22 October 2001 -
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
The last stop on this year's North American tour. It's been fantastic. So full of great memories. We've met and reunited with so many of Burning Spear's fans…it feels like we're taking a place in history sometimes. And maybe, that's true. It's certainly a once in a lifetime experience!
Toad's Place is one of the more familiar stops on the tour and the fans arrive with still-fresh memories of the last time they were able to catch Burning Spear…it's as if the vibe from last year or earlier has left a burning desire for a repeat performance. New Haven will be changed by this night's Burning experience.
Closing words:
Well, my friends. It's time for me to sign off for at least another tour season, and hopefully no more than that. This year has been a memorable one for so many reasons. There are so many people to thank. I would like to use this space to thank some of them, but first I will apologize for those whose names I may not include. You really are important.
First, thanks must always be given to the Most High, Jah Rastafari, without whose blessings none of this would be possible. Then to Mr. Rodney for giving us all the opportunity of a lifetime. Who would have ever thought that I would be playing behind a true living legend, or that he would find a place in this great work for someone like me?? It is truly an honor. I could never thank you enough for the guidance and personal advice. Everyone should have an employer like you. We would all be less without you. Also to Mrs. Rodney, who keeps things together from the home office like no one else ever could. They say that beside every great man is a great woman…somehow I think they were referring to Mr. and Mrs. Rodney.
I need to thank all the band members for their support and suggestions…everyone. Stephen Stewart for his discipline and focus in running rehearsals and sound checks, as well as wicked keyboard work. James and Clyde for being great 'running mates' in the Burning Brass, Mike and Dave for providing the Drum and Bass backbone that all reggae music relies so heavily upon as well as humor and reasoning to keep us going. Big up, to Cecil…crucial lead guitarist and great person, Gillie for the skank, the now famous Gillie Punch and so much more. Thanks would be incomplete without props to Tedo for unbelievable humor under all circumstances, a steady hand with merchandise and a readily available song to keep us all going, and to Sylvan for his quiet strength and steady hand with the logistics of keeping track of everyone and great cooking. No one else could have done it the way you have. Maximum Respect!!! And last, but certainly not least, to the countless fans who make it all worthwhile. You all give as good as you get!
Give Thanks.
Peace and Blessings to all. Don't Hurt the Rastaman! Keep the Spear Burning.
Prof. Out.
October 22, 2001
October 21, 2001
Washington DC - The Nation
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
The nation's capital…what else can one really say? It seems only appropriate that the capital should play host to the reigning elder statesman of reggae music…that the airspace would be flooded with the message of Rastafari…a message of hope for this troubled world.
One can't help but think back to September 11 when coming in. There's an obvious military presence and you can imagine what the people are thinking and praying. When looking at the faces of the people we meet, you can't help but want to ask how they feel about things, and at the same time discretion dictates that one allows people to volunteer their thoughts and feelings. People are coming together to heal themselves and they will be helped in that effort by Burning Spear and his Burning Band.
Unlike so many other nights, when someone asks where we'll be playing tomorrow, the answer comes easily. One more show, and the North American leg of the Don't Hurt the Rastaman tour will be finished. I think we'll all miss it.
The nation's capital…what else can one really say? It seems only appropriate that the capital should play host to the reigning elder statesman of reggae music…that the airspace would be flooded with the message of Rastafari…a message of hope for this troubled world.
One can't help but think back to September 11 when coming in. There's an obvious military presence and you can imagine what the people are thinking and praying. When looking at the faces of the people we meet, you can't help but want to ask how they feel about things, and at the same time discretion dictates that one allows people to volunteer their thoughts and feelings. People are coming together to heal themselves and they will be helped in that effort by Burning Spear and his Burning Band.
Unlike so many other nights, when someone asks where we'll be playing tomorrow, the answer comes easily. One more show, and the North American leg of the Don't Hurt the Rastaman tour will be finished. I think we'll all miss it.
