by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
One of the smaller venues on this swing through Germany... if you can consider a place capable of accommodating upwards of 1000 people small. A somewhat compressed schedule made it necessary to stay at the venue from sound check to show time. There was less than two hours time before show time. That probably helped us maintain our focus... it certainly kept everyone warmed up and ready for business.
The people got an energetic show and they loved it! You could tell from the people in the balconies dancing with total abandon that they were feeling no pain. In fact, it seemed more like a celebration of life and reggae music.
The band left the stage feeling pretty good as well. We'll have a pleasant memory to sleep by on the long drive to Auxerre, France in a couple of hours.
July 24, 2003
July 23, 2003
Salzburg, Austria - Rock House
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Unpredictable weather greets us as we arrive at the venue for tonight's show. There's a little something strange in terms of energy. Maybe, it's just people being tired, or just a little too relaxed. This work requires a certain amount of intensity and that intensity needs to be sustained for several months. It's largely a mental thing, similar to what professional athletes go through. There will be weeks of consecutive shows and each is the one and only chance the people here will get to see the Burning Spear show in their town. Sometimes an opening band can motivate the competitive instinct in a musician to show the world that that trombone player can't hold a candle to what I can do. There are others who don't see this as a competitive endeavor, and they're right when you look at the big picture, but if it motivates a musician to give his or her best on a given night, that's what's required and there's no shame in being competitively motivated. Anyway the ultimate result is that there's much work to be done in order to present the proper standard of performance night after night. That's the definition of professionalism. Do the necessary homework and practice as if it were show time and things ought to come in to place properly.
Sometimes, no matter how many or how few times you may have played a certain venue, there are familiar faces who remember shows from several years ago or people who have waited several years to have the experience of seeing Burning Spear in concert. The people at Rockhouse are long time Spear fans and they come with high expectations. It's a big responsibility and we're motivated to live up to those expectations.
Today the band is working some new material to be incorporated in future shows... some great tunes from the new album Freeman, on the Burning Spear label. You need to go out and get a copy. The work is filled with subtle challenges that can bring out the best in each of us.
We have a home cooked meal, Austria-style. The attention given to us is gracious and the food prepared with love and care. This also provided a break for Tedo and Dave from the duties of cooks as well as their primary jobs. Although I must admit, that we have gotten spoiled by being able to eat good Jamaican style meals in places so far from home.
(The show started sluggishly, but after some prodding from the boss, the band kicked into high gear and gave the collected audience their money's worth.)
Unpredictable weather greets us as we arrive at the venue for tonight's show. There's a little something strange in terms of energy. Maybe, it's just people being tired, or just a little too relaxed. This work requires a certain amount of intensity and that intensity needs to be sustained for several months. It's largely a mental thing, similar to what professional athletes go through. There will be weeks of consecutive shows and each is the one and only chance the people here will get to see the Burning Spear show in their town. Sometimes an opening band can motivate the competitive instinct in a musician to show the world that that trombone player can't hold a candle to what I can do. There are others who don't see this as a competitive endeavor, and they're right when you look at the big picture, but if it motivates a musician to give his or her best on a given night, that's what's required and there's no shame in being competitively motivated. Anyway the ultimate result is that there's much work to be done in order to present the proper standard of performance night after night. That's the definition of professionalism. Do the necessary homework and practice as if it were show time and things ought to come in to place properly.
Sometimes, no matter how many or how few times you may have played a certain venue, there are familiar faces who remember shows from several years ago or people who have waited several years to have the experience of seeing Burning Spear in concert. The people at Rockhouse are long time Spear fans and they come with high expectations. It's a big responsibility and we're motivated to live up to those expectations.
Today the band is working some new material to be incorporated in future shows... some great tunes from the new album Freeman, on the Burning Spear label. You need to go out and get a copy. The work is filled with subtle challenges that can bring out the best in each of us.
We have a home cooked meal, Austria-style. The attention given to us is gracious and the food prepared with love and care. This also provided a break for Tedo and Dave from the duties of cooks as well as their primary jobs. Although I must admit, that we have gotten spoiled by being able to eat good Jamaican style meals in places so far from home.
