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Archive for March, 2011

Reggae culture artist Ras Shiloh treated an appreciative audience to night of musical and cultural reflection. The late Garnet Silk inspired vocalist, more than wetted the appetite of a “reality starving” audience.

  Performing his newest release, as well as some old staples, the silky voice singer performed a tribute to his mentor that went over quite well, as was attested to by the sing along.

  The Saturday night show got off to an excellent start, as rising reggae/R&B artist Kendra Grandville, showed her versatility, moving effortlessly between sultry rhythm & blues delivery and reggae. Her powerful vocal was truly on display as she tackled Alecia Keys mega hit “No One.” Grandville also did double duty as half of the back up duo for Ras Shiloh.

  Appearing before his fans, a little after mid-night, the Rastafarian performer, with his locks flowing, proved himself a worthy member of the standard bearers of roots music, that include the likes of Luciano, Warrior King, Anthony B and Everton Blender. The longer he performed, the stronger he got. His energy appeared to reach fever pitched as he exhorted the crowd in the relatively small venue at Gambino in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

 Shiloh at times, showed his displeasure; however, with the night’s ensemble band, exhorting them to “push,” stopping a few times and requesting a restart of the rhythm. He eventually told the engineer to turn up the bass; saying, the he didn’t care if we “bust a couple speakers.

 ”Throughout his performs, Shiloh stopped to deliver messages steep in spirituality, extolling the wisdom of listening- To the lyrics and not just “jump” up to the music. The Ras also delved in to linguistics, providing his insight into etymology, telling the audience that “Jesus” is a Greek work and that God’s real name is “Yahweh,” as there is no letter “J” in the Arabic/Hebrew language. By all accounts the lessons were well received and did not appear to distract from his performance.

Finally, bidding his fans good night, he was prompted by the percussionist/MC, and the throng as they shouted, “One more Shiloh, one more” and the Ras alighted. He, eventually, ended the night with a medley, including his rendition of Sam Cook’s classics, Change Gone Come and Chain Gang.

 Leaving the venue, one fan was overheard, wondering aloud, “How come more people never come to the show?” The refrain is not new, but a rather familiar one, as it appears that reggae/culture music as become the stepchild of Jamaican music, giving way to dance hall, its raunchier, rhythm driver offspring, particularly in the New York-New Jersey markets, and by all account, Jamaica.

 However, hope springs eternal, thanks to artist such as Ras Shiloh, who remains a testament that one man can make a difference.

 Notes: The show was promoted Ras Rootz & Revan Entertainment.

 GN

Sunday, March 13, 2011/www.reggaeendz.com ©2008