Easy Star All-Stars, Nov 13th, The Fleece, Bristol

Carnival atmosphere at The Fleece as Michael Jackson gets a reggae make-over by US super-collective Easy Star All Stars.

The group is internationally renowned for their creative interpretation of all-time classic albums since their debut 'Dub Side Of The Moon' first caught its audience feverishly bopping in 2003.  The sell-out crowd tonight is a well lubricated blend of indie kid students, dreadlocked dudes and middle aged men in their quest to hear their favourite old LP's without reproach. 

Kicking off with Radiohead cover 'Electioneering' the 8-strong ensemble has everyone swaying early.  The band look like they're having as good a time as its audience, grins fixed all around from the novelty factor of what tonight promises.  ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Something’ sounds more funk than reggae with some delicious and soulful vocals from Elenna Canlas, curiously petite for such a powerful performance. 

Comedy on stage next as a willing young lady is plucked for serenade from the front as the McCartney vs Jackson banter on ‘The Girl Is Mine’ is heartily re-enacted between Shelton Garner Jr and Ras L Ray.  Dub base grooves, stirring horns and passionate vocals from the charismatic Ras L Ray prove to be a winning combo as the band move through the gears, dropping a sublime take on ‘Karma Police’. 

By the time the All-Stars get to ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ a nugget of unbridled joy, it becomes clear that those that have been dragged along to see the show by fanatical friends have not been disappointed.  An outrageously epic trombone solo has the audience enraptured and no longer self-conscious about their involuntary grooving.

Pandemonium ensues when intimidating giant Ras Emmanuel returns to the stage for another rasta rapping salvo on ‘Thrillah’ sounding as devilishly frightening as Vincent Price on the original.  A surprising change of pace follows with a beautiful acoustic rendition from Garner Jnr of ‘Redemption Song’ which delights the crowd and induces a right royal sing-along. 

Encores ‘Billie Jean’ and the explosive ‘Money’ raise the roof, the band clearly enjoying the bouncing reaction in front of them.  The latter comes complete with an improvised and highly energetic jamming session and some show-stealing keyboard work from the versatile Canlas.

As clichéd as it may sound, it really is true that the band are more than one of the many tribute bands that can be found on the local circuit.  The All-Stars are happy to be guilty of bringing reggae to a mainstream rock/indie audience in much the same way that Buena Vista Social Club widened the appeal of Cuban music with their contemporary covers album 'Rhythms Del Mundo'.  Where they may be sneered at by the hardcore reggae fraternity they are at least bringing new listeners to the genre which can only be positive. 

Although not the tightest group from a technical perspective with wandering guitars and a few vocal slips the overwhelming groove of the dub-base layers that underpin their live act and of course their well-loved track selection makes them a hugely enjoyable and reliable crowd-pleaser.

Setlist:

1. Electioneering
2. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
3. Lovely Rita
4. PYT
5. The Girl Is Mine
6. Karma Police
7. Breathe
8. Time
9. Climbing Up The Walls
10. With A Little Help From My Friends
11. Beat It
12. Human Nature
13. Thriller
14. Redemption Song
15. Billie Jean
16. Money

Published online at Venue.co.uk - Bristol Gig Reviews - Mike Harley

Best Track - Watch online through link below:

Easy Star Allstars - Electioneering