(The show started sluggishly, but after some prodding from the boss, the band kicked into high gear and gave the collected audience their money's worth.)
July 21, 2003
Munich, Germany
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Sometimes it easy to forget how many people we know here, in Europe. In Munich, we encounter a lot of familiar faces and people who we think are familiar. The world seems to get smaller as you travel around it. And when you're traveling with Burning Spear, there are a lot of familiar people to see and perform for.
This is one of the first venues that looks or feels like a club, except it's so much larger than clubs we may go to in the states. It's really more like a concert hall with a club feel.
The opening act is Ndiago Diop, an African singer and band who have a large following in Germany. Their music is excellent and transports you to a place where only good times can result. The make up of the crowd is evidence of the way music is capable of bridging gaps between people... even those that may result from differing musical tastes.
African music has a way of getting people really wound up and that spills over into our show as several people attempt to join us on stage.
Sometimes it easy to forget how many people we know here, in Europe. In Munich, we encounter a lot of familiar faces and people who we think are familiar. The world seems to get smaller as you travel around it. And when you're traveling with Burning Spear, there are a lot of familiar people to see and perform for.
This is one of the first venues that looks or feels like a club, except it's so much larger than clubs we may go to in the states. It's really more like a concert hall with a club feel.
The opening act is Ndiago Diop, an African singer and band who have a large following in Germany. Their music is excellent and transports you to a place where only good times can result. The make up of the crowd is evidence of the way music is capable of bridging gaps between people... even those that may result from differing musical tastes.
African music has a way of getting people really wound up and that spills over into our show as several people attempt to join us on stage.
July 19, 2003
Cannes, France - Cannes Palm Beach Festival
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
The venue lives up to its name for sure. The place is a beachside resort with all the amenities one would expect. On the way to the dressing room, I see massage tables, what looks like a steam room and lots of other things designed to relax or revitalize a person. I keep referring to it as the comfort zone.
Kevin has been invited to go wake boarding and I wish it were me, but there's a lot of work to be done and we get down to it. But first, water! It's just so hot you have to keep fluids in you during this European heat wave. It feels strange to be on the beach looking for water, but it goes that way sometimes...
The atmosphere after the show felt like a 60's rock concert, where no one wants to go home. There are countless sweaty people dancing to the DJ's closing tunes and others are milling around, socializing and basically waiting for the security staff to send us on our way, which they do and the night becomes a memory.
The venue lives up to its name for sure. The place is a beachside resort with all the amenities one would expect. On the way to the dressing room, I see massage tables, what looks like a steam room and lots of other things designed to relax or revitalize a person. I keep referring to it as the comfort zone.
Kevin has been invited to go wake boarding and I wish it were me, but there's a lot of work to be done and we get down to it. But first, water! It's just so hot you have to keep fluids in you during this European heat wave. It feels strange to be on the beach looking for water, but it goes that way sometimes...
The atmosphere after the show felt like a 60's rock concert, where no one wants to go home. There are countless sweaty people dancing to the DJ's closing tunes and others are milling around, socializing and basically waiting for the security staff to send us on our way, which they do and the night becomes a memory.
July 18, 2003
Vienne, France - Arenes De Vienne
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
We're back in France for two more shows with Garance and a reunion with Gaelle, who has been a point person for us on this part of the French tour. She has provided much needed translation, as well as arranging transportation and making sure the dressing rooms are in order. She has also been a real friend to many of us.
Kevin is taking care of business, selling CD's and warming up the people with his personality. He's really a great person.
Audience responded really well. Morgan Heritage and Anthony B. also gave the people great shows. This is the third time the three groups have been on the same bill this year, with each taking a turn opening and closing the evening. There are some fine people in those two bands.
We're back in France for two more shows with Garance and a reunion with Gaelle, who has been a point person for us on this part of the French tour. She has provided much needed translation, as well as arranging transportation and making sure the dressing rooms are in order. She has also been a real friend to many of us.
Kevin is taking care of business, selling CD's and warming up the people with his personality. He's really a great person.
