Live Show
Review
Eek-a-Mouse
- Bluebird Theater, 1/19/03
Reviewed
by Larry Leiber for The Reggae Movement
On Sunday, January 19th, Roots Dancehall legend Eek-a-Mouse
came through Denver, visiting the Bluebird Theater, on one of his few
stops through the state. Playing
before a packed house, Da Mouse put on a performance which kept everyone
in energetic spirits and the noise level constantly on a high pitch.
What might have come to a surprise to some is the feature of a new band,
one different from what they might have remembered from last year’s
show at the same venue.
The Eek-a-nomics band was unveiled to Colorado before The Mouse
came out with one of his patented outfits.
Wearing a white fleece vest, a white mesh tank top, black leather
pants, and what appeared to be motorcycle boots.
The Eek-a-Nomics band was a spectacular band filled with polished
musicians, more than able to keep their own without The Mouse’s
distinct lyrical delivery.
Eek-a-Mouse’s stage presence is remarkable indeed.
Standing nearly 6 foot 9 with a muscular build, he is one large
man. As he began his set,
his unique voice and delivery, along with his strong stage presence (not
to mention interesting wardrobe choice) combined to enthuse the packed
house at the Bluebird into a frenzy.
Going through his
regular repertoire of music, Eek-a-Mouse delivered his standard great
show in the Eek-a-Mouse style. Eek-a-Mouse
has invented his own style through his own voice patterns and speech,
including his bitty bong, bid hiddy bid did dond diddy, and all his
other so familiar catch bits on stage and within his songs.
That’s what makes Eek-a-Mouse "The Mouse".
After his set, the crowd demanded his return for an encore with loud
screams and cries out for the Mouse.
Eek-a-Mouse did not disappoint as he came out and performed a 3
song encore, led by Black Cowboy.
Anyone at the show might have wondered why there were film crews all
over stage and in the crowd. It’s
because there was a documentary being filmed throughout the Colorado
tour. It will be available
at www.eeksperience.com when
it is finished.
The Crowd, which had been entertained by the Muzik Maker and Preacherman
before The Mouse showed upon stage, was ready and willing to respond to
any call and response actions The Mouse had presented for them.
The Muzik Maker provided some nice relaxed reggae for the crowd milling
in when the doors opened, and without any fanfare, Preacherman, who had
been recently featured in the Westword (see story), jumped up on stage
and began his toaster style show with the Muzik Maker.
Entertaining the crowd for over an hour, this duo put together a great
set which prepared the crowd for the Eek-a-Mouse.
After Preacherman had finished, Muzik Maker continued with some
crowd interaction with Bob Marley.
The packed house at the Bluebird sang in unison the familiar
universal cry for one love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all
right.
All in preparing for the Mouse, who came through in grand fashion once
again.
It’s not clear if this filming helped to calm down The Mouse’s
antics on stage, but he was a lot more subdued than he has been in the
past. This show had a
more roots feel due to the new band and the subdued performance of
Eek-a-Mouse. Is this what
we can expect in the future? One
can only wait until he visits again.
Larry Leiber, The Reggae Movement
Comments or suggestions can be sent to Larry@reggaemovement.com