By Coral Consciouslee
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| Songs and lyrics Shezekiel style! |
The album launch of Pauline Caitlin-Reid a.k.a Shezekiel was as unique as the artist herself. Held at the Chalk Hills Academy, Luton, we were treated not only to a trip down memory lane, but taken through song down the path to how Shezekiel came to her moment of self-realisation.
For those
from the Lover’s Rock era, Shezekiel stepped back in time to when Brown Sugar
sang songs like “I’m In Love With A Dreadlocks” and “Black Pride”; I saw many
people swaying in their seats and holding their hands up in the air in
appreciation. I thought of the legacy
that Shezekiel had createdthat she could have her daughter, niece and best
friend as backing vocalists. It was also
plain to see that her ability, gift and talent had been passed down.
On the
screen behind the performance were newspaper clippings, pictures and writings
from that era too. An informative touch I thought.
Interspersed
between the songs were snippets of an “interview” with Shezekiel conducted by
Ray Patrick and Louise Clarke. The
audience learned about the history of Pauline/Shezekiel, the artistes
that influenced her music and how she came to be producing the music that
culminated in her album.
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| Being interviewed by Ray Patrick |
Shezekiel also
shared her personal testimony of revelation and self-discovery with the
audience; it was touching and enlightening.
After the
interval, Lover’s Rock was replaced with Reggae, carrying a specific God-given
message. The lyrics revealed Shezekiel’s
own thoughts and conviction of her belief in God. The performance was backed by
a live band of young, but very talented musicians called the Gem Stones. Definitely a pleasure seeing young people
playing and appreciating reggae! The
music itself had a contemporary feel with tones of the east. Some of the songs also had a negro-spiritual feel
to it with the harmonies sung to a high standard. I must admit, I sat in anticipation that Shezekiel would sing my favourite “Beams From Heaven” and jumped up ready
to dance when she started the song!
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| Eastern influences! |
My only
disappointment was that there wasn’t enough time to hear more of her songs.
With songs entitled “Catch The Boat” and “Basic Instructions Before Leaving
Earth”, you will understand why this was not just an evening out, but an
education.
An enjoyable evening with the recommendation that one goes out and purchases the CD as soon as possible. Well done to Shezekiel, Alan Charles who co-produced the event, alongside Kelvin Jarrett the musical director. Look out for news of the tour!!
#PromotingUKReggaeExcellence
#PromotingUKReggaeMusic
