KOTE 2k9 OPENING NIGHT SHOW

"TABLE-TOP DeVices" & GAS MONEY GET UP TO SPEED

So much happening wtis wekend into next week, can barely catch my breath, so just some quick thoughts on Friday night's opener:

From alt-rockers Gas Money, there was no "Smooth Criminal" butthere was something arguably better, a great cover of Black Uhuru's "If I Should Leave Babylon" that started in a rootsy (almost ROotz Underground) vein before kicking up to speed in typical GM style. "Inner Voice" and "Wooden Doll" were also standouts from cherubic vocal front man Fabian Pinkney.
An even better vocal performance came from Michael Sean Harris who romped through an atlas of styilistic territory aided by the seven-piece (plus three back-up singers)combo De Vices. Harris himself chipped in on violin, engaging the other violinist, Mijanne Webster in several terrific call-and-response strings sequences on "Live and Let Die" a favourite in his repertoire.
Another favourite for this writer is Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" which in Harris' capabale hands engenrdered much singing along, but the highlight of the evening was the gorgeous, lilting ballad "Take It Or Leave It" written by Harris' former Berklee colleague Ann Chandler.

have to mention the audio quality which was poor and indeed poor sound seems to be par for the course for too many of our live venues and shows. It was noticebale, especially during Gas Money's set, and in the case of Harris' would have been glaring ifa lesser talent had been involved.

Nonetheless, the performances capped a great opening night, and with saxophone star Jacques Schwarz-Bart and local hero Tony Green to look forward to over the next 48 hours, the musical base of KOTE is well covered.