Music / hip hop
Review: Mama Jerk and the Ladyfingers, Jam Jar
Tucked away in the backstreets of Old Market is Jam Jar, a little gem of a venue which caters to colourful and lively events. Tonight was no exception as it was the EP launch for 7-piece behemoth Mama Jerk and the Ladyfingers. Tropical plants lined the stage along with the obligatory fairy lights and paper garlands, the scene was set. Support for the evening was the bashful and unapologetic nine-piece machine that was Town Of Cats. Hailing from Brighton, they molded ska, reggae, hip hop and afrobeat in their energetic set which left me breathless.
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Each member was wearing some form of animal print pattern, lead vocalist Joe Travis-Dean was a natural born entertainer, between the ferocious trumpet stabs and hip hop laden vocals it was slick, theatrical and expressive. Between jumping into the crowd to perform a rendition of ‘One Step Beyond’ by Madness, to synth wizardry delivered with expressive gesticulation. “That was the quiet part of the set, we’re going to crank things up a notch” Joe declared. I couldn’t have wished for a better support, they definitely got everyone grooving and in the mood for the madness that ensued.
After eight years on the circuit, Mama Jerk and the Ladyfingers have released their much anticipated second EP Eternal Pride and Glory to the Sovereign Principality of Stetrovenia. With frontman Jake Chapman announcing “it is a made up country which exists in our minds”. Donned in a gold two-piece suit, he definitely looked as though he could’ve been the mayor of Stretovina.
Opening the night with ‘Morocco’, a colourful and ska laden tune with stabs of beastly horn sections. Jake Blackmore provided backing vocals and extraordinary acoustic contortion. Rooted in their trademark storytelling style of verse, vocals were exchanged between the two Jakes which emphasised the plot line even more. The sea shanty-like call backs added another dimension to their tales.
“Right, here’s a song about a fitted kitchen”. ‘Fitted Kitchen’ was a hilarious full frontal affair, beastly horn sections and the folk-like intervals provided the foundations for the vocals to truly make their way to the forefront. I commend Mama Jerk and the Ladyfingers for wrangling in this gem of a line: “when I die, please bury me, in a minimalist design, beige fitted kitchen”, it’s straight up Partridge and garnered a few laughs from the crowd.
The tempo and build-up of their songs are masterfully done and are in total parallel with the lyrics. Suspense was made, and in turn, as was the story that was told alongside it. I left the show beaming, definitely one of the most exhilarating and fun shows I’ve been to for some time.
Mama Jerk & the Ladyfingers image supplied by Mama Jerk & the Ladyfingers
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