UNDER THE title 'Revolution' the poetry and live music jam at the Weekendz Bar and Bistro, Constant Spring Road, was more of a music than poetry session on Tuesday.
The evening presented an array of up-and-possibly-coming musicians and vocalists. None of the performers would fit squarely into the local mainstream, now being dominated by dancehall. However, it was an interesting look at the possibilities and rising talent to be found in the country.
Although the evening was therefore dominated by live music, Mutabaruka's eclectic selections on the wheels of steel continued to be one of the best aspects of the evening. One can never guess what he will pull from his musical hat next, but it is usually something interesting.
'Revolution' was in large part a quiet evening, with most of the performers selecting mellow and often acoustic pieces for their contribution.
Roots Underground, one of the most moving performers for the evening, ushered in Wednesday morning. Although the band could be described as a reggae band, their best feature is the experimental difference in their music. The band gives a combination of proficient musicians and talented, distinctive vocalists. Tuesday's performance was heightened by the inclusion of the violin, which enhanced the 'unplugged', clean, simple quality of their presentation.
AMAZING WORK ON THE DRUMS
From the Deep had started off the live music section. Most of the members of the band is comprised of the Wilmott brothers, who have been making their name in the deep blue surfing world. From the Deep also features Loren Couch on lead guitar and Jeremy Ashbourne on drums. The performance started off very promisingly, especially with some amazing work on the drums which effected the crashing emotions being sung about. However while, From the Deep features technically-proficient musicians, their efforts are marred by weak lyrics and Ini Wilmott's even weaker vocals.
When it came to strong vocals, however, Wendy Bell was easily at the top of the nights performers. Accompanied by Gerd Beyens and Steven Vanloy on guitar she showed off her a rich melodious voice, which harkens of Norah Jones, but with more body. The three performed a short set which ended with an intriguing cover of Cindy Lauper's Time After Time.
Only two poets made it to the evening's roster. Chandis, the first to take the microphone, continued to spout her 'p.. p..' ideology, which attempts to speak to the power of women, by locating it in the vagina. Depending on the ability of her subject to either shock (with the help of the now almost powerless 'f' word) or titillate, she crooned her poems in a breathy voice.
Chandis performed five pieces, including Ghetto Fabulous which had come from a requested encore. She also performed her single Raindance, which was launched recently, Ripe and Ready, Appetite and The Pum Pum Speaks.
D-Thunder, was the second poet of the evening. Despite his name, D Thunder delivered his three poems in a soft, slightly hesitant voice which allowed the poems to follow their own rhythm rather than forcing one.
His first piece was the weakest of the three and seemed to be merely echoes of what he had heard and therefore came across as cliched revolution. After this one was discarded however, his performance got much better.