October 20, 2001
Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Electric, indeed! After several shows in rural or suburban settings, we're taking the show back to Urban America. The flavor is so different, the noise level, the accents, even the food that can be had. If nothing else, touring shows us how diverse this country really is, how no two audiences could ever be the same. And indeed, no two Burning Spear concerts are ever the same.
The City of Brotherly Love will see evidence of that tonight.
Electric, indeed! After several shows in rural or suburban settings, we're taking the show back to Urban America. The flavor is so different, the noise level, the accents, even the food that can be had. If nothing else, touring shows us how diverse this country really is, how no two audiences could ever be the same. And indeed, no two Burning Spear concerts are ever the same.
The City of Brotherly Love will see evidence of that tonight.
October 19, 2001
Keene, NH - Colonial
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
It never ceases to amaze me that some of the most remote locations in this country have thriving, die-hard reggae communities…members of which simply can't wait to see the Spear when he brings his Burning Band into town. But, a closer look makes it plain that Burning Spear has spread the seeds of this message and music and the winds have blown them far and wide. It's times like this, that people all over the country reap the harvest. Harvest season this year is coming to a close and no one wants to be left out.
Did I say something about 'remote locations'? Once we're inside the venue, it seems like a place one would find in New York or San Francisco. There's really nothing small town about it. They obviously know something that I don't. The place is packed and the crowd is more than ready.
So is Burning Spear! Mek we dweet!
It never ceases to amaze me that some of the most remote locations in this country have thriving, die-hard reggae communities…members of which simply can't wait to see the Spear when he brings his Burning Band into town. But, a closer look makes it plain that Burning Spear has spread the seeds of this message and music and the winds have blown them far and wide. It's times like this, that people all over the country reap the harvest. Harvest season this year is coming to a close and no one wants to be left out.
Did I say something about 'remote locations'? Once we're inside the venue, it seems like a place one would find in New York or San Francisco. There's really nothing small town about it. They obviously know something that I don't. The place is packed and the crowd is more than ready.
So is Burning Spear! Mek we dweet!
October 17, 2001
Boston, MA - Roxy
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
The drives between venues are becoming shorter all the time. We're on the final turn toward home and the end of this year's tour. You can tell everyone will miss the routine and the company of fellow band mates. No one really wants it to end; we may want some rest, but before anyone knows it, we'll be missing the road and the stage. Got a chance to meet some of the members of The Itals, who opened the show. Stephen and Dave know them personally, so they had a chance to do some catching up.
Once again, the weather here serves as a preview of what is to come for those of us who live on the East coast. Not looking forward to that, either.
Tonight's show will keep everything in perspective; it's really the music and the audience that counts…
The drives between venues are becoming shorter all the time. We're on the final turn toward home and the end of this year's tour. You can tell everyone will miss the routine and the company of fellow band mates. No one really wants it to end; we may want some rest, but before anyone knows it, we'll be missing the road and the stage. Got a chance to meet some of the members of The Itals, who opened the show. Stephen and Dave know them personally, so they had a chance to do some catching up.
Once again, the weather here serves as a preview of what is to come for those of us who live on the East coast. Not looking forward to that, either.
Tonight's show will keep everything in perspective; it's really the music and the audience that counts…
October 16, 2001
Woodstock, NY - Bearsville
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Getting closer and closer to home…everything seems more familiar. At least for those of us who live on the East Coast. Winter is approaching and the landscape is totally different from that of the Midwest, the South or the West at this time of year. It's more familiar.
The bittersweet reality of tour's end is approaching with the winter chill. I can more readily imagine what the weather will be like when the tour is finished, or what the days will be like without soundcheck and shows to do each night…without the company of one's band mates.
Showtime:
Cecil is in fine form tonight. It seems everyone has a particular night when they shine just a little brighter than others. It sounds like all the stuff he has worked on this tour is beginning to pay off. Maybe it's not even that…maybe it's just that I'm listening a little more closely. Whatever it is, the audience is picking up on something, as well. His solo on 'Old Marcus' is especially on point. Big up, Cecil!
