since I was @ hedo for the first time I liked the live band that plays music in the background during dinner. At home unfortunatelly I seldom have the chance to assist on live band gigs.
once the shows, which I mostly absolutely like and appreciate (the ECs do a lot of training and put all their energy in them) are over, the "real" live music starts. I do enjoy sooo much to listen and to watch the guys who are excellent musicians. especially when they play local island tunes they seem to lighten up and get a smile on their faces. On some occasions they have a singer with them who enhances their performances. I love to see how music is made, reggae or reggae versions of old and new songs are so special to me.
what I don't like so much, is when they have to play mainstream songs. especially when they start with Bryan Adams hits I immediately stand up and take the time to go for a hand made bio cigarette. then usually, when I come back, everything is all right and they finished their "must do" repertoire and I can even enjoy and let go the music to my head and move my body more than before.
This is no try to complain about something, just my personal view. I do highly respect all other views.
what irritates me from my first visit is, that most people leave the dining area after the shows and only a few do appreciate their efforts. On some evenings me and a few others are there and some times I am the only one who applauds between one track and the other. Sometimes they even switch from one title to the other with ease, so no applause.
don't get me wrong, there are some songs from Bryan Adams, and not only him, that I like but absolutely cannot hear when on the island of pleasure, vibe and fun. I understand that most vacationers want to get ready for piano bar or just want to follow their hedo rituals. And I also respect other tastes of music, no problem at all.
on my last visit I had the chance to meet and talk to 2 of the band members. it was so cool and interesting to listen to their stories about music and their life...
they noticed me a while ago and let me know that they could see my admiration and highly appreciate it. after feeling a bit confident with them I had the idea to ask if they could play a song for me. they asked me the name of it but unfortunately never heard about it. they didn't even know the band. I gave them song and band and they let me know, they will try to find out about it.
the next day in the late afternoon I was walking by the stage to go to the front desk and heard tunes that where familiar to me. all 4 where there with headphones on and tried to play my music. what a pleasant surprise.
in the evening after the show when they saw me coming back to enjoy the evening with live music they started to play my song. it is a 40 year old kinda R&B/Soul title that I am listening to like for 25 years. never had the chance to hear it played by a live band. the original is a instrumental track of the old, so called "Memphis soul". what an amazing experience, I got goose bumps. I thought they even would play it better then the original. seriously, they are great musicians, and it looked to me that they had a lot of fun while playing it.
on the break I talked to them again and they confirmed that they do like it and would probably add it to their regular repertoire. makes me so proud of it. now, when I hear that song I close my eyes and see them playing it.
I know, rhythm and blues is not local island music but it is the kind of music (and many other kinds) these guys are too good to play in a extraordinary way. I am no musician at all and have no idea if it is normal and easy to learn how to play a song for professional musicians within a few hours of tries and without notes. the original is a 8 minute track of Booker T. & the M.G.'s . some guests may know that kind of music and if it was added to their repertoire for real, may have heard it playing. I love it. I also love to listen and move to reggae music, especially in Jamaica, did I mention that before? my everyday music is kind of a bit of everything, actual pop music and evergreens, from Taylor Swift to Elvis, pop, jazz, r&b, soul, funk, rock, even classic and party music and many more, but when in Jamaica definitely reggae and ska.
So glad to have booked my 5th time in 4 years for 2 weeks in April. I know where I will spend some evening hours after the shows have finished, drinking rum and get happy by listening to music. eating awesome food, going to dive, get a full body tan for next summer, meet happy people and experience a relaxing time at home in the carribean sea with nice and friendly staff and vacationers.... 70 days to go! Yah Mon! every day can be so different, dipending who is on the resort, who has come and who has left, makes every day so unique.
Since I have booked I am back to listen Bob Marley a lot while driving my car. Lets me get mentally closer to departure.
RESPECT for Roots Explosion!
Anyone shares some of my views?
jamming
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