Excursions - Archive Review - 2009
NATURALLY 7 - Live at the Stables, MK & the Barbican, London 9th & 10th June 2009
NATURALLY 7 – A NATURAL HIGH
The Wall of Sound Tour (Live at the Stables, MK & the Barbican, London 9th & 10th June)
Every so often in life, an individual, or in this case a group come along who exceed your expectations ten fold and then some. Naturally 7 are such a phenomenon. I must confess, I jumped on late to the Naturally 7 band wagon, but I’m fully on board now and do not intend to alight any time soon.
Thanks to a heads up email from UK Vibe’s editor Steve, a few days later I was sat in ‘the Stables’, Milton Keynes about to be awakened to the delights of ‘Vocal Play’ – a term coined by Naturally 7.
‘Fly Baby’, their opening number dispelled at once any notion I had that these guys were and are the real deal. From the moment Jamal Reed followed closely by Garfield Buckley loped onto the Stables stage, vocally mimicking a guitar/harmonica, with a high pitched ‘T’wah! T’wah! – T’wah! T’wah! , the audience were transfixed.
That then transitioned into gasps and whoops as vocal percussionist Warren Thomas chimed in with a heavy, heavy kick drum, cymbals and hi – hat, which resonated throughout the whole building! He was sat as if addressing a transitional drum kit and even mimicked the actions, but this kit was invisible! The booming tones of Hops brought in the bass and all the ladies present dissolved into their seats.
Trust me, if one was to close their eyes you’d be forgiven there was a real band hiding behind the curtains. That vibe was continued two songs later in Naturally 7’s classic arrangement and interpretation of Mr Mister’s timeless ‘Broken Wings’. Warren and Jamal’s intro guitars making way for Dwight Stewart’s smooth and rounded baritone, which did justice to the partially restructured lyrics.
The initially low, then gradually increasing and tight harmonies led into the incessant primal and upbeat rhythms of ‘Speed of Sound’, supported by an equally tribal dance routine and chants. The pace changed markedly with a pure sweet a cappella version of Naturally 7’s first ever song, ‘Bless This House’.
Now came Warren Thomas’ ‘Drum Solo’, the first of six individual spotlights on the night. Again Warren sat as if astride a complete drum kit and proceeded to ‘do his thang!’ for the next three minutes – truly spellbinding!
The stage lights faded then, ‘Drip drop, I need just one good cry…’ were the words that emanated from the darkness, before the haunting, angelic strains of ‘Let It Rain’ wafted over us. Jamal and Dwight exchanged lead vocals for this plea to the heavens.
Rod Eldridge performed his original and amazing ‘loop pedal solo’ next – building an entire composition with his voice, a microphone and that loop pedal! The first session was concluded with a powerful vocal and visual rendition of ‘Wall Of Sound’ and the classical treatment of ‘Another You’, flute ‘n’ all!
After everyone had splashed cold water on their faces during the interval - to confirm they weren’t dreaming – the funky swing of ‘Open Your Eyes’ heralded our welcome to part two. Jamal took centre stage, with his soaring vocals raising people out their seats who had just sat down.
They remained standing as Jamal segued into his ‘Guitar Solo’. A scarily real electric guitar screeched from his vocal chords, amusing his UK hosts with a respectful version of ‘God Save The Queen.’
The mega impactful ‘Say You Love Me’, introduced as a request from God’s point of view, resounded throughout the auditorium, mainly due to Warren’s thunderous kick drum effect and the imploring vocal of Dwight. By now it was standing room only!! No chairs required.
Next into the ‘Solo’ spotlight was Garfield, ‘the incredible Harmonica Man’. The superlatives were quickly being used up. Roger and his brother Warren then did a comedic skit, to explain how their household had only three albums – one of John Denver, one of Cliff Richard and one of Simon and Garfunkel. The latter being the musical template for an enthralling three song medley homage; ‘Sound of Silence’, ‘Scarborough Fair’ and ‘April, Come She Will’.
We were all snapped out of our trances by the full on ‘Don’t Shoot the Messenger’, acted out ala Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’. Slenderly built bass man’ Hops stepped to plate next to thrill his growing legion of fans with his booming ‘Bass Solo’ including an impromptu version of MJ’s ‘Billie Jean’ – with moves! The audience lapped it up.
As the evening drew to close, Rod got to itchin’ and scratchin’ on his ‘DJ Solo’ prior to the group belting out hair raising versions of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Feel It (In the Air Tonight)’, both received with rapturous applause and whooping.