Audience responded really well. Morgan Heritage and Anthony B. also gave the people great shows. This is the third time the three groups have been on the same bill this year, with each taking a turn opening and closing the evening. There are some fine people in those two bands.
July 17, 2003
Ripatransone, Italy - Ascoli Piceno Corte Medievale
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
The day is really hot!! It's even hotter on the bus. Between the conversation and the temperature, it's even hotter. It's respectful but people tend to stand by their opinions... with a passion. I don't even remember what exactly what we were talking about, but it was a lively conversation.
The ride is winding and goes almost straight up some pretty imposing hills and at times I don't know how the bus made it up them. There are several opportunities to make photos, but I'm feeling to lazy to get the camera.
We get to the hotel and do some critiquing of the previous few night's shows, doing what we can to make it even stronger.
The venue is a large arena that reminds me of scenes from "Gladiator". It speak history out loud. The main arena sits behind (or in front of) what looks like a castle/fortress, with lots of holes for archers to fire from. It's truly amazing.
The acoustics are perfect. I don't know how they managed to make it so that you could hear all the way to the top without any trouble at all.
I can't wait for the show to start, just to listen to the place reflect the band and the crowd...
The day is really hot!! It's even hotter on the bus. Between the conversation and the temperature, it's even hotter. It's respectful but people tend to stand by their opinions... with a passion. I don't even remember what exactly what we were talking about, but it was a lively conversation.
The ride is winding and goes almost straight up some pretty imposing hills and at times I don't know how the bus made it up them. There are several opportunities to make photos, but I'm feeling to lazy to get the camera.
We get to the hotel and do some critiquing of the previous few night's shows, doing what we can to make it even stronger.
The venue is a large arena that reminds me of scenes from "Gladiator". It speak history out loud. The main arena sits behind (or in front of) what looks like a castle/fortress, with lots of holes for archers to fire from. It's truly amazing.
The acoustics are perfect. I don't know how they managed to make it so that you could hear all the way to the top without any trouble at all.
I can't wait for the show to start, just to listen to the place reflect the band and the crowd...
July 16, 2003
Rome, Italy - Villa Ada Town Centre
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
It's the second of three shows with the people of Tour de Force and Romano Pasquini. There seems to be something happening every second. That's not unusual when you're organizing outdoor shows. I'm glad the shows are outside; it's just such a natural environment for reggae music.
While we warm up, I find myself watching the people just lounging in the sun. What a life... sunbathing during the day and Burning Spear at night. How could anyone want anything more?
It's the second of three shows with the people of Tour de Force and Romano Pasquini. There seems to be something happening every second. That's not unusual when you're organizing outdoor shows. I'm glad the shows are outside; it's just such a natural environment for reggae music.
While we warm up, I find myself watching the people just lounging in the sun. What a life... sunbathing during the day and Burning Spear at night. How could anyone want anything more?
July 15, 2003
Marghera, Italy
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
One of the first things that we notice as we arrive is the name of the street where the hotel is... via Malcontenta.
The weather alone could leave you totally content... lots of sun and plenty of heat. It's the kind of heat that makes siesta so natural.
The venue's outdoor setting seems perfect for reggae music. You can feel it.
The show went really well. We're feeling good as we head back to the hotel to get ready for the drive to Rome.
One of the first things that we notice as we arrive is the name of the street where the hotel is... via Malcontenta.
The weather alone could leave you totally content... lots of sun and plenty of heat. It's the kind of heat that makes siesta so natural.
The venue's outdoor setting seems perfect for reggae music. You can feel it.
The show went really well. We're feeling good as we head back to the hotel to get ready for the drive to Rome.
July 14, 2003
Stuttgart, Germany
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
The day begins quietly enough. Clyde and the driver take a short shopping trip downtown before getting down to work. This year's European heat wave seems tailor made for leisure or plain old lounging. But there's no lounging here. There's still plenty of work to do, starting with sound check, after which we all sit down to a home style meal cooked by Tedo and Dave Richards. They make a serious team in the kitchen, which is born out by the various people who take a pass on the food that's already available in order to have some of their creations.
