Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
THE MELLOW sound of Nambo Robinson's trombone cut across Upper Waterloo Road, sporadic traffic sounds, chatter, the clank of a chain at the entrance of a gas station beside Peppers and all, on Tuesday night.
The third official event in Merritone's 55th anniversary and 15th family reunion celebration, the free session was billed as a night with the sound system, as well as jazz, ska and mento with Nambo Robinson and the Idren Workshop. And after Robinson had called for a break, Merritone played slow music, one couple getting up to sway to the music under a half moon, sometimes shrouded by clouds.
The audience built up appreciably during the break, Monty Blake introducing the band on the resumption of the live music for the benefit of the newcomers. There was one person who had already gone, though, and kudos were given to saxophonist Dean Frazer.
MENTO
The band started off with mento, Robinson surrendering the lead on trombone and tapping away with a tambourine before employing the horn once again. The song ended with Robinson kinking up and laughing, as the audience applauded.
"We have a little young saxophonist waan play a tune fi di I dem," Robinson said and the band went into roots reggae mode fore Kevin to play Luciano's Hills and Valleys. He stuck mostly to the familiar melody, dropping in a few variations after the line "man to man is unjust".
Towel on his left shoulder and hat pulled down on his head, Robinson took the lead again, members of the audience singing along "love me forever and I will be true..." where appropriate in 'Kiss Me Once'. The keyboard player took the lead as Robinson again went into percussion mode, returning to his horn to end the song.
"Yes, talking bout love. A word used in all sorts of ways. Man sey dem mek love," Robinson said, saying that God is love. "man have sex. Lust an' then we have sex."
SPIRIT OF LOVE
He used his breath for singing instead of blowing, intoning "silver and gold will pass away/oil and coal will pass away/what is bought and sold will pass away/but the spirit of love will never go away/the spirit of love will always be the same". Nearing the end of 'the spirit of love' Robinson leaned the microphone stand and coached the band to a stop with a last go round of the refrain.
'Westbound Train', led of by the keyboard player, had legs shaking and Kevin was called back in for the next song, Robinson taking back the lead for the seminal 'Real Rock'. And it was not only the trombone for this selection, as Robinson delivered snatches of Michigan and Smiley, as well as Willie Williams 'Armageddon', for which there were cheers.
"Now as I grow tired I have to take a leave from the stage," Robinson said, adding his good wishes even for Christmas and New Year as they were not far away. There was a freedom sound, followed by a trip into a standard time, the audience rocking.
"Yes people, we give thanks for your presence and warm reception. Hoping to see you again. Blessed love," Robinson said.
