Sunsplash Day 2
After the first day's disappointing musical lineup, I was thinking the only way could be forward. This proved to be true and my predictions from yesterday about the artists turned out to be correct. Junior Kelly's style was largely based in dancehall rhythms, but sadly it was of a more commercial nature than I would have liked. However, it was still worth checking out and he also gave a public press conference after the show - I think this is a really nice idea because it gives the fans a chance to get a greater insight into the personality of performers.
The ludicrously-named Bitty McLean was next on the main stage and I didn't stay for long. It was pretty much the same kind of music that I had been dreading: the unoriginal blend of pop-style vocals and the occasional reggae background. I also thought it was pretty funny when he piped up in a strong Birmingham accent between tunes. As well as the songs, there was another disappointment for real reggae fans regarding this act. The original festival programme had listed that McLean would be appearing with Sly and Robbie, the legendary drum/bass production duo, who are credited with changing the face of reggae several times since the 1970s. However, it emerged that the pair cancelled their performance, stating the reason of a broken leg; this will surely disappoint a lot of fans and one person told me it's not the first time a withdrawal had happened for this same reason. Suspicious.
Africa Unite were the last band to play. They are the oldest Italian reggae group, having been active for 25 years or more, and the performance was suitably distinguished. Although most of the songs were in Italian, I still really enjoyed the rhythms and musical moods they created. Elements of dub, roots reggae and sometimes rock were present in the mix and there was also creative usage of electronics involved. They played until around 2.30am after an encore and the inclusion of several guest vocalists, and it was definitely the most enjoyable act I've seen so far.
Tonight looks to be another varied one on the main stage, featuring dancehall, dub, roots, samba and more. I'm looking forward to the Brazilian group Olodum, whose description sounds like something truly unique. More later.
The ludicrously-named Bitty McLean was next on the main stage and I didn't stay for long. It was pretty much the same kind of music that I had been dreading: the unoriginal blend of pop-style vocals and the occasional reggae background. I also thought it was pretty funny when he piped up in a strong Birmingham accent between tunes. As well as the songs, there was another disappointment for real reggae fans regarding this act. The original festival programme had listed that McLean would be appearing with Sly and Robbie, the legendary drum/bass production duo, who are credited with changing the face of reggae several times since the 1970s. However, it emerged that the pair cancelled their performance, stating the reason of a broken leg; this will surely disappoint a lot of fans and one person told me it's not the first time a withdrawal had happened for this same reason. Suspicious.
Africa Unite were the last band to play. They are the oldest Italian reggae group, having been active for 25 years or more, and the performance was suitably distinguished. Although most of the songs were in Italian, I still really enjoyed the rhythms and musical moods they created. Elements of dub, roots reggae and sometimes rock were present in the mix and there was also creative usage of electronics involved. They played until around 2.30am after an encore and the inclusion of several guest vocalists, and it was definitely the most enjoyable act I've seen so far.
Tonight looks to be another varied one on the main stage, featuring dancehall, dub, roots, samba and more. I'm looking forward to the Brazilian group Olodum, whose description sounds like something truly unique. More later.
posted by Frederick at 15:24
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home