It was a night of non-stop movement both on stage and in the audience at The Tivoli on Wednesday 21 January.
Whether a first timer or a blessed veteran (comments such as “this is my 12th time seeing Fat Freddy’s Drop live” were heard throughout the night) it was clear from the chilled smiles among the hugging crowd that this show was guaranteed to be great.
The UK’s Nightmares On Wax got legs warmed-up with his energetic set. Then as the microphones were being set-up, some Freddy’s casually walked out on stage to check their stations.
Fat Freddy's Drop's setlist - Image © Jann AngaraThis is what is most remarkable about this hard-working band – despite sold-out tours across the globe and flawless releases they remain grounded and let their sound shine.
Click here for more photos from the show.
MC Slave gave a warm introduction (and returned to jam out his raps throughout the night) as the other, seven Freddy’s stepped out into their ‘music’ kitchen. Their outfits were as different as the sounds they each added to the FFD experience. Trumpeter Tony Chang and trombonist Hopepa were in their dapper suits while guitarist Jetlag Johnson wore a cap with his sunnies still sitting on the brim; and keyboardist Dobie Blaze was in a black and gold patterned top and bottom combination.
The visual difference melded together in sound for ‘Blackbird’, which started the night’s long and festive journey. There was no lull throughout the rest of the show. The band performed from their three albums: ‘Based On A True Story’, ‘Dr Boondinga And The Big BW’ and ‘Blackbird’. The brass section conquered the venue and producer DJ Fitchie maintained the rhythm with his machines while Joe Dukie mesmerised with his most recognisable vocals.
Fat Freddy's Drop - Image © Jann AngaraThe songs were extended and improvised, but maintained their core crispness as heard from the records. It was familiar and unpredictable at the same time. The sounds were echoed and trance-like but then would go to an unexpected direction.
Fat Freddy's Drop's - Image © Jann AngaraThis is the sorcery of live dub and Fat Freddy’s Drop are the wizards of this sound. As the night progressed, clothes were being taken off on stage. Dukie had taken off his collared shirt to reveal a Soulfest tee and Hopepa had stripped down to his signature wife beater and knee socks. The familiar keys of ‘Ernie’ called for a cheer then everyone returned to their happy trance again.
Image © Jann Angara
