JIMMY…JIMMY….JIMMY CLIFF at the IndigO2

There is one word that encapsulates last Saturday night at Indig02, and it was used on more than one occasion by Jimmy Cliff himself, that word is “Irie.” The exact meaning of the word is somewhat contested but all sides would agree it connotates a pleasing and positive feeling, more specifically- being in a good, great or excellent state. At one point, towards the latter part of the performance Jimmy turned to the crowd and with boyish charm told them: ‘I gotta tell you, you make I (me) and I (me) feel irie.’ Jimmy, the feeling is mutual. We all flooded into North Grenwhich station after the performance with a little spring in our step and a smile on our face, courtesy of the reggae legend.

They were forced to reflect on the conflict in Afghanistan during a redacted rendition of Vietnam in which Jimmy substituted the names; but the message and sentiment stayed the same, and Bob Dylan’s claim that this was the greatest protest song ever written had real resonance. Later, the audience were almost incited to protest as Jimmy dedicated “Treat the Youth Right” to the recent London Riots and then in a similar vein implored the politicians of the world to “give the people what they want.” In a bizarre but yet altogether fitting twist the audience were transported momentarily to Africa as five out of the nine piece band took up the bongo drums and jimmy sang ‘Rivers of Babylon’, almost entirely with his eyes closed. Then, with equal ferocity we were thrown back into the western world with his lively version of ‘I can see clearly now’, which featured on the Cool Running’s soundtrack (1993). There were too many hits showcased to mention in these margins but perhaps the crowd-pleaser was when the stage was cleared for Jimmy to belt out ‘Many Rivers to Cross”, and he did not disappoint: dealing with the notes as he had done in 1969 when he first wrote and sung this masterpiece.

This was Jimmy’s first appearance in a large London venue in just over 10 years but it did not show, instead the performance was well polished and slick, much like the man himself. It must have been a difficult decision deciding upon a venue but the Indig02 was a wise choice. The venue was unassuming, neutral and versatile providing a blank canvas for Jimmy to imprint himself on. The sound was excellent and did equal justice to the bass heavy reggae numbers as well as providing excellent acoustics for the bongo drum inspired version of “Rivers of Babylon.” The intimacy of the IndigO2 reminds me of the London Astoria which London lost back in 2009.

Jimmy himself was brimming with energy and his dance moves were a spectacle in themselves; at one point he assumed the persona of either a guerilla or a bear and beat his way to the microphone in perfect timing with the music as an intro to “King of Kings”; and in another he slid across the stage crossing his hands across his knees informing the crowd that “we used to do it like a this.” This was very much the Jimmy Cliff show with the spotlight firmly fixed and instructed to follow him, although a special mention needs to be given to the nine piece band that supported him- they were well drilled, note perfect and moved around the stage with equal vigor and precision. In short, it was Irie in every way possible.

Jimmy (and your band), London salutes you.

By Dominic John