This gushing show of approval didn’t die down until Naturally 7 took to the stage again, implored by those gathered for more natural flavours. They duly obliged with the barber shop quartet styled ‘More Than Words’ and the Motown inspired ‘Ready or Not’, complete microphone stands and ‘Four Tops’ dance steps.
Naturally 7 are definitely the real deal and a breath of fresh air on the live music circuit. If ever they come to a town or city near you, make sure and check them out. I guarantee you’ll leave the venue intoxicated! However, it will be a natural high brought about by the ‘Vocal Play’ of Naturally 7.
Michael ‘The Dood’ Edwards
Many thanks to Sorcha Hunter @ Serious for her efforts
Joe Bataan Live At Cargo, London 11th June 2009
Joe Bataan – The KING of Latin Soul - Live At Cargo, London
So finally, after THIRTY years, the self confessed ‘Ordinary Guy’ and Latin Soul legend, Mr Joe Bataan performed his FIRST ever gig on a UK stage. Thanks to the Red Bull Music Academy, Karen P’s broadcasting and Stone Throw’s James Pants, the 11th June 2009 became a historic and indelible evening for all those in attendance, including UK Vibe’s The Dood.
The anticipation was heightened when the band took the stage, minus their Latin Guru. Then enter stage right - a red peaked cap came into view – the originator of New York Latin Soul, Joe Bataan had arrived in London, EC2! He worked his way along the stage front handing out signed photos to his adoring fans.
Then Mr B addressed his UK audience, ‘Ok, before I start, I gotta say something and then we’ll get on with the party. I travelled all the way from New York, and it took me twenty – nine years! The first time I came to London, I met this young lady, and we were at a disco….She said, ‘Do you wanna dance?’ ‘I said sweetheart, I never dance! She said, ‘Well you better start learning. So I went home with a lesson like that and here I am twenty –nine years later and I’m ready to party - with you!!
‘So let me tell you my story. Most artists come and they play for you, they look nice, they sound good and they go home and collect their money – not Joe Bataan, alright! I’m gonna tell you my story, my life, I’m gonna tell you what I’ve been doing for the last twenty – nine years! And I’m gonna include you in my prayers, which is most important.’
‘You see because when I tell you that story, then you’ll know the tragic and the good parts of Joe Bataan’s life. So, it’s not an accident that Joe Bataan is here in London tonight, this was all planned. And it took twenty – nine years to make history and this is what were gonna give you today!’ Joe exclaimed.
James Pants, who insisted on Joe Bataan being the main attraction for this Red Bull event, duly took up his position, cow bell in hand as he promised. The scene was now set for an enthralling evening of Latin Soul/funk flavours – Joe Bataan style.
After catching the band(Grupo X) off guard by kicking off with a smooth soulful ballad intro taster, Joe changed up suddenly and proclaimed excitedly, ‘And so now, without modulation I’m gonna change the key and bring you the first song I did in 1966, and it goes like this….!!!’
Then BAM! The percussionist and pianist got mad busy, as did the brass section and backing vocalist (Joe’s wife Yvonne), as the familiar vibes of ‘Gypsy Woman’ filled the intimate Cargo venue. The party had most definitely started now. Half through the tune, Mr. New York requested the band bring it down real low and then take it gradually higher.
Sub-consciously, the Bataan faithful were drawn trance-like into Joe’s world as he got them to chant repeatedly, ‘We don’t need no music, all we need is rhythm!’ The brass section and timbales exploded once again for a final flourish. The cheers were deafening. Just one track in and we were already thinking, what great music the UK had been deprived of for the past thirty years.
With barely a breather, Joe introduced the next foot shuffler, ‘The next song, Mick Jagger took something from it and recorded the ‘Devil’s Advocate.’ I don’t know if that’s true, but here’s my rendition of ‘Johnny’.’ The rich soulful timbre of Joe’s voice was suited so well to the Latino rhythms.
On a roll now, the band smoothly segued into an immensely catchy, frenetic instrumental of ‘Puerto Rico Me Liama’. The supremely talented Grupo X, led by Jonny Enright got their time to shine, impressing Mr Bataan in the process. As did Joe’s good friend of forty years and legendary Timbales player/percussionist, Peter ‘Chukie’ Quintero.
The break from lyrics gave Joe and his wife a prime opportunity to lead a Conga train from the stage, out into their welcoming and adoring fans. They snaked rhythmically across the length of the floor and then back to base. Awesome! There was to be no come down from this high just yet!
