another big act on the big stage on the big opening night of womadelaide
slotted in to a later time to provide some late night revelry for the crowd
the name providing a perfect description of their style and origins
their dress sense also adding to the sense of occasion on this night
most of the members snappily dressed in very sharp white clothing
indicating a willingness to put on a show in more ways than one
the music itself - as infectious, fast and danceable as you'd expect
a natural sounding fusion of english ska and south american rhythms
brass dominating over the repeated beat of the guitars and percussion
vocals sung presumably in cuban so adding to the caribbean flavour
a sound making it very difficult to stay rooted to the spot in the pit
people all around me whooping it up and getting into the groove
the sun now well set and a beautiful balmy night settled in also
so a great atmosphere for this party band to provide the music
people happy to let loose on this friday night in this location
the band receiving loud and long applause as each tune ended
rumour has it that this band started in london using local musicians
formed by a music-loving investment banker yearning for a new career
drafting some well-heeled afro-cuban musicians into the ranks
achieving instant success in their ska and reggae loving hometown
on close inspection some clear differences in the age of the musicians
so presumably we are being treated to the original band in full flight
a faultless sound and enthusiasm and energy to match from these chaps
far removed from another london based musician last seen on this stage
so now feeling that the festival has well and truly been launched
ska-ska-ska-ska cubano - is good, is welcome, is fun
some more of that attitude please....
