The Uprising Roots Band lost home, studio, and equipment to a fire in late June, but, from the start of Sunday night’s first concert on their road to recovery, it was clear that they have no fear of flames.
Mama G lit a candle before she poured a libation, proclaiming blessing on all before the live music picked up on Gabre Selassie’s good roots-reggae selections. And, nearly six hours at an event that went on far too long, close to the end of their concert-closing set, an inspired Uprising Roots hit a high with the title track of their recently released album Skyfiya.
“What a beautiful day!” Blackush, lead singer and drummer, said between verses as Uprising Roots went into the dub.
Sunday’s concert at The Deck was the first in the Iration Ites Recovery Series for Uprising Roots and was an encouraging display of camaraderie among a resurgent roots and live-band music scene, as well as a common thread of commitment to rockers-style reggae among generations.