Getting closer and closer to home…everything seems more familiar. At least for those of us who live on the East Coast. Winter is approaching and the landscape is totally different from that of the Midwest, the South or the West at this time of year. It's more familiar.
The bittersweet reality of tour's end is approaching with the winter chill. I can more readily imagine what the weather will be like when the tour is finished, or what the days will be like without soundcheck and shows to do each night…without the company of one's band mates.
Showtime:
Cecil is in fine form tonight. It seems everyone has a particular night when they shine just a little brighter than others. It sounds like all the stuff he has worked on this tour is beginning to pay off. Maybe it's not even that…maybe it's just that I'm listening a little more closely. Whatever it is, the audience is picking up on something, as well. His solo on 'Old Marcus' is especially on point. Big up, Cecil!
October 13, 2001
New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Another great reunion with the Burning Spear and his fans in New Orleans. Also another chance to sample the great local cuisine, Dixieland Jazz, Zydeco and New Orleans culture, in general. The senses work overtime…sights, sounds, smells. It 's all there in the Big Easy. (It's another city that never sleeps.) There seems to be a party going on at all times.
The general feel of the city makes one feel at home in the larger community of musicians. So many of the places we play don't seem to have a very lively music scene, but New Orleans is a place that not only has a thriving a music scene, but a musical legacy that you just have to experience. We get a chance to catch some of the local acts between check-in and sound check and again before the show. It's energizing and somewhat daunting to realize that in this life we have actually gotten to work with one of the all-time greats in music. In a city where everybody knows their music and the standards are very high, everyone knows about Burning Spear.
Another great reunion with the Burning Spear and his fans in New Orleans. Also another chance to sample the great local cuisine, Dixieland Jazz, Zydeco and New Orleans culture, in general. The senses work overtime…sights, sounds, smells. It 's all there in the Big Easy. (It's another city that never sleeps.) There seems to be a party going on at all times.
The general feel of the city makes one feel at home in the larger community of musicians. So many of the places we play don't seem to have a very lively music scene, but New Orleans is a place that not only has a thriving a music scene, but a musical legacy that you just have to experience. We get a chance to catch some of the local acts between check-in and sound check and again before the show. It's energizing and somewhat daunting to realize that in this life we have actually gotten to work with one of the all-time greats in music. In a city where everybody knows their music and the standards are very high, everyone knows about Burning Spear.
October 12, 2001
Austin, TX - Flamingo Cantina
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
James and I room together again. We have a room with a view of Downtown Austin, and the mind can't help comparing it with other big cities. The skyline is amazing.
And again, today James has a reunion with an old friend; a fellow trumpeter from his days in Texas. Actually, this visitor looks really familiar to me. For the most part, I just observe their interaction and wonder where I may have met him before. Only the call to sound check gets him off my mind.
James and I room together again. We have a room with a view of Downtown Austin, and the mind can't help comparing it with other big cities. The skyline is amazing.
And again, today James has a reunion with an old friend; a fellow trumpeter from his days in Texas. Actually, this visitor looks really familiar to me. For the most part, I just observe their interaction and wonder where I may have met him before. Only the call to sound check gets him off my mind.
October 11, 2001
Fayetteville, AR - Dave's on Dickson
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
We've had a long drive, as usual. This one was the better part of 18 hours and it seems everyone is getting restless, this time. Usually, we're able to occupy ourselves with dominoes, or movies, etc. This time the wear and tear of several long drives is starting to tell. It's little things, like people getting off the bus where they otherwise might have stayed on. It's a great bus, but after 18 or 19 hours, you just want to stop moving. As soon as the bus door closes, the vibe changes…stretching begins, we explore the area for stores and restaurants…it's one of those days where the rain comes and goes and you don't know if you're going to get caught in it or not. Fortunately, the venue is within walking distance of the hotel and the air isn't cold.
There's no sound check today, so there's a little extra time to practice. That time won't get wasted today.