The German people know their reggae music and they couldn't wait to see Burning Spear once again. Most of the people have waited at least a year for this and can't wait for the show to start...and it started with a bang!! The audience projected so much energy that it became contagious and the exchange began. By shows end, there could be no doubt that the people's loyalty to Burning Spear was richly rewarded.
The day begins quietly enough. Clyde and the driver take a short shopping trip downtown before getting down to work. This year's European heat wave seems tailor made for leisure or plain old lounging. But there's no lounging here. There's still plenty of work to do, starting with sound check, after which we all sit down to a home style meal cooked by Tedo and Dave Richards. They make a serious team in the kitchen, which is born out by the various people who take a pass on the food that's already available in order to have some of their creations.
The German people know their reggae music and they couldn't wait to see Burning Spear once again. Most of the people have waited at least a year for this and can't wait for the show to start...and it started with a bang!! The audience projected so much energy that it became contagious and the exchange began. By shows end, there could be no doubt that the people's loyalty to Burning Spear was richly rewarded.
July 12, 2003
Beograd, (formerly Yugoslavia)
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Now there's proof, once again, that there's no place reggae music can not penetrate! Who would have expected, just a few years ago, that Burning Spear would bring his Burning Band to this part of the world? In a place known recently for it repressive dictatorship and suppression of the people, one might not expect to find such an expression of self determination... on the other hand, what better place? Reggae has its own history of speaking out against oppression, and it seems this expression has found its way clear across the globe!
Members of two of the opening bands expressed how heavily influenced they have been by Burning Spear and how important it was for them to finally see the Master of Music in person on their own soil. Maybe their knowledge that Burning Spear was there brought out the best in all three of the bands that came before us. Whatever the case, there was certainly plenty of anticipation and energy in the air when the Burning Spear show began. The energy level only increased as the show progressed and came to a climax some two hours later. The people seemed to feel vindicated in their struggles. They had gotten a visit from one of their primary icons in the struggle for self determination and that visit was just what the doctor ordered!!
Now there's proof, once again, that there's no place reggae music can not penetrate! Who would have expected, just a few years ago, that Burning Spear would bring his Burning Band to this part of the world? In a place known recently for it repressive dictatorship and suppression of the people, one might not expect to find such an expression of self determination... on the other hand, what better place? Reggae has its own history of speaking out against oppression, and it seems this expression has found its way clear across the globe!
Members of two of the opening bands expressed how heavily influenced they have been by Burning Spear and how important it was for them to finally see the Master of Music in person on their own soil. Maybe their knowledge that Burning Spear was there brought out the best in all three of the bands that came before us. Whatever the case, there was certainly plenty of anticipation and energy in the air when the Burning Spear show began. The energy level only increased as the show progressed and came to a climax some two hours later. The people seemed to feel vindicated in their struggles. They had gotten a visit from one of their primary icons in the struggle for self determination and that visit was just what the doctor ordered!!
July 10, 2003
Worgl, Austria
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Today presents us with another installment in this year's European heat wave. Soundcheck gives us a good idea of just how hot it might be at show time. Lots of water is definitely in order as well as light weight clothing. Touring requires attention to details like drinking enough water, finding time for things like laundry, etc. When the small but important logistical things are in place, the other things seem to fall in line alongside them.
The quiet pace of things allows us to prevent getting too hot and that saves energy that will be most needed tonight.
Showtime proves what sound check showed us about the temperature. Some of us like to feel the heat of the room and the stage lights when we play... it seems to add something to the whole experience.
The challenge, now seems to be to make the audience sweat just as much and be just as happy doing so.
We did get some help from Anthony B. and 'We Remember Bob Marley', which is essentially a tribute act in honor of Mr. Marley.
By the time we took the stage, it was obvious we would have some serious work to do. The previous acts got the audience really pumped!! It became our duty to not let them down. I have to admit that we did a pretty good job of keeping them going. You could almost see in the faces of the people there that they expected Burning Spear to up the ante! Well, they got what they wanted. The show left them happily drained of any anxiety they may have come in with and blissfully exhausted. This show will remain in their memory banks for some time!!
