by Berthold Holly
The 12th annual Reggae Summer Jam--the biggest Reggae festival in Europe--was held near Cologne, Germany, July 4-6, at a huge, green park surrounded by lakes.
Nearly every Reggae star has performed for this annual event at some point during its 12-year history. This year, roughly 15,000 Reggae fans (and an estimated 10,000 who were camping nearby) were treated to such internationally recognized performers as Israel Vibration, Luciano, Bounty Killer, and Burning Spear.
Acts were divided into two venues: an outdoor main stage and one located inside a tent. Revolutionary Dub Warriors, the only act to play the first day, Friday, July 4, performed an incredible instrumental set of heavy Dub.
German Reggae group Messer Banzani kicked off Saturday's main-stage lineup with a fabulous gig. Next up was Roots band Israel Vibration, which did not reach the level of some of its previous performances, as Apple is no longer with the group, having recently chosen to pursue a solo career.
Unfortunately, after Israel Vibration's performance, a threatening thunderstorm dumped heavy rain on the concert site. As a result, the day's remaining acts on the main stage played in front of very few people or at times other than announced.
Nonetheless, they all delivered strong performances. African sensation Toure Kunda played Senegalese vibes in fine style; Dancehall DJ Bounty Killer delivered the show his few fans--European audiences are mostly Roots oriented--expected of him; Luciano, who was backed by the Firehouse Crew, was in top form (and shape) throughout his great performance; veteran Roots Reggae singer Burning Spear entertained with a solid set; and Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers performed a winning mix of originals and Bob Marley classics.
Thankfully, Sunday was dry and sunny, resulting in a better turnout and less confusion. The first act to take the main stage was Vitamin X, a Techno- Jungle band, which played a spirited set filled with funky beats.
Up next was King Chango, one of the biggest surprises of this year's festival. The crowd enjoyed seeing a group of enthusiastic musicians dressed in funny costumes, dancing with inspired energy, and playing a great mix of Caribbean and Latin music.
Olodum, a 16-piece Afro-Brazilian outfit, whose musicians also dance energetically, introduced the crowd to what is best known as Samba Reggae. Incidentally, the band has also backed Paul Simon on some of his recordings.
Sadly, two of the day's highlights were major disappointments: Big Mountain's performance was short and overshadowed by PA problems, and Inner Circle's soft Pop Reggae set seemed to lack soul.
Meanwhile, acts were performing throughout the day inside the tent. Special mention must go to Germany's Pow Wow sound system, which played in between performances; On-U recording artist Bim Sherman and Dub Syndicate, who reeled off hit after hit, culminating in a splendid extended version of "Golden Locks"; and Zion Train, whose music is greatly inspired by Dub masters Lee "Scratch" Perry and King Tubby, but also contains some modern Techno.
Luciano, Burning Spear and Israel Vibration, who were in the middle of major European tours, all praised the fact that they were so well received abroad by so many. As Skelly from Israel Vibration put it: "Nuff niceness, seen. If Jah wants us to come back next year and play again [at Reggae Summer Jam], we will."
Berthold Holly was born in Germany but lives in Miami today. He comes to Summer Jam Festival every year. You can contact him by E-Mail under holly@worldnet.com
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