Jimmy Cliff – The Delirians – Ethan Tucker – The Twilight Concert Series – at Santa Monica Pier – Santa Monica, CA

Thursday September 12th marked the last installment in the Twilight Concert series, celebrating its 29th anniversary, and what a celebration it was. On the beautiful sandy shores of Santa Monica in the shadows of the pier, families gathered together under the sun to enjoy a comfortable seventy-five-degree-sunset along with one of Jamaica’s most revered figures.

With early arrival encouraged, some people found out the hard way, as thousands had staked out prime positions in the sand directly parallel with the stage, and with good cause as the estimated total crowed reached a staggering 30,000 people. Early arrivals were treated to the first act of the evening, Mr. Ethan Tucker. Those lucky enough to be settled in had the privilege of joining us in enjoying Ethan Tucker’s one-man performance. Smooth as Silk harmony and slick guitar work Ethan Tucker was a wonderful surprise treat, his mellow laidback delivery and song writing paired perfectly with the coinciding sunset. After a wonderful forty-minute performance fans had one last opportunity to get some booze in their system as it was sure to be shoulder to shoulder for the next band to hit the stage.

Within the last few years we here at Big Wheel Magazine have had the pleasure to catch a glimpse of this bands meteoric rise through the L.A Ska and Reggae scene, representing the next class of elite young traditional musician’s, The Delirian’s have sold out shows and backed some of Jamaica’s most highly touted performers including the likes of The Pioneer’s, Eric Monty Morris, Pat Kelly and The Jamaican’s just to name a few. And now in front of nearly 30,000 beach-goers the young men from East Los stood front and center and eclipsed all expectations and shined brightest under the big lights. Amongst the record attendance other stars came out for a preview of L.A.’s future including familiar faces like Jah Faith, Jerry Miller (The Untouchables) and actor/comedian Craig Robinson (The office, Pineapple Express).

Collectively blown away as The Delirian’s launched into their unmistakable brand of Rocksteady and Ska, fans new and old gathered together in dancing on the now maximum capacity boardwalk and sandy beach below. Only two songs into the set, a buzz emanated from the crowed as murmurs and whispers of  “Who are these guys?” poured off the lips of the newly converted fans. How could they not be curious? The nearly 50 minute set progressed seamlessly as The delirian’s effortlessly transitioned from one scorcher to the next intermingling timeless versions as well, songs like ‘Mr. M.D’ “El Cartero’ ‘Simmer Down’ and Shame & Scandal’ stunned and grooved the moonlit-drenched crowed. The crisp precision of The Delirian’s extended for miles as those lamenting traffic and parking still heard a bit of the magic happening on stage, late to the party folks still made the trek to the merch booth to grab hold of what many in line now clamored for, some sweet Delirian’s tunes. Ending the night on “Easy Groovin” fans were sure to be playing that Rocksteady Music on the drive home.

After that blindside of musical supremacy the atmosphere was that of myth, the mood was set and the energy glowed and radiated, as the evening’s main attraction was all that was left. With a pedigree spanning decade’s, there’s not much Jimmy Cliff has yet to accomplish. A recent Grammy Award Winner for his album Rebirth and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee, Jimmy Cliff’s journey is that most could only dream of. And on that rickety old pier that Thursday evening we took a journey with him. Dawning a gold ensemble and crown Jimmy Cliff shimmered just as magnificently as he appeared. Wasting no time Jimmy Cliff immersed himself with the cheers of the audience as he began showcasing his timeless voice with gems “ Hard Road To Travel” and “Rivers Of Babylon” mesmerized, fans stood awe struck as his voice and drum line hypnotized the already captivated listeners. And so the legend of Jimmy Cliff continued, his presence is as unmistakable as his catalog of world famous tunes.

Fans went crazy for popular classics like “The Harder They Come” as Jimmy Cliff narrated and informed the crowed to some of the more memorable moments in his life and in Jamaican music. For example reminiscing about the first time he met fellow legends Desmond Dekker and Robert Nesta Marley better known to the world as Bob Marley. Even playing some of their early tunes including the sound system favorite “Judge Not” by aforementioned Bob Marley and Ken Boothe’s “Puppet On A String”.

He touched on stories when he was approached to do “Harder They Come” and how it parlayed into a now memorable acting role, to his success in Kingston and the U.K. even going in the way back machine and playing a few of his early dance hall scorchers including two personal favorites of mine “Miss Jamaica” and “King of Kings” to which he began with a mighty roar. Known for his strong political stance he no doubt made his displeasure known with the situation in Syria to a rousing applause, his 64 years young body showed no signs of age as he ran, jumped and marched across the stage, looking to the heavens and channeling the energy from the audience as a smile never left his face.  His voice just as strong as the first time you heard it, he sent off the 30.000 in attendance with another classic “I Can See Clearly Now” even giving the crowed an encore. What more could one have asked for on a beautiful summer night. 

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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