27th October 2015
So...the 9th year of the legendary Giants Of
Lovers Rock took place this weekend.
I was fortunate to be able to attend and found it a very enjoyable
experience.
We arrived a little later than planned to find the show had
already started. Even better,
there was quite a gathering already in front of the stage. The band sounded
tight, the mic was pitched just right.
One could hear the quality of whoever sang very clearly.
As one may have seen from the flyer, those performing read
like a who’s who in the Reggae Fraternity and they most definitely did not
disappoint. We were treated to a
minimum of two or a maximum of four songs from each artist. I found the show engaging and
entertaining. Robbie Gee and Eddie
Nestor kept the crowd laughing, alert and attentive, before, between and even
during each performance!
The show did seem to have a more polished and professional
appearance compared to my last attendance. One particular thing that really pleased me was seeing a lady
doing sign language to the left of the artist on stage. She was very good considering how many
songs she had to sign. What a
feat! I thought Orlando was very
good to consider those who might not be able to hear, but decided to come to
the show. I did wonder however,
why the screens around the 02 were not used to enable everyone to comfortably
see those who were performing on stage.
The place was quite full and the stage, although raised, may have been difficult
for some to see, depending on where they were standing.
Reggae music is a genre that is viewed as the music of black
people, but I noticed that there seemed to be more of a mixed multitude at this
particular event. Music like sport, can often bridge what can be perceived as
an ever-widening gap in culture and ethnicity. It was good to see,
Where I had chosen to stand gave me the advantage of meeting
and greeting the many artists who were going on to the stage and also the
pleasure of watching everyone having a “catch-up” with each other. I remember seeing Victor Romero Evans
recording Michael Gordon’s performance on his phone! There were some stunning vocals and the audience responded
accordingly to the familiar songs that they know and love so well. I don’t usually state an obvious preference,
but I have to say that Mr Paul Dawkins sang so perfectly and beautifully, my
jaw dropped and I stopped dancing!
The mic, the band and his voice were in perfect harmony and sinc. I sincerely hope there is a recording
because for me he was the artist of the night. I also loved the way he used the stage and how he engaged
the crowd.
Orlando Gittens very cleverly blended up and coming artists
such as Cassandra London (who was well received and gave an outstanding
performance), with UK and international artists so that there was a spectrum of
many songs for the listener. I
think each individual in the audience would have heard at least one favourite
song before they left the show.
My one regret is that I had to leave before the show
finished in order to catch the last train. Although I stated that the show started more or less on
time, I do think that there may have been too many artists for the time
allocated. To miss the performances
of Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and a few others was disappointing.
That aside, I had a very good time and I congratulate
Orlando Gittens and his company Music Therapy, on his dedication, perseverance
and hard work. I also commend all
those who contributed to making it a memorable evening; I am sure the best is
yet to come.
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