Audience Reviews; The Wailers Jam at the ASC

By SHERMIKA DUNNER

The Wailers are most famously known for their work with Bob Marley, which resulted in the sale of over 250 million albums worldwide.  The members include: Family Man Aston Barrett, bass; Keith “Coach E” Sterling, keyboards; Chico Chin, trumpet; Anthony Watson, drums; Chiz Roy, lead guitarist; Nambo Robinson, trombone; and Elan Atias, lead vocals.

However, they stand on their own with their incredulous talent and ability to effortlessly entertain audiences worldwide.  As a part of their Global Rhythm Series, the Alys Stephens Center welcomed the legendary Wailers in the Jemison Concert Hall, where the acoustics are nearly perfect.  The diverse crowd was hushed in anticipation as they awaited The Wailers’ entrance.

Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Chin asked Birmingham in his thick Jamaican accent if they were ready—and indeed they were.  The trombone opened with a deep Caribbean beat as the lead guitar lightly trailed in, while the drums and trumpet later followed.  The rhythms were carefree as the trumpet and trombone alternated solos, effortlessly moving from vibrancy to smooth reggae tunes as the keyboards and bass joined in.

A modest crowd later gathered to the front of the stage and grooved to the music.  A sea of hands flailed in the air as the audience sung along with sheer enthusiasm.  The music was very fun and uplifting.

The concert was a total jam fest, particularly when “Jamming,” “Exodus,” and “Get up Stand up” were performed.  Atias urged the crowd to get up, jump, and jam with him, which they excitedly did.  Atias delightfully bounced around the stage, hyping the audience as his voice filled the room.

Atias sung “Redemption Song” with such conviction while the audience swayed their heads and illuminated the concert hall with lighters and cell phones.  “Waiting in Vain” was concluded with a medley of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to do With It,” which made for a nice mixture with classic reggae.

The Wailers exemplified how beautiful music can be as it has the ability to connect people from all walks of life.  Throughout their two hour set, a vast majority of the audience were on their feet dancing, singing, and clapping their hands.  Everyone from senior citizens, business professionals, to young adults, and even a mother and her toddler were dancing.  During those two hours, the audience became entranced in the hypnotic grooves of The Wailers.

When The Wailers exited the stage after “One Love,” the crowd chanted “more…more!”  Atias returned to speak about their participation in the World Food Program (iwenthungry.org).  Not only are The Wailers gifted, but they care about the plight of others.  Later, they performed nine more songs—quite the encore indeed.

Atias performed “Together as One” and “I Wanna Yell” from his debut album Together as One, which seamlessly intertwined with Bob Marley and The Wailers’ catalogue.  The show concluded with the band and backup singers showcasing their exceptional talent—much to the riveting enthusiasm of the audience.

The Wailers performed: “Stir it Up,” “Survival,” “Is this Love,” “No More Trouble,” “War,” “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” “The Heathen,” “So Much Things to Say,” “Three Little Birds,” “One Love,” “No Woman No Cry,” and “Guiltiness.”

And for another great review of The Wailers' magical ASC performance, check out this review at the Intercultural Post!