SLY & ROBBIE

At the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Friday 1 July 2005

Well, it was quite exciting driving to the Brewery to interview and photograph rhythm legends Sly & Robbie (see Links below for background). It's always a good night at the Brewery, especially when you live in a place with no good venues…

Photographer Tim and me were greeted by a worried looking Brewery official who told us that Sly & Robbie had had a bit of a rough time getting to Kendal, so off we went to meet the Riddim Twins with sympathetic smiles on our faces and a proper Northern welcome in our hearts. I didn't manage to catch up with Sly – it was just the way things turned out – although his amazing, effortless yet passionate drumming spoke for itself. More of the music later!

I don't know who planned this tour, but the previous day Sly, Robbie, and entourage had played in Falmouth (yes, in the south west), so the tour bus had been on the road for 15 hours by the time they got to Kendal – and the bus had broken down on the way. Nightmare; reminding everyone of days spent in the back of old transit vans touring Norway with only an old cheese sandwich for sustenance.

Robbie was in an infectiously up mood (either with relief at actually arriving at the venue or a natural tease), and was full of smiles. It was difficult to get a straight answer to some questions, but that's not always what you're looking for either. Robbie & Sly have been rhythm partners for around 30 years, are constantly in demand as producers and keep on touring and making music. I asked what their most recent project had been:
"We've been producing Sinead O'Connor's next album, no name as yet, but to be released this August.
What's she like? A lovely person, with the voice of an angel!' (I refrained from asking about her status as a Pope.)
And their next move? " More rock an' groove! That's all we need!'
The rest of the band were larking around nearby ('Thank god we off that ** bus'), and we got to meet Lenky Marsden (keyboard), Daryl Thompson (guitar and hat), Nambo Robinson (trombone), and Steppa (sax). We had a brief but heartfelt discussion about food on tour ("pile of crap') and next time they're up this way we at VL will treat them to some home cooking. And then time for the soundcheck, the gig, and off to the next night in Leeds. It's a busy schedule.

Because the bus broke down, there wasn't much time for a chat, but what we got was some quality moments with some very nice guys and a look round the bad bus, followed by music that made everybody move their dancin' feet. It's such an intimate venue, the Brewery, perfect for the adoring crowd that night, and perfect for the exploration of rhythm and the tightness of the band. At the end of the night I got a few comments from punters:

"Very cultural, very Jamaican. Loved it!'
"Lots a roots an culture'
"Don't normally like reggae but loved this'
"A dub experience from the Riddim Killas!'
"F***ing brilliant!'
"The personalities of every musician shone'
"I funkin' hate reggae BUT THIS BOOMED MY BOX!' (Thanx, Suzanne!)

With the exception of 2 disappointed lads who'd come a fair way believing Sly & Robbie to be a drum n bass act, (Lads! Watch out for the next Family D n B spesh!), absolutely everyone had a great time. And Sly & Robbie, all of the guys – I hope that the flash flooding in Kendal later that night didn't finish you off completely!

© Perksy Jobsworth 5 July 2005
Photos by Tim the Plumber
(except the Lenky Marsden one)

LINX

http://slyrob.3va.net Riddum Twins unofficial website
http://www.slyandrobbietour.com 2004 US tour official site