Adrian Frater, News Editor
Charlie Chaplin and Josie Wales during Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest's 'Top Ranking - The Dancehall Salute' at Pier One in Montego Bay, St. James, early yesterday morning. - PHOTOS BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF REPORTER
WESTERN BUREAU:
IT WAS a nostalgic journey down memory lane at the Pier One Complex, Montego Bay, St. James, on Wednesday night as the veteran cast on the 'Top Ranking Night' of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2006, treated patrons to old school roots rock reggae music at its very best.
From the opening salvo by songbird Pam Hall at 10:30 p.m. until the last rites by prolific hit-maker Frankie Paul close to 4:00 a.m., it was all musical joy for the modest gathering, some of whom sang, danced and screamed as the individual performers took turns at grabbing a share of the spotlight.
Evoking memories of early days with top-flight sound system Metromedia, the confident Peter Metro had the crowd buzzing as he unleashed a riveting set, which included hits such as, Nuh Gimme No Coke, Back Way Talk, Nuh Put It Deh and the patriotic Sweet Jamaica.
CLASS ACTS
As he worked his way skilfully towards a two-song encore, Peter Metro took time out to blast gunmen, who he claim was wreaking havoc on the society with their heinous crimes. He drew generous applause from the crowd when he issued a call for controversial tough cop Reneto Adams to be put back on the streets.
Frankie Paul, who was asked to closed the show, once again showed that he was indeed a class act, belting out old favourites such as Worries In De Dance, Kushungpeng and I Know The Score, much to the delight of the fans.
Pinchers, who was clad in a beige suit with his trademark felt hat and gold-framed eyeglasses, was awesome as he blazed through an exhilarating set including Return Of The Don, Lift It Up Again, Siddung Pon It and For Your Eyes Only.
When Pinchers pulled on his Mexican-style pullover and his bandoliers, which he draped across his chest, he all but had the crowd eating out of his hands to conclude his set with Riding West and a blazing rendition of Bandelero.
The legendary Daddy U-Roy was as crisp as a compact disc as he demonstrated the art of classical vocal styling, deejay style. It was all sweet dancehall music as the veteran toaster delivered songs such as, Queen Majesty, Wear You To The Ball and Jah Call You with unbelievable clarity. Perhaps the only disappointment was the MC's failure to grant the crowd's request for an encore.
Admiral Bailey came to entertain and did so with his usual fluent style, which was marked by his calm but efficient delivery. He really had the crowd moving with him as he danced up a storm, belting out crowd-favourites such as Think Me Did Done, Jump Up, One Scotch and Della Move.
ON-GOING FEUD
While acts such as singer Courtney Melody stuck to delivering his well-known hits such as Modern Girl and Ninja Me Ninja, deejays Josey Wales and Charlie Chaplin, who worked separately and then in combination, took it to another level as they both made references to the ongoing Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and D'Angel saga. Josie Wales was somewhat forthright in declaring that there must be something special about D'Angel why two grown men, who probably do not have a problem getting girls, should be locked in a duel over her.
The 'passa passa' aside, both deejays were on the mark with dancehall hits such as Cry Blood, Bushwhacked and Undercover Lover, among other hits.
Flourgon, Professor Nuts, who was at his witty best, General Trees, fresh from a tour of Germany and the velvet-smooth Jimmy Riley, who shared his set with Tinga Stewart, all contributed to a fantastic event.
