From his vast history of producing and performing music, Stephen Marley knows what it takes to get that Jamaican sound just right. Experiencing his performance first hand on June 17th, 2011, at the Historic Ashland Armory in Ashland, Oregon, I reveled in the fact that Stephen’s live show mirrored his professional production techniques…to the T! That is: the high quality, warm, soothing tones, vocals, beats, and nuances you hear on his new album, Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life, come through in his live performance with the exact intonation and delivery recorded on the album. For me, that’s BIG! I have seen many live performances by all kinds of different performers, but seldom do I get to experience a live act that is performed with perfection.
I found Bob Marley when I was about 13 years old. Bob’s songs were my first introduction to Reggae music. Buffalo Soldier, Jammin’, and Three Little Birds were staples of my youth and the gateway that brought me into the world of Reggae. I knew I would never get to see Bob perform these favorites of mine in person, but I did have hope to someday see his talented youth perform at least one. Stephen must have been reading straight into my mind this night as he performed all three songs…Perfectly! My heart swelled, filling my mind with appreciation, and leaving me a speechless, dancing soul rebel.
Throughout the show, I constantly felt like Stephen was singing directly to me and my family…for me and my family…from his heart:
”And everyday I pray to Jah that one day you will see and overstand the fact I must fulfill my destiny. I hope you’ll find it in your heart and know these words are true. And please don’t cry, you know that I must do what I must do.”
“Rise up this mornin’, smiled with the risin’ sun. Three little birds, pitch by my doorstep. Singin’ sweet songs of melodies pure and true, sayin’ “This is my message to you-ou-ou” Singin’: “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna be all right!”
“I’m a prisoner, locked up for what? Freedom of Speech, ain’t that all we’ve got? Wounded pride, my head held up high. Rebels for life, we rebel for the right.”
The packed venue kept getting hotter and hotter as Stephen’s band pumped out song after song of positive, energetic, tight, and irie musicianship. Closing out the show with a five song encore that some wished would never end, the vibe exuding from Stephen was nothing short of pure Love. You can see it in him. You can see it around him. The love he has for what he does. The love he has for his fans. The love he has for his family. Stephen Marley has taken a stand to fight against Babylon…and I’m right behind him…every step of the way!!!
The link below will show you the images I captured of Stephen Marley’s performance with the Ghetto Youths Crew.
I hope they move you as much as they moved me.
http://massiverespect.com/photo-galleries/?album=17
Sincerely sending Massive Thanks, Praise, and Respect EVERYTIME!!!!
Joe McLaren
Rogue Agent Photo
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