8 O’clock @ the Main Plaza in the downtown area of our great city, was the time Jai Roots and the Herb-n-Cafe project , a silly play on words, performed this last Saturday. A Latin reggae band in San Antonio seems appropriate for this city, actually necessary. There were multiple songs played that made me wish my parents were there to witness, the typical Hispanic tourist couple.
The strong Latin beats and Spanish salsa flair made ME want to get up and dance! I can only imagine how the people on the river walk would’ve reacted. This band integrates popular Spanish songs, some upbeat others traditional with original reggae creations. Songs of inspiration and love were what these reggae songs entailed, love for music, the human race, culture and roots while alternating from English to Spanish then back again.
The eccentric 8 piece band was well rehearsed and full of energy and performed for 2 hours. This was defiantly a family oriented band that included friends and family members from the crowd into the songs. When I walked up there were already a crowd of men, women and children engrossed in the music. Men in their sixties, women in their twenties, children from age 5 and up, couples, parents with their teens, quite a diverse age range!
The band started off with a strong salsa influenced song and with the singer’s raspy voice I was a bit reserved and unsure about how I felt about his vocals, but they grew on me. The dynamic changed when he switched to reggae, his voice was ideal, Bob Marley was the most obvious influence for him in terms of voice training. Their female vocalist was highlighted in their rendition of a traditional Brazilian song. I felt drawn to her, inspired by her energy, voice, and obvious talent. My attention was also drawn to their charming trumpeter; he was not over powering and did not try to steal the show but a wonderful complement to the aesthetic of the band. Bongos, bass guitar, trumpet, drums, vocals and additional percussion including maracas made up this ensemble but they were not limited to just these members when friends and family came to change up the lineup or assist with the original.
They will be playing Reggae Fest at the Reggae Bar on October 16th , which will probably have them rely on their more Bob Marley inspired songs. Although his Hispanic culture will not be lost, his songs of La Raza and one race are strong and prt of their reacquiring message.
Reggae Bar
2016 Austin Hwy,
San Antonio, TX
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