Live

Fat Freddy’s Drop: Manchester Apollo 01/12/09

Let’s get this clear, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the power of Fat Freddy’s Drop live a couple of times now, always outside of London and each time they have left me with an over whelming sense of oar.

So to have the opportunity to catch the boys from New Zealand at the Manchester Apollo on the final date of their international tour was both exciting yet apprehensive. When you’ve seen a group once before, although they can satisfy it’s not often they can surprise again and leave you feeling like that very first time. That said and remembering the band had sold out at all their dates including this one I got to the venue extra early to save my coveted front row place.

DJ Vadim and his new live band have been supporting Fat Freddy’s on most of their tour worldwide and begun the evening with upbeat style. Vadim’s live band has timely evolved to include the talents of harmonious Sabira Jade, rapper Pugz Lil State on keys and David Baility on live percussions. Opening with old and new wonders along with exciting world rhythms, warming thawing new comers, they built the mood perfectly in preparation. Starting with their distinctive 10min jam session, by the time Fat Freddy’s took to the stage the capacity had filled quicker then the tube during rush hour.

It’s amazing to see the group again. It’s the way they open, with horns blazing and hypnotic bass that captivate your soul from the beginning to the last applause that really put them up there amongst the greatest live performers. The energy of the crowd was infectious twined with a real sense of harmony as hundreds of fans, including myself, sung along to classic’s like ‘Wondering Eye’,’Cay’s Crays’, ‘Roady’ and my favourite ‘Ray Ray’ . Bringing Pacific funk to a cold Tuesday evening, the 7 piece live Dub/Reggae band from Wellington strayed from their better known songs briefly, perfectly mixing up the set with fresh material to the delight open eyed enthusiasts . It was a seamless transition as cheers and uniformed claps joined lead singer Dalles’s extra –ordinary voice.

One of those rare live occasions, although a standard at any Fat Freddy Drop shows, that you feel part of a greater family and loss any inhibition to get involved. An extra highlight was the appropriate encore. Always demanded although rarely obliged tonight it was a certain must, followed through with one final soulful treat to finish a perfect evening.

In summary Fat Freddy’s Drop surprised again, as they have done every time, constantly evolving their live sound while maintaining the core true values we all have come to love. You’d be truly made to miss them next time they reach.

Their new album ‘Dr Boondigga and the Big BW’ is also highly recommended.

Photos care of B&S' Romain Kedochim - More visit ROMAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Words ALI RAYMOND