By Coral Consciouslee
21st June 2015
Had a lovely evening at the Catford Theatre watching Victor Romero Evans and Janet Kay's show "Songs & Laughter With My Father".
Things got underway quite promptly and the show was well attended.
Victor did an outstanding job of engaging the crowd and ensuring that
things went smoothly.
I actually cried tears of laughter
listening to the comic genius of Curtis Walker, Glenda Jackson and Slim.
The fact that they spoke about true life experiences made it seem even
funnier.
As well as Victor singing some of his hits and latest songs, Paulette Tajah had the crowd on their feet with "Cos You Love Me Baby". Don Campbell sang a soul stirring rendition of "Dance With My Father". We had a surprise appearance by Paul Dawkins
who treated us to two of his classic hits. Last, but by no means least,
Janet Kay took me to another place with "The First Time Ever I saw your
face". Truly beautiful.
At the end all the artists who performed
came together to sing in tribute to producer "Bubblers" who made a
rare but special appearance.
I commend Victor and Janet for
continuing where they left off last year. Sometimes some father's are
unsung heroes who should be publicly acknowledged and shown
appreciation. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Happy Father's Day all xxx
By Coral Consciouslee
18th June 2015
For those of us who follow British Reggae, we are all well aware of
the giants and legends that are among us. So when those giants not only
attend an album launch but also perform on the same stage as the artist
in question, one should take note.
Such was the case with Aysha
Loren last night. Having the ability to combine an "R n' B'" voice with
the reggae genre is no easy feat, but she managed it very well. The band
were well rehearsed and relaxed as we were treated to a collection of songs taken from her new album "My Wishing Well" as well as some favourites such as "Keep it like it is".
As I mentioned before, we had some legends on stage: Janet Kay, Carroll
Thompson, Tippa Irie, and Christopher Ellis. Very nice to see and hear
also some young up and coming artists Prince Malachi and Damion
Muilrain. What better endorsement could Aysha get than being welcomed to
the Lover's Rock family by none other than Janet Kay herself??
The attendance was very good indeed. My one note of concern is that
there didn't seem to be enough of the younger folk which is of course is
what it's all about, but I was very glad to see that Aysha was well
supported by the more mature artists and fans.
Is Aysha in it for
the long haul? I would say yes. I saw the look of concentration and
determination on her face as she stood observing the other artists
perform and her accommodation of the fans that came up to her to say
hello and take pictures. She means business.
Ayesha is one artist that will continue the Lovers Rock legacy. Watch this space.
29th May 2015
Last night I was invited as a guest to John Mclean's monthly Reggae Royal event and I must say I enjoyed myself immensely. Audrey Scott and I were greeted at the door by the effervescent Macky Mcpherson who personally escorted us to the VIP area. I thought this was nice as Audrey was not performing last night.
The venue, The Royal Surrey Pub, looked warm and welcoming and larger
in space once one entered. The stage area was immediately seen and well
presented. The atmosphere was an intimate one with music, conversation
and laughter. One had to be careful with the drinks though, the prices
were so cheap, I could have left legless!!
The show itself was
fantastic! Naturally John opened the show with a selection of songs that
got the crowd gravitating towards the stage. The Zane Band were sharp,
on point and plainly enjoying themselves. I have only recently met Errol
Black Steel Nicholson and was pleasantly surprised to see that not only
is he an accomplished singer but a talented musician (where have I
been??)!
Amaziah Rose
was stunning! Her vocals were sharp and clear. Practically tore up the
place with "54 46 Was My Number". Then we had the stylish and so very
funny Winsome Burrell
who makes singing seem so effortless; this woman sure knows how to
engage the crowd. The quality of her voice was beautiful in "Killing me
softly". Last but by no means least we had one of my favourite male
singers, Don Campbell backed by Klearview Harmonix.
Oh my gosh what a performance! The man delivers every single time. I
loved his version of "Redemption Song". A natural born singer.
Well done to the team for the concept and especially for keeping UK Artists on the map, very impressed ....I shall come again.
By Coral Consciouslee
19th May 2015
 |
| YVONNE SWABY-RILEY | |
How many times have we heard or known of a desperate plight of a
friend or loved one and felt so helpless, wishing there was something we
could do?? Usually we try to say something positive or pray or both and
for many of us that's all we feel we can do.
Not Miss Frederica Tibbs;
her love for her friend Yvonne Riley Swaby and her faith in God gave
her the confidence, boldness and courage to ask her family, friends and
loved ones to DO SOMETHING! She only had to ask once. What
took place as a consequence opened up my heart and mind to what can be
achieved if we really want something to happen. Unbeknown to all I had
been keeping an eye on Miss Tibbs via private message and warning her
that unless she looked after herself, she wouldn't be able to support
her friend. She hardly slept and kept moving. For this is a woman on a
mission.
Pause and consider
this: In less than a week a venue, sound equipment, videos, cameras and
volunteer staff were secured. Over 30 artists when asked only once said
they would sing for the worthy cause. Without waiting outside other
events with pre - printed flyers advertising our own, the word was
spread. Being at the front at Hootananny last night, I looked behind me
and saw people wall to wall!
It gets better: we had credible
prizes for raffles and auctioning. Donations were being added as the
evening wore on. Egos, self - serving, dislike or current disagreements
were put aside and we came together for the greater good.
By the time I got there after 8pm Derek Février
had already organised the sound check, PA system and DJs. Those
attending greeted each other with love and warmth, feeling good about
being part of something so worthy. Can you imagine stage managing over
30 artists??
I left not my usual bubbly buzzing self; although
excited, I started to think of the greatness, love, strength, power,
understanding and knowledge we all have inside us and of all the things
we could achieve. I realised that we may be looking at things the wrong
way round. We need to stop waiting for "one day" for people to come
together, for finance etc.
Frederica reminded me that all we have to do is make one step and WE WILL attract what we need to get things done...
I put Yvonne Riley Swaby in the hands of God. Frederica and Derek, I
applaud your efforts and determination. You both done good.
By Coral Consciouslee
14th March 2015
I first met Gatecrash Sounds last year at Danroj Wright's
event, where Aysha Loren had her album launch. He was very courteous
and polite and informed me that he would be holding an event called Legends of Legends on Saturday March 14th 2015.
Gatecrash not only followed through on that date, he made sure that it
was of such a high standard, it would be used as a measurement and
example of what can be IF we are prepared to plan, work together and
follow through to the end.
The
hospitality and the treatment of the artists was excellent! From picking
us up at the station to taking us back to the station. We wanted for
nothing, For me I had some surreal moments. Talking to Dennis Bovell
whilst he waited for soundcheck, watching all the artists catching up
with each other. Meeting Barry Boom for the first time, sharing
philosophical conversation with Don Campbell
and Arema. Watching artist after artist perform and seeing the talent
that is here in the UK being cheered by one of the largest crowd I have
seen in the last year. The event was thoroughly enjoyable, in
organisation, presentation both backstage and on the stage. I am going
to tell my mother (one of the best Jamaican cooks I know) about the food
I ate.
My only regret is
that it only happens once a year. However on reflection the magnitude
of the event and what it takes to produce, makes it a justifable
decision. Gatecrash I commend you for thinking of and supporting the UK
reggae artists, for setting a standard and example and for striving to
ensure that people will know that there are major reggae events still
happening in the UK. For once, it was about the artists - someone
remembered that all this would not happen without them. I salute you
and those who helped you. Till next year..... God bless you all xxx
