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Nufunk Festival 2009 - Tribute to Jackie Mittoo
Yes, Toronto is a great place for music folks, and if you haven't ventured out to see the any of the various
bands gracing our stages this side of 2009, now is the time. Pre CMW and before spring is even upon us we've
been offered a platter of multiple choices in the mix including the Nufunk Festival which took place at a few
downtown venues since from February 28, to March 7. Before heading out audiences had to put on their soft shoe
cause they were movin' and groovin' to the best of the best in funk, dub, hip hop, reggae, R & B and the full
spectrum of soul jive they could handle.
March 5th was a real treat at the Tribute to Jackie Mittoo at Revival. The second year running now, this particular
event has proven to be one of the most refreshing presentations of musical works commemorating the late great Mr. Mittoo.
Jackie brought his organ based compositions to England and Canada back in 1967, from Studio One in Jamaica along with the
likes of musicians like Jo Jo Bennett and Bernie Pitters, moving right through the rock steady and ska eras to the reggae
movements we know today.
Jackie Mittoo had a complimentary way of covering various classics in reggae flavour unlike any other composer, classics
from the Beatles, Isley Brothers, Ramsay Lewis, Booker T and even the Bee Gees. All organ instrumentals, mostly reggae
and a mix of pop-rock, rock steady, blues, and jazz. Although the term wasn't used at the time, it would now be considered smooth jazz.
House of David was the feature for the evening with Jason Wilson carrying the torch for Jackie. Jason, a former student of Jackie's is
surely doing him proud, with a new CD and Juno nomination in tow, he boasts Jackie's legacy with utmost respect and dedication. On stage
also were horn players Fergus, and Marcus Ali, Carl Harvey on guitar, and Bernie Pitters playing alongside Jason in keyboard conversations
that brought back the magic of that clean, smooth , bright and light bouncing "irie" reggae of yester-year.
Some of our favourites that night included "It's Too Late to Turn Back Now" by Cornelius Brothers, "Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum and Jackie's "Goldmine"
"Summer Breeze", "Drum Song", "Ram Jam" "Reggae Magic" and "Who Dunnit" Jackie's widow Carol Brown joined the musicians on stage with "Feel So Good"
by Midnight Star and his daughter Crystal sang "I'm Still In Love" by Alton Ellis, and arranged by Jackie Mittoo . A wonderful evening commemorating a musical
giant, who left an outstanding collection of recordings for us all to enjoy. See you there next year.
by Eryn Vogn
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