BUJU BANTON REVIEW - 11.21.05
EVENT: Buju Banton with Shilo Band
VENUE: Lupo's, 79 Washington Street, Providence, RI
DATE: 11.21.05
ADMISSION: $25
SHOW RATING: $ $ $ $ (3 out of 4) Again!!
I had never seen Buju live before, so Monday night's show was special. Despite the fact that I own several of his LPs and a bunch of 7 inches, I don't know Buju's music that well, comparatively speaking. But the show was well worth the work-night jaunt down to Providence.
I heard that Lupo's moved locations, but I never would have guessed that The Heartbreak Hotel would move into the Strand Theater! I was awestruck when I first darted inside, escaping the rain, because the ceilings were 130-ft. high. Two margaritas quickly melted away that cold, damp feeling (small plastic cups to my chagrin!).
The opening acts were better than only OK. Backed by the experienced Shilo Band, three artists passed through and all recieved forwards from the packed house. I believe that the legendary Mickey Chung played riddim guitar, and I can't forget about the lovely backup singers as well. Then, to my surprise, Assassin charged the stage, busting out with his breakthrough hit, "Roughest and Toughest." His voice was hoarse and that factor limited his set to maybe six tunes. Still, his energetic performance picked up the vibes and he sucessfully paved the way for Gargamel AKA Mr. Buju Banton, a living dancehall legend.
Buju was on point all night! Whether it was a slow tune, or a rootsy sounding number, or one of his many dancehall classics, Gargamel killed it! He sang in many different styles, revealing his versatility as an artist. Buju belted out his signature hits like "Til Shilo," "Hills and Valley," and "Murder," as expected. He also performed new tunes from his upcoming abum, Rasta Got Soul. Of course, Buju dropped a his recent single "Magic City," which recieved a ton of airplay on Rockers (WERS 88.9 FM). Buju's rendition of Peter Tosh's classic "Mama Africa" was another highlight of the show. Lupo's was feeling that chune! And I was feeling all the high grade ses in the air!
The climate at Lupo's was relaxed and it didn't have that edge you can feel in some Boston clubs. The mood was jovial and the massive just wanted to take in Buju and enjoy themselves. The venue itself really enhanced the experience and Lupo's is better than The Roxy (Boston) for a large stage show. But before long, Buju exited the stage and to my shock, the lights qucikly came on! It was only 12:10 am! Presumably, Lupo's weekday curfew is midnight. Other patrons were dismayed when the lights burst on and I can recall this one big dude wildly slapping his hands on the back of the stage speakers in protest! An ancore would have dun the place straight! Perhaps tonight in Boston at Club Lido's...
VENUE: Lupo's, 79 Washington Street, Providence, RI
DATE: 11.21.05
ADMISSION: $25
SHOW RATING: $ $ $ $ (3 out of 4) Again!!
I had never seen Buju live before, so Monday night's show was special. Despite the fact that I own several of his LPs and a bunch of 7 inches, I don't know Buju's music that well, comparatively speaking. But the show was well worth the work-night jaunt down to Providence.
I heard that Lupo's moved locations, but I never would have guessed that The Heartbreak Hotel would move into the Strand Theater! I was awestruck when I first darted inside, escaping the rain, because the ceilings were 130-ft. high. Two margaritas quickly melted away that cold, damp feeling (small plastic cups to my chagrin!).
The opening acts were better than only OK. Backed by the experienced Shilo Band, three artists passed through and all recieved forwards from the packed house. I believe that the legendary Mickey Chung played riddim guitar, and I can't forget about the lovely backup singers as well. Then, to my surprise, Assassin charged the stage, busting out with his breakthrough hit, "Roughest and Toughest." His voice was hoarse and that factor limited his set to maybe six tunes. Still, his energetic performance picked up the vibes and he sucessfully paved the way for Gargamel AKA Mr. Buju Banton, a living dancehall legend.
Buju was on point all night! Whether it was a slow tune, or a rootsy sounding number, or one of his many dancehall classics, Gargamel killed it! He sang in many different styles, revealing his versatility as an artist. Buju belted out his signature hits like "Til Shilo," "Hills and Valley," and "Murder," as expected. He also performed new tunes from his upcoming abum, Rasta Got Soul. Of course, Buju dropped a his recent single "Magic City," which recieved a ton of airplay on Rockers (WERS 88.9 FM). Buju's rendition of Peter Tosh's classic "Mama Africa" was another highlight of the show. Lupo's was feeling that chune! And I was feeling all the high grade ses in the air!
The climate at Lupo's was relaxed and it didn't have that edge you can feel in some Boston clubs. The mood was jovial and the massive just wanted to take in Buju and enjoy themselves. The venue itself really enhanced the experience and Lupo's is better than The Roxy (Boston) for a large stage show. But before long, Buju exited the stage and to my shock, the lights qucikly came on! It was only 12:10 am! Presumably, Lupo's weekday curfew is midnight. Other patrons were dismayed when the lights burst on and I can recall this one big dude wildly slapping his hands on the back of the stage speakers in protest! An ancore would have dun the place straight! Perhaps tonight in Boston at Club Lido's...
posted by Jah Rich at 6:23 PM
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