As reggae superstars go, they don’t come much bigger than HORACE ANDY. A quick squint at his long resume will prove that fact. From his starting point in Jamaica’s infamous Studio One, working with reggae legend Clement ‘Sir Coxone’ Dodd; to his seminal work under Niney The Observer, Phil Pratt and Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee; to his later brush with success with Bristol trip-hoppers Massive Attack, Horace Andy’s reputation precedes him wherever he goes.
And on last night’s evidence, this sweet-voiced, energetic 53 year-old still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
To kick us off though, were funk-punk trio BIG STRIDES. There could only have been 20, or so, people in when the band kicked off a half hour set of eclectic funky blues-inspired tracks.
But, like the fabled pied piper, as the band played their first two or three songs, the venue filled, people started dancing, and I suddenly realised what all the recent press fuss concerning this band was about.
Lead singer Marcus O’Neill’s angular lyrics and punk guitar playing, are backed by the fat double-bass of Tom Pi and the understated drum shuffle of Scotsman Lewis Kirk. Together they make a beautiful noise.
With songs like “I Do Not Fear Jazz”, “Wipe It Clean Helena”, and their infectious, sardonic first single “Suicidal”, Big Strides have hit upon a sound that could only be described as unique. There are big times ahead for these guys, mark my words.
By the time the main attraction appeared, this small venue was packed to capacity. The obligatory ganja smoke had created a light haze over the crowd, which helped the atmosphere as we dipped back in time to 1970’s Kingston.
Backed by a, smaller than usual, seven-piece band, Horace ‘Sleepy’ Andy dipped into his extensive back catalogue, mixing it effortlessly with tracks from his new album, “From The Roots”, in which he collaborates with his old mucker, Mad Professor.
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Highlights from the new material included the sublime “Babylon Bridge” and the spiritual callings of “Zion The Holy Land” and “Rise Up Now”.
The three-piece horn section, sporting an array of natty headgear, were the perfect compliment to the tight throbbing rhythm section. Andy enthralled us with his heartfelt comments on love, race and politics, and at times during the evening I’m sure everyone felt the One Love emanating from the man.
But, of course, it was the classics everybody was here for. And we weren’t disappointed. Stunning renditions of “Fever” and “Skylarking” were, for me, the highlights, but the biggest cheers of the night were reserved for Andy’s collaborative work with Massive Attack. “One Love” was sung word for word by the ecstatic crowd, but it’s “Hymn Of The Big Wheel” that seems to be the most revered, greeted, as it was, by almost religious fervour.
Possessing one of the most distinctive voices you’re ever likely to hear, coupled with his passionate, cultural lyrics, Horace Andy is as important to Jamaican music as Bob Marley and Lee Perry are. To catch the man in the flesh is something everybody should treat themselves to.
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