Live (Live At Rainbow Theatre, London, England1977)

Album review

After recording two exceptional albums under Clement Dodd at Studio One (Presenting and Rocking Time), Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear) signed to Island Records. The albums that followed (Marcus Garvey and Man in the Hills) quickly established him as one of the finest, most impassioned practitioners of the flowering roots style. Live, this 1977 concert document, draws exclusively from Spear's first two Island efforts (the only exception being the closing "Throw Down Your Arms," which was about to surface on Dry & Heavy) with the singer backed by Aswad's stellar rhythm section. Unfortunately, the music doesn't translate quite as well as one might expect and it's difficult to tell exactly why. Spear is clearly engaged and in top form, and the band imbues the heavyweight rhythms with effortless fluidity. The problem may be in the mix which, despite the efforts of engineer Dennis Thompson, features too much high end; drummer Angus Gaye's cymbals ring clear, with the bass suffering slightly. It should also be noted that the performances here don't necessarily surpass the studio versions -- a testament to the quality of Spear's album work. Beyond that, it's difficult to pinpoint weaknesses. The album's intensity rarely wanes from the moment that listeners are thrust into "The Ghost" (aka "Marcus Garvey"). Stretching out in his characteristic chanting roots style, Spear proceeds to detail his long-standing concerns: the life and teachings of Marcus Garvey, his own Rastafarian faith, the power of mother nature, and universal love. Listeners just get the sense that no recording can do full justice to the power of Spear's music in a live setting. Still, this remains one of a handful of great live reggae sets.

© Nathan Bush /TiVo