Music / Reggae
Review: Horace Andy, Thekla
If Bristol has a favourite reggae import it has to be the venerable Horace Andy. The Studio One stalwart from Jamaica, whose hit Skylarking on Coxsone Dodd’s legendary record label in the early 70’s is one of his most enduring songs.
Of course, over the past couple of decades Andy has become re-known to a new generation of reggae and music fans through his collaborations with our own Massive Attack, with his beautifully fluttering trademark vibrato vocals enhancing many of their songs. He has added to them but they have indeed helped breathe a new vitality into his career.
Tonight it’s all aboard the good ship Thekla for the rock steady beat of this living legend. Armed with a tight backing band, Andy is as sprightly as some of the the youngsters in the audience, high stepping and jogging to some of the more upbeat numbers, playing the old reggae game of rewinding the song after the start for a few numbers, and starting the song again.
is needed now More than ever
This is of course old skool and was done just a few times too many tonight. But that’s part of Horace Andy’s performance, it hasn’t changed in the myriad times I’ve seen him over the years. Ultimately, he’s an old school reggae man and a consummate performer with a high soulful golden voice who carries the rock steady and ska-infused rhythms perfectly.
He goes through a set of old favourites including the Massive numbers Spying Glass early on and a rearranged version of Hymn To the Big Wheel as part of the encore. Of his extensive and rich back catalogue, a lovely Man Next Door with it’s glorious ‘In my neighbourhood…’ chorus line, a pared down Money Money Money, a rocking Zion Gate and a long, rivetingly rambling, Cuss Cuss stand out.
Sparkling trombone and deep bass and drums propel the music along with Andy’s vocals adding the cream topping. His nickname might be ‘Sleepy’ but there’s nothing half-baked about this seasoned singer and his ability to still deliver. There’s a dancehall stride to his material tonight, a smattering of inventiveness but mainly a good solid midweek groove.
Skylarking comes in towards the end of the set with an energy and an extended rock guitar at its end, and he indulges in a solo accapella snippet of Angel before ending with the lilting insistency of Leave Rastaman Alone.
The message on his black polka dot singlet may have read “I am fucking lonely” but, Horace, I don’t believe you.
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