brought on made for a class show. The Bob Marley covers were very touching, adding a sad tone at 1st, until Brinsley Forde reminded us we were there to remember and celebrate. Seeing elder statesmen & women put on such a heartfelt show to a mixed crowd of Londoners showed how music can bring people together.
- Mr Moose, ruislip, 27/05/2009 11:56
Report abuse
