Derrick Harriott – at La Villa Basque Vivere Lounge – Vernon, CA

On February 2nd, La Villa Basque Vivere Lounge in Vernon, CA was our setting for a night of soul, reggae, and new beginnings. The seemingly inconspicuous La Villa Basque Vivere Lounge is nestled between two rail road tracks, and with its spacious ballroom and elegant restaurant dining area, it was more than fitting for a celebration of a new era and past ones.

 

Saturday was the culmination of Hot Shot Sounds “Vintage Soul, Ska, and Reggae Revue Series" (which also brought us Mr. Symarip Roy Ellis), which featured the influential Derrick Harriott. Not only was Saturday filled with great music, but it also included the news of a new phase for Hot Shot-- they are now turning their attention to recording and releasing  “the finest sounds in yesteryear" under the new banner “Angel City Records”. 

First order of business was the announcement of the newly founded labels first signed artist, the young soul sensation Xiantoni Lynch. One does not need to delve too deep to find that talent is anything but short in this family. Xiantoni is twin sister to brother Xavier (who provides backing harmonies) and daughter to Mo-town soul titan Gwen Owens. Xiantoni Lynch took the stage front and center and looked right at home. Her rich powerful voice, which also delighted us late last year when she backed her mother Gwen Owens in support of Roy Ellis at the Echoplex, once again shined through. With the spotlight focused on her, Ms. Lynch seems primed and ready to carry the torch for the upstart label and we look forward to her first release. 

After a few big tunes from DJ Mark Morales (and stiff drinks from the bar) the time had come for the man of the hour: Derrick Harriott. Backed by the Angel City All-stars this was no mere support act, featuring members Ruben Durazo, Brian “Boom Boom” Dixon, Scott Abels, Dan Boer with Malik Moore and Alex Desert singing harmony to name just a few. 74 years young, Derrick Harriott appeared from the back to a packed ballroom and a rousing ovation. His influence and standing as one of Jamaica’s finest talents to ever emerge was not lost on the sweaty and eager crowed who sang along to nearly every note. With a career that saw him record with (and for) the best, he serenaded the large contingency with over 25 gems and an hour and a half of pure excellence. 

Touching on big tunes from the early 60’s to the 70’s, his set included scorchers “Over The River”, “Do The Jerk”, “Solomon”, “Walk The Streets”, “The Loser”, “Monkey Ska”, “John Jones”, and “Stop That Train”. With a smile beaming on his face from beginning to end, his class and humility is without question, even when staying into the wee hours posing for photos, shaking hands, and even signing guitars.

Angel City Entertainment could not have picked a better way to end their live endeavors than to go out “Sitting On Top Of The World”. We at Big Wheel look forward to the next chapter in Angel City Entertainment and their future releases. 

 

 

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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