Santa Fe Sunsplash - Paolo Soleri Amphitheater, 7/28/02

Reviewed by Larry Leiber for The Reggae Movement

Survival, a local New Mexico band, opened up the show with a short set of roots reggae.  Having been together for less than 4 years, they showed a polished talent as if they had been together for much longer.  They put on a solid opening set, and unfortunately for those arriving late, they were not able to get a glimpse of the talented artists from their own backyard. 

Inner Circle took the stage shortly after, and captivated the crowd with an energetic set as the sun set over the horizon. Kris, the latest lead vocalist for this historic band, played with the crowd masterfully from the moment they took the stage till they left an hour and a half later.  Taking a trip up and down the aisles at one point, and pitting sections of the audience in a sound off had everyone in a frenzy and ready to make some noise at any request by Kris.  Becoming the first, but definitely not the last, Kris brought the crowd down to the stage (well, clarification should be made that it was for the ladies as they played their smash hit "Sweat (A la la la long)".  Also playing the old familiar cops tune "Bad Boys", as well as a  mix of new and old tunes, Inner Circle might have stolen the show with a great set of energy, play and crowd interaction.

Yellowman followed up Inner Circle and was to set the stage for Maxi Priest to close the show.  Playfully ducking around a speaker to enter the stage as he was introduced, Yellowman put on a short set that seemed rushed and hurried.  Nonetheless, his energy and presence on stage is never short of spectacular.  Running, and literally I mean running, through his hits such as Zung a Zeng, 2 to 4 Supermix, and Nobody Move, he never stood still as he rushed from side stage to side stage every minute of his set.  He took the time to include some crowd interaction as well as he went by everyone in the front row and shook their hand or hugged them.  In a good gesture, he took particular attention to make sure all the kids were acknowledged.

As Maxi Priest took the stage about 9:45, the crowd was ready for a big finish.  Having already been worked up through the three previous acts, they were ready to erupt.  Maxi did not disappoint at all, as he was the consummate professional during his sing along session of regular, transcendental reggae hits from the pop charts.  Putting together a string of Wild World,  That girl (with his guest Red Fox playing the part of Shaggy), Close to you.  With a great prologue to his biggest hit, He had the women swooning with "Just a little bit longer."

Maxi proved that he was the closer, and after he had finished, he left the crowd thoroughly satisfied and exhausted.  He also showed that he was more up to date on the current events than was the crowd, as his dedication to the miners trapped in a Pennsylvania mine received little to no reaction.

Red Fox proved to be a noteworthy guest on Maxi's stage as he put on a couple great solos, as well as assists and duets with Maxi.

The DJ playing the tunes for us between sets was MC Hovey D, of the Roots Natty Roots Sound System via your very own Reggae Movement.  He did a great job of keeping the vibe going strong in between the down time, and helped to drown out the numerous sound checks before every act.

Rasta Steveh, visiting from Durango, Co, played the MC role, and had the crowd pumped up from the first act to the last as he impressed most experts with his knowledge of each of the bands coming to the stage, and helped to educate the crowd as to who they were about to see.

Clear Channel put together this great Reggae concert, and the whole event from start to finish seemed flawless.  Thanks to them for giving us a great show, and they would like to send out thanks to all the bands, MC Rasta Steveh,  Hovey D on the DJ, and all the fans in the seats.  Everything was in place, and the show was great from start to finish.  I'm sure after seeing what they saw, the crowd in New Mexico is looking forward to the next reggae show.