We go to Hastings Records for a signing. I always like these occasions. It's a time when the fans get to meet Mr. Rodney and his soldiers in an environment that is totally different…there are people around who have no exposure to reggae music who are wondering who this visiting celebrity is. It's a lot quieter and we get to give each fan some individual attention. It's a fitting prelude to the night that's to come. The importance of Burning Spear to his public is emphasized by the look on each patron's face as they get their autographed CD's or posters, or even bring in copies of classic Burning Spear vinyl for a signature. It's the perfect transition from hotel to stage…
We've had a long drive, as usual. This one was the better part of 18 hours and it seems everyone is getting restless, this time. Usually, we're able to occupy ourselves with dominoes, or movies, etc. This time the wear and tear of several long drives is starting to tell. It's little things, like people getting off the bus where they otherwise might have stayed on. It's a great bus, but after 18 or 19 hours, you just want to stop moving. As soon as the bus door closes, the vibe changes…stretching begins, we explore the area for stores and restaurants…it's one of those days where the rain comes and goes and you don't know if you're going to get caught in it or not. Fortunately, the venue is within walking distance of the hotel and the air isn't cold.
There's no sound check today, so there's a little extra time to practice. That time won't get wasted today.
We go to Hastings Records for a signing. I always like these occasions. It's a time when the fans get to meet Mr. Rodney and his soldiers in an environment that is totally different…there are people around who have no exposure to reggae music who are wondering who this visiting celebrity is. It's a lot quieter and we get to give each fan some individual attention. It's a fitting prelude to the night that's to come. The importance of Burning Spear to his public is emphasized by the look on each patron's face as they get their autographed CD's or posters, or even bring in copies of classic Burning Spear vinyl for a signature. It's the perfect transition from hotel to stage…
October 09, 2001
Wilmington, NC - Marzz
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Roughly 9am: we're still waiting for Sylvan to return from hospital…the suspense and worry are getting to us, but everyone has a straight face and tries not to show it. At about 10, we go get him from the hospital. He gets a clean bill of health and there's a collective sigh of relief. Everyone tries to joke about it, but you know we're all glad to see him well again. God is Great…Jah Live!
Roughly 9am: we're still waiting for Sylvan to return from hospital…the suspense and worry are getting to us, but everyone has a straight face and tries not to show it. At about 10, we go get him from the hospital. He gets a clean bill of health and there's a collective sigh of relief. Everyone tries to joke about it, but you know we're all glad to see him well again. God is Great…Jah Live!
October 08, 2001
Hilton Head, SC
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
As we begin on our way, Sylvan helps me cook some food in the microwave. Later, Sylvan got sick. The look on his face makes me worry that it might be really serious, but I'm no expert, and I'll have to wait just like everyone else to find out if it is. It's hard to think about anything else. I haven't know him long, but we all love him and no one wants to guess.
Later:
Sylvan is going to see a doctor. He's still not feeling well. Good Luck. Jah Guide
As we begin on our way, Sylvan helps me cook some food in the microwave. Later, Sylvan got sick. The look on his face makes me worry that it might be really serious, but I'm no expert, and I'll have to wait just like everyone else to find out if it is. It's hard to think about anything else. I haven't know him long, but we all love him and no one wants to guess.
Later:
Sylvan is going to see a doctor. He's still not feeling well. Good Luck. Jah Guide
October 07, 2001
Asheville, NC - Asheville Music Zone
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Asheville is sunny and warm, the ride was pleasant and we arrive in high spirits. The venue is in walking distance, which means everyone can move a little slower, steal a couple extra minutes to finish a shower or phone call and still be on time for sound check and showtime. Conversation begins to find its way to talk about the tour's end. There are fewer than three weeks left. We'll have an early departure so we conserve our energy for the show; everyone will get some sleep on the bus.
Asheville is sunny and warm, the ride was pleasant and we arrive in high spirits. The venue is in walking distance, which means everyone can move a little slower, steal a couple extra minutes to finish a shower or phone call and still be on time for sound check and showtime. Conversation begins to find its way to talk about the tour's end. There are fewer than three weeks left. We'll have an early departure so we conserve our energy for the show; everyone will get some sleep on the bus.
