Photos by Lia Haile

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TJJ is on the inside, at the world famous Madison Square Garden. Due to no fault of our own, for once we about a half hour late, and for the 2nd show too! From past experience, the 2nd show is not as media friendly as the first show. Nevertheless, we were there to bare witness to the second coming of HD to the MaMu Theater at MSG.

We have to mention that last year's show was an extravaganza to say the least, so this year we were looking forward to a topper! The show began with a slide show of a sonogram and the synchronized rhythmic beating of an oversized congo drum and heartbeat. Suddenly, a star is born .... Machel bursts out of the drum, leaping onto the stage!!! The crowd went into a frenzy!!! The "Unconditional Love" could be felt in your bones!!! Machel was tearing up the stage as the crowd jumped and waved to the tune of "Higher Than High". He even bust out in a few choreographed moves with his fierce dancers during "Delirious". Allyuh remember Rose Castle? Lawdeee ... the floor was bouncing so hard that you did not have to put effort into jumping! What fun!!!

The show continued it's momentum with "Carnival" followed by Zan. He set it off with "The Heart Of A Man". A definite crowd favorite still, complete with participation. With the formation of a pyramid, the dancers added to the hype, especially the male dancer. Dudddde... you are fieeeerrrccccee! We actually had to duck a few times in the next set ... "Craziness"! Moko Jumbies took to the stage adding to the madness. There was yet another mad rush of people in front of the stage. I got stepped on 'bout four times... meh po' toe an dem!!

We were too happy to hear the soulful sounds of "Waiting In Vain" after Machel announced that we should make love to ourselves. Whoohoo! The crowd boiled right down like bahgee... hee hee. Well the lovin' was only for a moment because next ting we in de bacchanal with the ultimate classic; "Big Truck" and the Moko Jumbies were doing somersaults! You should see Team TJJ .... I nearly lost my notepad!!! LOL!!! One thing we must say is that Machel and his HD band really do know how and when to throw the highs and lows at you. Just when you about to lose your breath, another set comes along to balance you right out. "Call me anytime you want!!!" Ah love it!!! The wicked remix is what did it. "Make Love" with a Michael Jackson/SWV sample ... sweet! Y'all know Machel is not Machel without engaging the crowd, especially the ladies. We believe there was one lucky young lady who touched his face and dam near fell out! Well I nearly fell out .... just as the song was almost over, the band played the first few bars of "Walk A Thousand Miles" in the mix. Pressha! This is why Machel Montano HD is on top of the game!

The show moved right along with Farmer Nappy "Chippin" down de road, and as always, a crowd pleaser. The MSG crowd chipped away and right after the very familiar sound of the Barbershop Riddim could be heard and it was "Wining Season"! The crowd went wild and before we knew it Patrice Roberts hit the stage with the dancers and they were assuming all kina positions! Heh heh! Love the new hair Patrice! Yuh done know that this year you just had to expect Macka Diamond to grace the stage with her unique style and rip up the "Wukkin Up Remix". Yes, she also buss out "Run It" and "Hula Hoop". You gotta love that! "Thunder Waist" and "Mo Wuk" followed with the crowd singing away with flags waving. Okay, I think that was my favorite set.

Next up, a slide show began featuring steel pan making, pan tuning and the various oil refineries and off-shore platforms. Folk dancers took to the stage while Machel performed "Oil And Music" with special guest appearances by livings legends; David Rudder and Robert Grinnadge. There was a special 'pan-off' with Mr. Grinnadge on the double tenor and Dane Gulston on the tenor pan. Dane showed up Mr. Grinnadge with all kinds of tricks and antics ... playing a tune while dancing around the pan AND wining! According to Machel, "That is not noise ... that is music! This set also featured another legend; Mr. Arturo Tappin playing the H out of the saxophone! Folks were falling over themselves in all the excitement ... literally!!! The whole performance was very moving. We don't think that there wasn't a soul in there who did not feel a deep sense of pride. Of course, David Rudder has to treat us to an extended rendition of "The Hammer". Nice touch!

Bam ... the tempo was lively again. With evidence of a powder session from the 1st show, Machel did confirm that the original Powder Posse was front and center representing. He further mentioned that it might have been a lil' scary for the security and they should get used to it cause that's how we do! He then launched into everyone's all time favorite J'Ouvert song, "Powder Posse" with Fancy Sailor Moko Jumbies. We then got a taste of "Roll It" sans (French for "without") Alison Hinds, but that's okay. Plus a bonus Salsa session with a lil' Miami Sound Machine sample to twist things up a bit. Machel even did a lil' salsa step for good measure. Top that off with a few bars of "Calabria", then enter the dancers to the tune of "Defense (The Anthem)". Once again we had to take cover! That's my song though ... so yuh done know!!! Bumpers were all over the place!!! LOL!!! Enter .... Pitbull !!! Still no Lil' Jon though, dam. Pitbull did his thang ... "Gasolina" etc., even a roll call that included the Hispanic massive.

By now the crowd was ripe!! We were surrounded by sweaty fans having a time. The tune of "Congo Man" was now filling the theater and people just had no sense!!! Bacchanal fuh so! Another slide show started featuring The Mighty Sparrow in his younger days on what appeared to be an album cover for his original hit "Congo Man". Can you picture a young Mighty Sparrow with a bone through his nose (photo)??!! The slide show continued with more photos of Sparrow throughout his illustrious career. Well of course, Machel and Sparrow had to get into a lil' small talk. Jokes fuh days ... all on the strength of Saltfish and all the other edible options like Lappe etc. I swear, I nearly fell out when Sparrow referred to himself as "The Bird with the Word". Hee hee! Sparrow did give us a verse of "Saltfish" with the crowd singing along like they were born with the lyrics.

The slide show continued with more photos that included the late, great Lord Kitchener, Sparrow, a very young Machel and the Mighty Shadow as Machel, Sparrow and Kernel Roberts paid tribute to the Grand Master. They even tried to do his infamous dance kick. Hey does anyone know why most of these pioneers of Calypso called themselves Mighty back then? That set was awesome, but once again the dance mash up because Shal Marshall buss on de stage with one of 2K8's big chunes "Gyal Farm" (featuring Kerwin Du Bois). It was a wrap!! Hey, we don't know from whence they came, but the front row was all lined up with gyals!!! It was a sight to behold fellas!!! The crowd got really hectic at that point and Team TJJ had to make an exit for the night.

Overall, the show was great. It definitely was not as spectacular as last year, but we not complaining. Folks just remember that Soca is moving up in the world and there is a place for everything.

$150.00 US - Front Row Seat
$120.00 US - Outfit
$60.00 US - Hair Style
People rushing down from nosebleed section to take up your orchestra seating space AND Powder from de Powder Posse ........... PRICELESS!!

Powder in the Madison Square Garden ... no eh!

Righto folks! Petite out... stage left....

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Related Galleries
The Official Machel Montano Press Party (2008)
Machel Montano HD & Friends 25th Anniversary Celebration Pt.1 (2007)
Machel Montano HD & Friends 25th Anniversary Celebration Pt.2 (2007)