Published in The Daily Nebraskan, August 25th, 1997
Burning Spear Delivers Premier Reggae
One would never have guessed it from the size of the crowd alone, but Omaha
was graced Friday evening with one of reggae music's premier international
talents. Winston Rodney, more widely known as Burning Spear, made his return
to Sokol Auditorium Friday evening en route to a two night headlining slot
at Reggae On The Rocks in Denver, where he played to 9,000 people.
Spear and his top flight Burning Band dazzled the crowd of 400 for an hour
and forty-five minutes, covering a selection of very recent material, including
"Burning Reggae," "This Man," and "Not Stupid"
from Rasta Business and "Mi Gi Dem" from The World Should Know.
Approximately two-thirds of the way into the performance, the set shifted
gears into the classic 70s material and the mood changed noticeably with
"Slavery Days," "Marcus Garvey," and "Red, Gold
and Green" from the Marcus Garvey album and the driving highlight of
the evening, "African Postman," from the Hail H.I.M. album. The
only song previewed from the new Appointment with His Majesty album was
"Play Jerry."
The set was altered by several numbers from the stunning performance at
Reggae On The River in California on August 3rd. In this respect, it was
only disappointing by being cut short two songs. Notably absent were performances
of Spear's classic commentary on revisionist history, "Columbus,"
and the deeply penetrating finale, "Cry Blood."
The performance was another clear indication that the line-up changes in
the Burning Band since last year have produced a group of musicians who
legitimately enjoy working together. Spear's arrangements on this tour emphasize
an equal portion of vocal and dub (instrumental) sections within each song.
This allows the musicians to jam and work out the rhythms in extended fashion.
The interplay of guitarists Eugene Grey and Linford Carby was fantastic
as well as the galloping percussive fire drawn from Spear himself, percussionist
Num, and drummer Nelson Miller. The Burning Brass was as sensational and
intoxicating as always, made even stronger by the addition of old school
Jamaican session trombonist Nambo Robinson.
Even if Burning Spear had retired ten years ago, his place in reggae history
would be secure. His steady, consistent and perfectionist approach to album
making and touring in the last seven years are ensuring him a place in the
heart of a new generation of reggae fans, who seem to be appreciating his
efforts, even in Nebraska, where reggae hasn't penetrated nearly far enough.
The enthusiastic and conscious reception given by the Sokol Auditorium crowd
Friday night was definitely a step in the right direction.
-- Carter Van Pelt
Carter is the host of "400 Years," a roots reggae program airing
Saturdays at 4 p.m. on KZUM 89.3 FM.