The Slackers – The Debonaires – and Angel City Records Showcase – at El Rey Theatre – Hollywood, CA

Friday September 20th marked the first stop of three on the Slackers west coast tour, the beautiful El Rey Theatre in Hollywood. And what more fitting of a venue could one have asked for than The El Rey on a night celebrating everything from traditional Ska, Rocksteady and Soul. The historic theatre with its elegant lighting and chandeliers made for the ideal backdrop for this timeless music. 

 

Up first was Angel City Records ‘Angel City Revue’ showcasing three of their youngest and highly touted singers. Backed by Thee Hurricanes who jammed out a solid forty-five minute set, each artist came out to a thundering applause from the now settled-in audience. 

Rotating to the next performer after about 5 songs the triple barrel attack lead off with Jackie Mendez, known for a strong voice and smooth harmony Jackie’s voice glimmered as brightly as the lights, accompanied by Angel and Joe of The Delirian’s Jackie Mendez’s brief set left many friends and family longing for more. 

With no break needed Thee Hurricanes continued their heavy sound as Xavier was up next. The Most recent of the three to sign under Angel City Records, Xavier wasted no time launching into his portion of the showcase leading it off with a very boss reggae inspired tune. His energy and exuberance was unrivaled as he paced and dance across the El Rey stage, pointing to the heavens his bluesy performance nearly blew the roof off. 

Lastly, fans were treated to the vocal dominance of Xiantoni Ari, First to sign under ACR, Friday proved once again why she is the budding face and voice of L.A. soul. Her dominant voice reached all crevices of The El Rey Theatre, matched perfectly with Thee Hurricanes folks packed the dance floor for her set as songs like “Just Say You’re Wanted And Needed” buckled more than a few knee’s. Angel City Records have built themselves a strong stable of young musicians we’re sure to hear more from very soon. 

After a brief booze intermission is was now time for Riverside hero’s The Debonaires. Since 1995 The Debonaires have shook the west coast with their unmistakable brand of Ska/Rocksteady scorchers. Now with the recent release of their fourth studio album ‘Movin’ long time fans and the newly converted were treated to some Riverside classics along with new tracks off of the album, including a sound system favorite ‘Oil In My Lamp’ by the iconic Eric Monty Morris.

As usual The Debonaires were sharp and on point. The rhythm and cohesiveness of The Debonaires is as marvelous and professional as it gets, lead by the one-of-a-kind voice of Kip Wirtzfeld songs like ‘Still Waiting’ ‘Criminals’ ‘No Dice’ ‘Hard To Say Goodbye’ and ‘Music In My Soul’ resonate from your ears to your feet. Truly another masterful performance from The Debonaires, and if you haven’t gotten a copy of ‘Movin’ be sure to do so right away. 

We now braced ourselves for the night’s headliner, from New York The Slackers. Anticipation was at a fever pitch and the dancing mood had been set. The dance floor was now shoulder to shoulder as The Slackers began mesmerizing the audience.

Touching on classics from various albums and highlighting some tracks off of their newest release ‘My Bed Is A Boat’ (Available at Bigtunes.es & Theslackers.com) the men from NY were in top form. From “The Man In The Ivory Suit” Marcus Geard to “Agent J” Jay Nugent The Slackers are an unstoppable force, sprinkle in the Black Out inducing saxophone supremacy of “Disco” Dave Hillyard and vocal tandem of Glen and Vic every song sounded as if it were ripped off of the album. Their set included ‘ Please Decide’ ‘Bo Weevil’ Peculiar’ ‘Keep It Simple’ ‘What Went Wrong?’ ‘Keep Him Away’ ‘The Fool’ ‘Run Away’ and of course ‘Crazy’ and a fist raising version of ‘the Guns Of Brixton’. 

The music was so overpowering one young fan rushed on stage not once but twice only to evade security as he fled across stage. The Slackers will do that some people. To say The Slackers were amazing would be an understatement, as folks in Santa Ana and San Diego found out that weekend. And our readers in japan will be happy to know the slackers will be taking their talents your way, stay updated on tour dates and go buy their recent album “My Bed Is A Boat”.

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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