NEVILLE STAPLE / 2 TONIC -JUMPIN'JAKS , BOURNEMOUTH 26/6/06
CHINNERS
9.45pm just as Ukraine and Switzerland were about to head into extra time
to battle it out for a place in the quarter finals ,2 -Tonic hit the stage
at Jumpin Jaks.Without warning they started up their infectious ska beat
with a medley of blended Selector tracks"On My Radio and "Too Much Pressure"
, at this stage the dance floor was empty and most of the audience were
interested in watching the football on the screen.
However 2-Tonic managed to turn peoples heads towards the stage , tonight's
gig was also meant to include local stars "Ratrace" and due to a sickness
amongst their ranks 2-Tonic got the chance to play a longer set. 2-tonic are
made up of Ralph(vocals) , VJ(Guitar) ,Liam(Keyboards) ,Jonn(Sax)
,Keith(Drums) ,Paul(Sax) and Simon (Bass) and together make one hell of a
sound.Playing a collection of classics including a brilliant ska 'ed up
version of Thin Lizzy's "Boys are back in Town" and a selection of self
penned tracks from the forth coming album "Desert Sun".
By the time 2-Tonic has left the stage they had gone from an empty dance
floor to a full one,building a great atmosphere and leaving people wanting
more. Ralph is a great frontman and danced and sang throughout the whole set
, while commanding attention from the audience with great backing from his
talented band.
Neville Staple's time with the Specials and Fun Boy Three ended a very long
time ago , to resurface with his own band and his own music must of been a
great challenge , he has gathered together some exceptional musicians who
back him excellently. Kicking off the set with "Man @ C+A" the dance floor
immediately filled with people moshing. Neville dressed in a dark suit and
a pork pie hat looked every bit the star that he is , not disappointing with
brilliant versions of Specials favourites "Little Bitch" , "RatRace" ,
"Enjoy Yourself" and "A message To You".
At one stage Neville was so into the music he wanted to get in to the
audience and dance with everybody , but thought better of it when he saw how
rough some of the skinheads were moshing.Highlight of the evening was a
brilliant version of "Gangsters" coupled together with "Guns of Navarone"
including a brilliant trombone solo.The set ended after an hour and half
with everybody wanting more.
Another great "Sound of the Suburbs" night in Bournemouth , thanks to Lewis
and from what I hear there are many more to come check out his website for
more details.
DAVE CHINERY