The classic tunes kept on coming as Joe hollered, ‘Back in 1979 there was a new thing coming out! Joe Bataan was right there. When I brought it to people they would say, ‘Hey Joe, you crazy, what the hell is that?’ I’d say, ‘This is something new!’ They’d say, ‘Well, so you don’t sing anymore?’ I’d say, ‘Yeah, but this is something new.’ They’d say, ‘Get outta here with that junk man, we’ll see you later!’
So instead of being the first, I became the third, and we had one of the top records in the world at that time. And it was one of the first rap songs called, ‘Rap-O-Clap-O!’ The infectious and insistent bass line kicked in as all present clapped their hands to the beat as instructed by Uncle Joe.
Three quarters into this delicious jazzy, sax laden version, Joe fleshed the story out further. ‘The story is, they didn’t let that play in London – it went on to be the number one hit in France, Holland, Spain and all over the world. Well, now Joe Bataan is back to claim his spot!’ The Cargo massive whooped their approval as the King of Latin Showmanship launched into the next verse.
In a set with no fillers, the 1968 hit ‘Riot’ was followed enthusiastically by the trumpeted intro to an even bigger smash, ‘Subway Joe.’- Everybody joining in with the sing-a-long chorus, Hey! Hey! Hey! Subway Joe!
After a lengthy but cathartic explanation of how he found a new spirituality following a near death experience, Joe Bataan treated the respectful crowd to an emotive version of ‘My Prayer.’ Sublime!
His adopted sound track to his life had the following introduction. ‘The next song is a song I happened to record ten times! A lot of people don’t know the story, but I recorded it in Spanish, English, I’ve done it slow, I’ve done ‘Bossa Nova’ I’ve done ‘Cha Cha’. And they told me it became popular here in the UK. And here’s my rendition of ‘Ordinary Guy.’ That was the bands cue to break into a languid and laid back ‘Bossa Nova’ version of the same.
With the evening drawing to a close, and before thrilling the audience with his unique version of Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘The Bottle’, Mr Bataan thanked them and introduced those supporting him. ‘Thank you so much, it’s been a pleasure….To my left, straight from New York, my wife Yvonne. And of course to my left we have James Pants.’ He then proceeded to name check the members of Grupo X and stalwart friend Peter ‘Chuckie’ Quintero, before adding, ‘…Last but not least my name is Joe and I’m the ‘Ordinary Guy!’
Joe Bataan’s first performance before a UK audience was rounded off with an uplifting, jaunty expression of Latino passion, Afro-Filipino style via ‘Do the Bush/Special Girl. A grateful Joe confessed, ‘It’s been a pleasure. You let Joe Bataan come back to your shores and I love ya!’
All I can say is on behalf of ‘Good Music’ lovers around the world and especially those present for his seminal and memorable show in the UK – Mr Bataan, It’s been a pleasure to indulge in ‘The Live Latin Soul/Funk Experience’ first hand. Please! Please! Please! Don’t keep us waiting another twenty-nine to thirty years before you grace these shores again. One love!
Remember that ‘Nothing is Promised’ always love and appreciate those around you. You are blessed. Thank the Lord each and every day. – Joe Bataan/Your Ordinary Guy
Michael ‘The Dood’ Edwards
NB Big thanks to Georgia at Red Bull Music & Karen P’s broadcasting for arranging gig invite and subs sequent Joe Bataan interview. Respect!
The Line Up:
Joe Bataan: (lead vocal & keyboards)
Yvonne Nitollano: (background vocals)
Peter ‘Chuckie’ Quintero: (timbales, percussion)
James Pants: (cow-bell, percussion, background vocals)
Grupo X:
Jonny Enright: (band leader & trombone, background vocals)
Finn Peters: (alto sax, flute)
Grant Windsor: (piano)
Jimmy Le Messurier: drums
Leon Stenning: guitar
Elpadio Casedo: bass
Simon Finch: trumpet
Pete Eckford: congas/bongos
Essential Joe Bataan London gig link:
http://redbullmusicacademyradio.com/shows/1603/
Essential website:
http://www.joebataan.net
Essential Joe Bataan You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qmy6BGhV5A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wWh61RBNvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGwV5LPa6Dc
Essential Grupo X websites:
(The backing band of choice for visiting Latin musicians)
http://www.grupo-x.com/Site_1/Welcome.html
