By Raymond Tyler
I am not going to bury the lead on this one. The Burnsiders Reggae Band curated one of the best shows I have seen this year, anywhere.
If and when they come back to Anchor Rock, get your tickets, plan to arrive early to hear DJ Able on the turntables and plan to stay late and celebrate life and love with the Burnsiders Reggae Band.
I always loved the Burnsiders for their great music. I also love the Burnsiders as a music fan because in South Jersey, I get to see so many wonderful R&B singers/bands, rock bands, gospel choirs, and jazz bands, but there is only one reggae band that I know of, and that’s the Burnsiders.
For more than five years now the Burnsiders have been a breath of fresh air and music for me and the people of the Shore Local area.
Led by Jeff Burnside (drummer/lead vocalist) along with Jay Farmer (co-lead singer) and their band, the Burnsiders always give a show that is an experience in love and dance for everyone watching them perform. The truth is, while people are watching them perform, the people also shake their legs, wave their arms and there is some butt shaking too.
Seeing, hearing and experiencing the Burnsiders is always a musical celebration of life and love.
The show that the Burnsiders brought to Anchor Rock on Friday, Dec. 1, was the best musical reggae experience I’ve had in some time. First of all, the sound system at Anchor Rock was made for experienced bands to “band” and play their music. The Burnsiders were spread out with room to dance themselves. I thought I was onstage with them when they performed, “Now That We Found Love,” with special guest, Wordsmith.
The vocals of Jeff Burnside and Jay Farmer never sounded better. Jeff’s singing is like a rallying cry to live loud and authentically, while Jay Farmer can hype you up in one song and then make you reflect with crystal clear and buttery notes on the next song.
The Burnsiders were in a zone. From the first note at 8 p.m. until the last note faded after 11p.m. I was immersed in everything that makes reggae a great artform. Translation: I danced until my feet hurt and yelled and sang until I almost lost my voice.
Along with the great performances of the Burnsiders was their special guest, Lovesmith.
Lovesmith could headline a show and a band on his own. The Lovesmith experience just added more energy, fun, flavor, texture and tones to a night that was already an 11 on a scale from 1 to 10.
DJ Able of radio station 91.7 WLFR curated soca, dancehall and reggae tunes before, between and after the Burnsiders, which kept people dancing.
The Burnsiders and friends should make a return performance at Anchor Rock and it should be soon. I can never get enough of good vibes and music that talks about love for everyone. Maybe next year there can be a Burnsiders Presents a Steel Drum Christmas show.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
One Response
What an amazing article, Ray. Thank you so much. Yes, that show truly was something special. As with all the Burnsiders shows, it was one of a kind. Thank you for sharing in the vibe with us! One love. 🙂