Reggae Showdown, Vol. 1: Live at Reggae Canfest

DVD [DVD]

Label: Cascade Medien

Style: Lovers Rock

Reggae Showdown, Vol. 1: Live at Reggae Canfest

UPC: 4028462600473

Release Date: 04/25/2006

Original Release Date: 04/25/2006

Joe Viglione

The first volume in Music Video Distributors' Reggae Showdown series is clearly an important document of Dennis Brown, "the Crown Prince of Reggae," in performance with a number of guests. The video on Live at Reggae Canfest is a bit dark, but it is decent footage overall, viewable and entertaining. The audio is clear enough, though the drums and hi-hat cut through the entire program -- the sound appearing to be picked up by the cameras and not from a separate feed. The last film performance by Dennis Brown before his passing in 1999 is an energetic and spirited show to a packed house of the devoted. Lloyd Parks and the We the People band perform "My Girl," while Conrad Crystal chooses the Delfonics' 1968 hit "La-La Means I Love You," the openers providing solid entertainment. Lady Saw's sexually suggestive bumping and grinding are perhaps aided by the tape's very underground quality. Admiral Tibett and Frankie Paul round out the show in which the performers are inspired and energized by what appears to be a packed hotel ballroom. For fans it is an interesting experience, though there are no frills here whatsoever -- no credits for camera people, no mention of a director -- and the material blends from act to act with no program separation. Still, it's an important document, and its flaws do not detract as much as add to the charm of this night caught on tape. ~ Joe Viglione, Rovi