In an earlier generation, The Hope Zoo Bandshell was the place where well-thinking Jmaaicans were exposed to a variety of musical expressions, from jazz to reggae to the orchestral strains of the Jamaica Military band. It had lain dormant for many years, and had fallen into disrepair until telecoms provider Digicel too kup the mantle late last year. Still, save for a few company functions, the Bandshell had not hosted a quality live music presentation.
That is, not until Saturday night last when Rootz Underground celebrated the release of their debut studio set, Movement.
"We buss de seal pon de venue" was lead singer Steven "Stevie G" Newland's triumphant declaration al ittle more than midway through a set that was by turns rollicking and subtly layered. Through over an hour of music with scant breaks, the six-man aggregation confirmed their status as the premier reggae-rockers in the business.
Newland, perhaps even unnoticed by the large crowd that blanketed the hillock in front of the Bandshell, has successfully steered past the easy Bob Marley comparisons that lurked like a quicksand bed in the early going. Depsite the familiar high-jumping, locks-shaking antics common to both, Newland brings an quicksilver intensity and one daresay, a welcome unpredictability to hisstage presence. Just when you think its old hat, that spark goes off in his eyes and he's found a new way to express the feelings in the band's potent lyrics.
And his bandmates were right up there with him. Colin Young laid down bass lines heavy enough to flatten steel, particularly on "Herb Field" where the group was augmented by the presence of a first-rate horn section. Charles Lazarus on lead guitar showed that the inspiration he gained from watching - and listening to -Cat Coore was not lost on him. Keyboardist Paul Smith showed good vocal skills (not to mention tremendous fitness) on Slumberland, and joined rhythm guitarist Jeffrey Moss-Solomon and Newland in a three-man 'jogging line' as drummer Leon Campbell kept time and more.
Indeed, the big reason why Rootz is worthy of acclaim is that in their hands, reggae once again emerges as a WORLD music, assimilating other styles and sounds, but without compromising the drum-and-bass core. Their shifting tempos and chanted vocal hooks ("The enemy's a robber Babylonian"; "Please don't let my well run dry") restore tothe music the revolutionary power that caused it to sweep the globe in the first place.
Part of that international community was represented by Philadeplhia-based sound system Solomonic, which kept both new and old jams coming before and after the set
Even before the set, the band members spoke of hte great potential of the venue and of plans for a return visit, alongside other reggae warriors.
This is one Movement we can get with.
