Tippa Irie & Friends: lovers rock galore at The Jazz Cafe (London)

Upon arrival at The Jazz Cafe, the legendary concert venue in Camden Town, we're immediately notified Janet Lee Davis will be replaced by Don Campbell; a bummer, because we were already looking forward to hear the lovers rock classic 'Missing You' live. We decide not to let this minor setback get to us though and because these kind of events in London often happen on sound, we're pleased to see that there will be a real band on stage tonight. Not just any band for that matter, because in its ranks we recognize several veterans: Horseman on drums, Black Steel on guitar and Patrick 'Trixx' Anthony (ex-Matumbi and brother of Henry Tenyue ' Matic Horns') on trumpet.

It doesn't take long before The Jazz Cafe gets buzzing; the event, so-called "dinner theater", where you can catch a show while you enjoy a meal, is completely sold out. Warming up the crowd for the main event is Keziasoul, a young newcomer from Birmingham. With 'I Love You', the young singer proves lovers rock definitely has a future. To the sound of the Punaany riddim, host of the evening Tippa Irie, finally takes to the stage. The London based veteran deejay jumps in straight away with a humorous song about personal hygiene yours truly couldn't quite figure out the title of. Tippa is of course playing a home match here and is obviously in the mood and continues with 'It's Good To Have The Feeling You're The Best' and 'The UK', two of his classics, over the My Conversation and Shanty Town riddims. More recent is 'Stick To My Roots', the title track from his eponymous 2010 album and then it's time for some ska-vibes with 'I Love Ska', Tippa's contribution over Italian Toreggae 2011's Digitup riddim.

In addition to Tippa Irie, a bunch of his "friends" will also be performing tonight. First up is Peter Hunnigale, kicking off with 'Raggamuffin Girl', his 1989 duet with Tippa Irie. The Jazz café crowd goes wild! Hunnigale continues with an a-capella version of 'Be My Lady', winning over the female part of the audience without much effort. After Janet Lee Thompson's cancellation, Winsome remains the only female "friend" scheduled to perform this evening. A statement is therefor in order and what better one than 'Superwoman', the early dancehall hit she recorded with Tippa in 1989. And then it's of course time for 'Am I The Same Girl', originally a soul classic by Barbara Acklin, but immortalized in the nineteen nineties by pop group Swing Out Sister.

Next up is Peter Spence, who immediately joins Tippa for the great duet 'Girl Of My Best Friend'. Then Tippa reminds us of the passing of his mother in December of last year and Spence brings a subdued a-capella version of 'I'll Fly Away' (among reggae lovers probably mostly known as Bob Marley's 'Rastaman Chant'), immediately reminding us of the fact that he is also a gifted gospel artist.

Then it's Don Campbell's turn. He opens somewhat inappropriately with a slightly too drawn out a-capella version of 'Redemption Song', but quickly switches into the right gear with 'Lovers Do', his lovers rock classic riddim over the Heptones Gonna Fight,  for the occasion ending in a medley of Dennis Brown's 'Have You Ever' and 'Wildfire' and Sam Cooke's 'Cupid' and 'Only Sixteen'. Campbell ends with 'See It In Your Eyes', another lover's rock smash, this time over the Rougher Yet riddim. Last on stage is Lloyd Brown. Together with Tippa, Brown recorded the infectious 'Stress' in 1994, an opener that comes as no surprise and is followed by 'It's A Love Thing', another duet with Tippa from the same period. The Jazz Cafe upholds a strict curfew and Tippa decides to end on a high note with 'Hello Darling', his first and still biggest hit from 1986.

We have truly enjoyed this night and looking at the turnout and vibe can only hope someone on the other side of the channel will also find the courage to book these artists!