Live music at its very best can be an almost spiritual experience. Music can sooth all ills, music can bring joy, heal a broken heart and lift you above the daily grind. Music can make you dance, make you sing make you smile the biggest smile and music can save your life. I’ve loved the music of Bob Marley and The Wailers since I was a kid and over the years seen bands of various formats and constituents, though sadly too young to have ever seen Bob himself.
Tonight is one of those night though when the music is king and the spirit of the great man is present. The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson have competed that rare feat of capturing the essence of the music and run with it, in the process creating some wonderful sonic soundscapes and incredibly moving extended live jams.
There is so much love in this sold out room tonight it’s hard to describe it, ever face is smiling and every body is moving. It would almost be a disservice to start talking about the setlist, which is perfect start to finish and full of songs that are as ubiquitous as they are inspiring, as spiritual as they are sheer immersive joy. Tonight’s show is more than a vibe and more then the sum of the parts of these consummate musicians. It’s a night to savor and enjoy, a night to be part of and to go home singing and dancing.
Al Anderson’s playing also brings another element – a wonderful depth is threaded into the songs, and in the extended sometimes jazzy explorations he works wonders with the guitar. At times it’s subtle and at times it’s sheer rock, but it’s always spot on the mark. Songs like ‘No Woman, No Cry’ are simply indisputably beautiful and with the whole room participating and being part of the music and the experience its pure joy. This is the sort of night that takes you so much further than a mere gid, this is a night where live music becomes an experience. This is what music should be – people from all different paces gather together to experience something that transcends all the petty things we squabble about in life. This is love.
If you have tickets to the Rosemount tonight, get there early for the wonderful Elevators from Boston MA to ease you into what will be an unforgettable night. Western Australia got to open this tour but the rest of Australia can jump on board for something you don’t get too often these days – not just a concert but an event.
IMAGES AND GALLERY LATER TODAY
