20 October 2010 (gig)
22 October 2010
I'm not sure anyone would have ever said "a reggae cover band playing classic albums doesn't work", simply because no one would have thought of it. That is, of course, until Easy Star All-Stars came along. They don't need much of an introduction though as they're work is very clear cut and unlike anything else.
Those looking to hear songs from their new LP "Dubber Side of the Moon" would have been somewhat disappointed as not many songs from that album made their way onto ESAS's set list. Not that anyone at the gig was disappointed, their performance was solid and seamless; the bassist dancing and gyrating away with a massive smile on his face all night, a synchronised horn section both musically and their dance moves, a hyperactive frontman jogging on the spot with Jamaican stripes over his clothes.
We heard a lot from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Dub Band which the whole crowd sang along to, and we did hear a couple from the new album: a cracking version of Money and Time which had everyone skanking along. We were then treated to encore of the guitarist playing a solo rendition of Bob Marley's Redemption Song
All in all it was a fantastic evening's worth of entertainment and I'd recommend their next gig to anyone who wants a relaxed yet exciting evening. I would probably say "avoid" to the Pink Floyd super purists out there.