October 06, 2001
Norfolk, VA - The Boathouse
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
We arrive on a rainy day in Norfolk to play the Boathouse. This is one of the annual shows that we all remember…we may forget the name of the place and where it is before we arrive, but as soon as we get to the parking lot, the memory is refreshed and we navigate as if we were there every night. A lot of the people who play in local reggae bands are anxious to see the Master of Music in action. No one seems to know how he does it year after year, album after album, concert after concert. I think it's a gift from Jah, a mission from Jah…Jah work must be done.
We arrive on a rainy day in Norfolk to play the Boathouse. This is one of the annual shows that we all remember…we may forget the name of the place and where it is before we arrive, but as soon as we get to the parking lot, the memory is refreshed and we navigate as if we were there every night. A lot of the people who play in local reggae bands are anxious to see the Master of Music in action. No one seems to know how he does it year after year, album after album, concert after concert. I think it's a gift from Jah, a mission from Jah…Jah work must be done.
October 04, 2001
Charleston, SC - Music Farm
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Here, we get more evidence of the fan base that literally follows the Burning Spear whenever and where ever possible. So many of the fans come up and tell about the shows they've attended throughout the week and how much they enjoyed themselves. It's good to know that we've taken part in spreading this most important message.
The venue itself is like a place that belongs on a farm and they have a slogan that says: 'Spirited music harvested nightly'. This night will certainly fit that description…and the audience will testify to that!
Here, we get more evidence of the fan base that literally follows the Burning Spear whenever and where ever possible. So many of the fans come up and tell about the shows they've attended throughout the week and how much they enjoyed themselves. It's good to know that we've taken part in spreading this most important message.
The venue itself is like a place that belongs on a farm and they have a slogan that says: 'Spirited music harvested nightly'. This night will certainly fit that description…and the audience will testify to that!
October 03, 2001
Chapel Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
Another of the really fun stops on the tour. They all have something special, but I like Chapel Hill because of the friends we meet up with after a year's time. James has friends and family in the area and we get to meet some of them. It's fun watching them interact.
People seem to come from all around for this show. We meet a large group of people from Boone and another group from Asheville, who have moved to Chapel Hill. Tonight's show will be well worth the wait and worth the time spent getting here.
Another of the really fun stops on the tour. They all have something special, but I like Chapel Hill because of the friends we meet up with after a year's time. James has friends and family in the area and we get to meet some of them. It's fun watching them interact.
People seem to come from all around for this show. We meet a large group of people from Boone and another group from Asheville, who have moved to Chapel Hill. Tonight's show will be well worth the wait and worth the time spent getting here.
October 02, 2001
Colombia, SC - Elbow Room
by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
After a travel day, it's time for what will start as a shopping day. Tedo spots a pawn shop across the street from the hotel and I spot a laundromat. He and Virgo find some serious bargains on video equipment. Actually Sylvan found something too.
The venue being across the street allows a lot of exploration of the general area and makes for a pretty relaxed prelude to showtime.
Feels like a college crowd…might be a college nearby, but I didn't see it, or evidence other than the apparent age of the people.
The room has challenging acoustics and Virgo will have to call on some of his patented magic for this one. Some rooms are friendlier to a musician than others. The energy of the audience is incredible tonight. Real give and take happens and it feels great…!
After a travel day, it's time for what will start as a shopping day. Tedo spots a pawn shop across the street from the hotel and I spot a laundromat. He and Virgo find some serious bargains on video equipment. Actually Sylvan found something too.
The venue being across the street allows a lot of exploration of the general area and makes for a pretty relaxed prelude to showtime.
Feels like a college crowd…might be a college nearby, but I didn't see it, or evidence other than the apparent age of the people.
The room has challenging acoustics and Virgo will have to call on some of his patented magic for this one. Some rooms are friendlier to a musician than others. The energy of the audience is incredible tonight. Real give and take happens and it feels great…!
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