Concorde 2, 17 June 2010
On a balmy summer evening on the Brighton seafront, one cannot bring to mind a more suitable live act to serve as the soundtrack to the sunset. Since forming over four decades ago, Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert and his Maytals have been revered by both peers and fans alike for pioneering the roots reggae sound, indeed the very term ‘reggae’. Frequently imitated but seldom bettered, hits such as “54-46 That’s My Number” and “Monkey Man” have been given the cover treatment by everyone from Sublime and Reel Big Fish through to Amy Winehouse and Melt Banana. Indeed, the seminal Clash covered “Pressure Drop”, indicating the sheer breadth of influence that The Maytals command.
Emerging onstage to a hero’s welcome after some Chakka Demus & Pliers songs have gotten the crowd warmed up, Toots has them eating out of his well-worn hands from the off. Early numbers such as “Reggae Got Soul” showcase the lively tempo and celebratory ethos of the band’s formative years, members of the audience hugging each other, aware that they are witnessing a history lesson in Jamaican roots music unfold right before their very eyes.
Whereas one must commend the band from Kingston for ensuring that the punters get their money’s worth by playing for near on two hours, the middle of the set lags somewhat as newer material is aired, coming across as a cross between reggae and lounge music. Thankfully “Monkey Man” picks things up again in rousing fashion, before the band disappears to the “Toots! Toots! Toots!” cries of the audience.
Predictably, they quickly return, and what follows can only be described as an anticlimax to an otherwise superb evening. As the crowd get involved in some call and response vocals with “54-46…” Toots decides to not only fragrantly disregard any notion of an 11pm curfew, but drag out one of the band’s finest songs for a good twenty five minutes, softening the punch and verve that it packs in recorded form. As people begin to depart whilst the band jam away, the legs of those remaining become increasingly weary. Overall however, tonight only serves to cement Toots’ justifiably legendary status.
What did you think of the gig?
Maja: “A marvellous manifestation of Kingston’s finest.”
Lex: “As good as I hoped they’d be.”
Oli: “It’s the first time I’ve seen them but it’s easy to see why people worship them. Proper party vibes from start to finish!”
Words by Oli Roberston
Photography: Ian Greenland at Iangreenland.uk
