The Reggae Torch

For me the true test of an artist is his live performance and with the release of ‘Clinark Live In Holland’ there can be little doubt that Clinark has not only the talent, but the stage presence to take the reggae world by storm.

The album was recorded in May 2006 at Groene Engel in Oss and released on the Nurture Projects label. Clinark was backed by the very tidy, six piece roots band, from Holland ‘Poor Man Friend’. The band consist of Marcus ‘Kila’ Leliveid, the band leader and composer, on keyboards; Phillp De Goey on tenor saxophone; Howard Englebert on lead and rhythm guitar; Fabian on drums; Papa Jan on bass and backing vocals; Billyman and Ras Elijah on percussions and backing vocals - For more info on PMF check out their website www.poormanfriend.com

There are nine tracks on the album which opens with an outstanding take on Bob Marley’s ‘Heathen’. All the other tracks are originals and written by Clinark and Juliet L Edwards. Several notable songs are performed, like ‘Dem Come’, which was released as a single under the name of ‘Dillinjah’ in 2004 and the soon to be released ‘Fire Bun’ which without doubt is gonna be big in the dances. Personal favourites of mine have got to be ‘Colonised’ and the final song on the album ‘The Lords Prayer’ in which, quite rightly so, the band gets introduced and recognised for the great musicians they are.

I must at this point give mention to the sound engineer Sander Hartman. The recording of the performance is just perfect, he truly is a master at the controls. Clinark himself commands the stage with the confidence of a veteran at work, voicing his songs with ease. He’s known as the ‘Reggae Torch’ and based on this performance his upcoming studio album ‘Journey’ is gonna be red hot and I for one can’t wait to hear it. If you asked Clinark where his home is he’ll say Bermuda, but I believe that he’s really at home when performing on stage. But don’t just take my word for it, get yourself a copy of the album and you’ll see what I mean.

Reviewed by idread

Track Listing

Heathen

Dem Come

Life In The Ghetto

Runaway

Colonised

Beautiful Island

Fire Bun

Inspirational Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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