Jamaican roots reggae singer Bushman lands in Jazz Cafe for his ‘Timeless Reggae Tour’ alongside Grassroots musicians The Full Cxrcle Band as the pairing continue to bring their set to venues around the uk and Europe.
Hailing from St. Thomas, Bushman played a huge part in the resurgence of reggae music in the 90s that gained him a new level of respect and love from listeners around the world.
Tonight’s MC is building tension and hype through telling the story and roots of Bushman prior to the main act’s arrival. He first introduces the headliner’s son, emerging artist Jaba Khalid, who garners a huge reception before performing 2 tracks including ‘Outside’, Jaba’s single released earlier this year.
It’s now time for Bushman himself to enter the stage and the crowd erupts with excitement. There are beautiful harmonies from his backing singers who are also giving us some synchronised moves. The rhythm of the drums are impactful alongside the strong funk of the bass, the decorative keys and synths and the melodic sounds of the guitar. The bass sounds are so strong the whole building is vibrating. The bass player – The Full Cxrcle Band’s musical director Eclectic – has stems lined up on a laptop which prompt additional effects throughout the set.
The Jazz Cafe air is a sea of gun fingers and the occasional whistle is blown as the baritone Bushman sings of genocide, racism and capitalism through hits including ‘Nyah Man Chant’ and ‘Higher’, while his crowd interaction and speeches hit the audience with power and intent.
