Midnite @ Wonder Ballroom
Celebrating The Blessed Sacrament With St. Croix's Reggae All Stars
I c 2000 an't think of a more appropriate way to celebrate the national holiday that commences on April 20th than to see a live reggae performance. But not just any roots reggae band would suffice, it has to be one that brings spirituality and takes you on a journey, and Midnite always does both of these things.
From St. Croix, this six man band has traveled often to the United States and I've been lucky enough to see them perform on multiple occasions. Even if I lapse in staying up to date on their latest album, I don't ever feel left behind when I see them because their sound is consistent. With slow and melodic rhythms, heavy bass that courses through your body and a clean drum beat, Vaughn Benjamin's voice as lead lends a perfect element of tranquility that balances the entire sound. The performance is less of an album promotion and more of an experience in musical meditation.
Touring after the release of their latest album King's Bell, Midnite's two and a half hour set consisted of many songs that share a slow beat but the band often threw in a few tracks that break the trance. After playing four ten minute songs, they pick up the tempo with their hit 'Love the life you live' off their 2001 debut album Unpolished, which successfully brought the energy of the crowd back into the room.
It was great to look around and see that the packed audience was extremely diverse in age and background which I regard as a huge accomplishment for Midnite. Their music can bring anyone together, put smiles on everyone's face, and for a couple of hours they make people truly feel the power of music. That may be the most tripped out thing I've ever written, but hey... I've just been taken on a journey.
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