The charismatic American singer Matisyahu visited Bratislava. And just two days before his birthday.
The charming reggae superstar changed his image overnight. He carries his faith inside and has no need to wear it on the outside. In his youth, he was seeking himself in the context of musical styles, schools, faith. Musically he is influenced mainly by Bob Marley, Phish, God Street Wine and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. His festival summer is scheduled up to September.
On tour, Matisyahu called in his three friends from school in New York, guitarist Aaron Dugan (participated on the album Live at Stubb’s 10 years ago), keyboardist and bassist Stu Brooks and percussionist Tim Keiper to join the actual live recording Live at Stubb’s III: A 10-Year Journey.
Matisyahu appeared in Atelier Babylon clean-shaven with half-long gray hair. The band members have a strong bond and you can see their passion for music and their great talent and also their education. The concert songs are long, sometimes resemble jamming. Musicians are “immersed” in the music and let it flow. Matisyahu use English as well as Hebrew and Yiddish. He raps, sings, makes a great beatbox… The music is influenced by jazz, reggae, rock and hip-hop. Slow rhythms alternate with explosive power, so the performance is not boring.
During the two-hour long concert, the band plays songs not only from the last live album, but also from Akeda. Towards the end they include popular songs like Sunshine, Jerusalem, King Without A Crown and One Day or memorable Lord Raise Me Up. The audience called the band to come back, they call guest Kosha Dillz on a stage for a song, they play Marley’s Natural Mystic as well. Individual members introduce themselves in solos on their instruments and phenomenal Tim on drums reaps the greatest success.
Satisfaction can be read in the faces of the audience from children to pensioners. This mood is completed by the Jah Division DJs before and after the concert.
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Text and photo: Martina Jarolínová
