Anthony B, Half Pint and Junior Jazz
November 14, 1998; Tramps, N.Y.C, N.Y.
by Judy Hecker

This was a not-to-be missed show at Tramps in N.Y.C.; up-and-coming artist Junior Jazz, emerging star Anthony B, and one of Reggae’s most enduring stars, Half Pint. In spring ‘96 I saw Pint at N.Y.C.’s SOB’s in what was billed as his return after a five year absence. He was really good, but this time he was even better, his voice stronger and more vibrant. That voice -- expressive and always identifiable -- communicates joyousness and sincerity; those tunes -- instant spiritual antidotes that always level the vibes, and that’s exactly what happened at this show.

No surprise that the club was packed. But interestingly, plenty of ladies were in the house, perhaps because this bill featured conscious music and three unusually charismatic artists. Junior Jazz opened singing his signature smooth tunes. After a short break, Half Pint bounced out singing the anthemic “Greetings” as the jubilant crowd roared. There’s no one in Reggae (except D. Brown with “Here I Come”) who has a better opener. It embraces the massive and truly communicates his message and who he is-- a real Reggae Ambassador. Though Pint’s a veteran performer (well “young veteran” is probably more accurate), he still sounds and looks just as he did on early albums -- only his locks are longer. Ready for a Saturday night rub-dub in a crisp beige and white checked suit topped with a dapper white coat, he skanked to his bouyant melodies. He’s an appealing performer who projects something rare in these days of the slack “Dancehall Don”-- modesty. Onstage and in taped interviews, he always reminds me of Diana King’s “Shy Guy.” Maybe that explains why so many ladies cheered their hearts out during his set.

This show was part of a mini stateside tour, and Pint was promoting his newest CD, “Legal We Legal” (Artists Only). From the album, he sang the title song as well as a surprising cut, “The Joker,” a cover of a song originally done by ‘70’s rock ‘n rollers, the Steve Miller Band. That group sang it as a straightforward rocker; Pint slows it down a little and adds a reggae groove. His thoughtful vocals give the words deeper meaning, making this a definite “must-hear” song. Since Pint first came up, he’s written nuf hit songs -- “Officer,” “One Big Family,” “Political Fiction,” and the fan favorite “Winsome,” among others -- and he performed them straight though to the encore. So beloved are these songs that the audience sang along, except, that is, on “Level the Vibes.” Some tried -- with little success -- to sing the infectious chorus which sounds a little like crowing, but that’s one of Pint’s signatures and when he came to the song’s break and “crowed,” the crowd cheered and the vibes went up up up. But the song that seemed to get the biggest response, especially from the girlfriends around me, was “Hold On,” the tale of Pint and his two tenacious lovers, Sharon and Polly, both of whom “nah let go.” Maybe the song’s a favorite because it’s pure Half Pint; not macho but bubbly and good-natured instead. Whatever the reason, everyone grooved to it.

Anthony B closed the show in a blaze of energy and emotion. Though he’s still a youthman, he’s an incredibly polished performer and artist.

After the show, smiling people spilled out onto the sidewalk and lingered. This show, with three wonderful artists and performances, added up to a memorable evening no one wanted to end.