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The last time I saw Ramshaka was when they headlined the Moor opening gig so it was a treat to catch up with them again at the Pirate last Friday.

It's been a while since they played there and there was a large and enthusiastic crowd to groove along with their distinctive reggae rhythms.

For those that haven't had the pleasure, let's go through the line up - Dave on sax, Ian on drums, Nick - bass, Mark - keys and Al, guitar. All fine instrumentalists and with plenty of stage presence. Now, although I left Al to the last and reggae doesn't showcase his instrumental talents to the full, he provides lead vocals of high accomplishment and, as I learned to my partial surprise, many if not most of the numbers were his own.

I have a strong Jamaican connection and therefore a more than passing acquaintance with the music but my knowledge is more than a decade out of date. However, I was wondering why I didn't recognise more of the tunes when I heard a very familiar one - "This Little Light of Mine" - which I knew to be one of Al's as I recently had a sneak preview of a CD he's putting together. Anyway, it seems I should have recognised a lot more for the same reason so that particular CD will be even more eagerly awaited. All in all, a great night which ended in a dawn return from the Palm Beach (don't ask!).

And the best news - they'll be back at the Pirate in the New Year.

Reggae on!

TiGeR 10.12.01