And so...
We find ourselves back at the wonderful showcase for all things musical that is W.A.M.A. and what a night it was...
The atmosphere was electric...
The club was buzzing...
We where in for a ska-tastic night...
And no one was disappointed!!!
The headliners where "The Beat" and they where truly amazing, Roger's vocals haven't aged a bit, and he still has an incredible power and smoothness to his voice that got the whole crowd skanking away...
He was joined on stage by his son, Murphy (AKA Ranking Jnr) and the family resemblance, both visually and vocally was stunning. The pair where singing dual vocals, with some occasional, and very awesome free stylin' from Murphy thrown in... You could see that talent runs in the family, and the duo played off each other with a fluidity that can only come with family...
As they danced and sang their way around the stage and through the set, they truly brought the old beat classics back to life for a new generation, but they kept the feel and the spirit of the originals for those of us who remember it first time around!
I know they have plenty more dates around the UK that they are playing, and I'd strongly recommend that you go see them, it will be an experience you will love, and one you won't forget in a hurry...
But this was not all the night had to offer...
No, no, no...
We also had the pleasure of two awesome support acts...
What can we say...
W.A.M.A. with these support acts your truly spoiling us...
And we where spoiled :)
First out the traps to get us going where "Bored Of Justice" a young 8 piece band fronted by a trio of incredibly talented ladies...
And not just that, but we had a bass, a lead guitar, drums, sax and trombone!!!
And whats more, each and everyone of them was breath takingley talented, a perk of my job is that I'm usually hanging about during sound checks, and as soon as I heard these guys and gals, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck go up, and I thought, we have something rather special here...
And we did...
They where special indeed, they had a distinct, clean sound, playing much of their own material, the passion was clear for all to see, I'm very big into supporting young talent as many of you know, and I cannot emphasise enough how good these guys are, and even if you don't get out much, and your watching your pennies... Get out there and see these guys.
It will be so worth it, and I have a feeling that if you do, in years from now, you will be impressing your friends by regaling them with tales about how you saw "Bored Of Justice" before they where famous...
Because they will be...
Our second support act was "Covered In Skas" A ska tribute band who looked and sounded spot on...
These guys and girls weren't just singing the songs, they where living the life...
People are often, quite wrongly, put off by tribute or cover bands. Some how they have developed a reputation as been second best to the original.
All I can say is if you where ever in any doubt about how good a covers band can be, you should get yourself to see these guys, they will have you skanking your butt off and I can guarantee that before the end of the first song, you'll have a big loopy grin on your face, a wiggle in your bum and not a care in the world...
All told, it was an ace night...
And as ever, if you haven't yet discovered the joys of W.A.M.A. then you have no idea of what you are missing...
I know I'm no Shakespeare, but I would defy anyone to put into words the love, passion and soul that accompanies all the music that plays at W.A.M.A.
This is indeed a rare jewel in the crown of clubs, and we are so, so fortunate to have it on our doorstep...
Just make sure you use it...
It is all to easy to over look what is right under our noses, yes London has its big clubs, swanky bars and spangly lights... But hasn't it sacrificed more than a little of it's soul to achieve this..?
Get yourself down to W.A.M.A. and realise what you have been missing...
I will be there...
Will you?
m