Today presents us with another installment in this year's European heat wave. Soundcheck gives us a good idea of just how hot it might be at show time. Lots of water is definitely in order as well as light weight clothing. Touring requires attention to details like drinking enough water, finding time for things like laundry, etc. When the small but important logistical things are in place, the other things seem to fall in line alongside them.
The quiet pace of things allows us to prevent getting too hot and that saves energy that will be most needed tonight.
Showtime proves what sound check showed us about the temperature. Some of us like to feel the heat of the room and the stage lights when we play... it seems to add something to the whole experience.
The challenge, now seems to be to make the audience sweat just as much and be just as happy doing so.
We did get some help from Anthony B. and 'We Remember Bob Marley', which is essentially a tribute act in honor of Mr. Marley.
By the time we took the stage, it was obvious we would have some serious work to do. The previous acts got the audience really pumped!! It became our duty to not let them down. I have to admit that we did a pretty good job of keeping them going. You could almost see in the faces of the people there that they expected Burning Spear to up the ante! Well, they got what they wanted. The show left them happily drained of any anxiety they may have come in with and blissfully exhausted. This show will remain in their memory banks for some time!!
July 08, 2003
Paris, France - Elysee Montmartre
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Hello Burning Spear fans on all corners of the globe. Once again, this is Micah Robinson reporting to you From the Road. I will be giving you some of our perspective of the goings on as we travel the world bringing the musical message of Burning Spear to the people. Not everything you will get will be specifically about shows, although there will be plenty of documentation from that part of the tour. We will also be bringing you our individual perspective of the general day to day happenings relative to the touring life and life alongside Burning Spear, as that experience is unique enough to warrant input.
Paris feels surprisingly similar to London or even NYC. The definite urban feel is the kind of environment that makes reggae music so therapeutic.
Today is the first night of a two night stand in Paris.
We see, once more, how much the music world loves Burning Spear. Spear fans all over remember 'Live in Paris'. That concert and CD has created a legacy that simply can't be ignored. Any rendition of the Burning Band has to see itself in this historical context. We hit the stage fully aware of that history and those memories came rushing into the present.
Tonight's show was simply smoking!! It seemed we all knew just how important these two nights were to the people here. So many landmark reggae concerts have taken place here, it just brings out the best in any musician. The audience ate it up!! They could feel the vibe and we could feel them in return. Tomorrow night promises to be just as memorable.
Day two found many of the fans from day one here again and they were amongst the lucky ones to experience two consecutive blockbuster concerts Burning Spear style.
Mr. Rodney and the band got a warm reception Paris style. It simply doesn't get better than this.
Hello Burning Spear fans on all corners of the globe. Once again, this is Micah Robinson reporting to you From the Road. I will be giving you some of our perspective of the goings on as we travel the world bringing the musical message of Burning Spear to the people. Not everything you will get will be specifically about shows, although there will be plenty of documentation from that part of the tour. We will also be bringing you our individual perspective of the general day to day happenings relative to the touring life and life alongside Burning Spear, as that experience is unique enough to warrant input.
Paris feels surprisingly similar to London or even NYC. The definite urban feel is the kind of environment that makes reggae music so therapeutic.
Today is the first night of a two night stand in Paris.
We see, once more, how much the music world loves Burning Spear. Spear fans all over remember 'Live in Paris'. That concert and CD has created a legacy that simply can't be ignored. Any rendition of the Burning Band has to see itself in this historical context. We hit the stage fully aware of that history and those memories came rushing into the present.
Tonight's show was simply smoking!! It seemed we all knew just how important these two nights were to the people here. So many landmark reggae concerts have taken place here, it just brings out the best in any musician. The audience ate it up!! They could feel the vibe and we could feel them in return. Tomorrow night promises to be just as memorable.
Day two found many of the fans from day one here again and they were amongst the lucky ones to experience two consecutive blockbuster concerts Burning Spear style.
Mr. Rodney and the band got a warm reception Paris style. It simply doesn't get better than this.
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