It’s been a long time dream of mine to see Pato Banton in concert. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love Pato’s collaborations with Mad Professor (Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton and Mad Professor Recaptures Pato Banton), but it’s a Big Big Love and Respect. So, when I discovered he would be playing in SF in September, I immediately bought tickets. That’s right, I supported the hard-working bands instead of using my press connections to gain free entry. Jammin to Pato Banton backed by Mystic Roots was worth more than the depreciated american dollars that I spent on tix! It’s been over 20 years since he released his first album with Mad Professor at the controls, yet it’s still one of my favorite albums. I had no idea what to expect from the show, I just wanted to see this reggae idol up close and personal. My giddy excitement tripled within 5 minutes of Pato Banton grabbing the mic!
Click on photo to start the slideshow:
Pato Banton *LOVES* His Job.
When Pato Banton was on stage, he looked equally excited to be there! His beautiful smile beamed into the darkness of the club like a Care Bear Stare. No joke, it was magical… His performance was BLAZING with energy! Not once did he sound even slightly bored with songs he has done live for 2 whole decades – I couldn’t believe how much enthusiasm he showed! I was elated. I couldn’t be more excited and overjoyed about the music even though I’ve listened to those songs hundreds of times. But, it was my first time seeing Pato in person, my first time watching him dance, my first time listening to his jokes and opinions between songs… Of course I was ecstatic to be there! For Pato to project an equal amount of enthusiasm, for an activity he has repeated countless times in the last 20 years, seemed astounding to me. I can’t possibly describe to you how amazing Pato Banton is to see in concert. If you like his music, do not pass up any chance to listen to it live!
Gwarn!
“Gwarn! is probably Pato’s biggest hit to date. Its story is told with such an air of silliness over a fast tempo riddim and catchy hooks throughout. Banton and the Mystic Roots had just launched into “Gwarn!” when he notices a guy in the audience wearing a GWARN T-shirt. He pulls that guy up on stage and the two of them ended up doing the most hilarious duet I have ever seen! Pato swears it wasn’t rigged and he did look thoroughly surprised when this guy, “Frank”, busts out like he’d waited all his life for this moment!
Frank knew every single word of “Gwarn!” and ended up delivering it so well that Pato started lip-syncing it! By the middle of the song, Pato wasn’t even using his mic, he was just laughing and pantomiming the story while Frank spit out every word. It was fabulous!
I only have a little (borrowed) digital camera that takes super short videos, so I couldn’t record all of it. I couldn’t have anyway, I was in shock at first, then laughing way too hard to hold a camera still. My wits finally returned to me in time to snap this 2 clips. The second video has yet another surprise twist in the plot, so don’t check out early!
Pato meets Frank and they slay “Gwarn” together:
I hope there is enuff footage to give you an idea of how much fun Pato Banton live shows are…
Beatboxing To “Legalize It”
The multi-talented members of Mystic Roots also did a great thing by backing Banton on this tour. I was skeptical of their skabilities when they first came out on stage: the group of young white boys looked gangly under their jazz instruments. But they proved they were just the right people to be supporting this legend. Pato’s energy made him seem as young as these boys (who looked to be in their early-20’s), so he needed a band who could keep up. The band was able to be silly and diverse with their support without crowding the star of the show. Not an easy task for a full band of about 6 or 7 people each with their own instrument, surrounding a single man with only a microphone…
In classic Yard style, Pato did a few “acoustic” songs as well as a solo accapella intro to “My Opinion.” Here’s the acoustic “Legalize It”:
Pato Banton & Mystic Roots Beatbox Part 1:
Pato Banton & Mystic Roots Beatbox Part 2:
This Was The Best Live Show I Have Seen In 2007
Hands down, no contest. It was so much fun and there is nothing I can put in this review that can communicate what it felt like to be there. If you like Pato Banton’s music, you must see him live at least once. It’s like a spa for your soul, totally refreshing.
To be honest, I was shocked by Banton’s performance. I was so jaded from some of the concerts I’ve seen this year that I was afraid to get my hopes up. Bands who blew my mind with creative live performances in the past seem dulled by success and repetition lately. Their half-hearted shows this year nearly bored a crowd of devoted fans. [Disclaimer: I'm wicked spoiled when it comes to good music and bumpin stacks of speakers, so I admit I can be hard to impress. So, you should know: when I say I love something about music, that opinion comes from a very hard-to-please HearingTester.]
Pato Banton delivered the kind of performance that I live for, the kind that inspires me to keep going to shows, to keep seeking out these amazing experiences with music. He’s the kind of person you want to support with your hard-earned dollars, even when you don’t have to.
Pato Banton Reggae Links
Pato Banton music
Pato Banton website
What Do You Think? ↓
1 Eek-A-Mouse Meets Pato Banton In A Cali Style // Feb 5, 2008 at 0:47
[...] or classic ska horns, drums and bass. For some excellent examples, click over to the 2007 Pato Banton concert review and check out the videos (”Legalize It” beatboxing sesh & “Gwarn”). [...]
2 Andrew // Sep 22, 2008 at 16:37
I have seen Pato live twice and I share your feelings. The first time, which must have been at least 15 years ago, I was in a daze for hours. That he can keep this energy level going makes me feel, well..old.
3 Majah // May 6, 2009 at 16:50
I saw Pato in Dallas earlier this year! I must say it was truly a blessing! I have never seen a man who you could tell loved performing and spreading his message of love and unity. I also was blessed to be able to meet Pato Banton in person before the show, he walked directly to me and said “Hello, thank you for coming. Are you yourself a musician?” thinking this was rather odd I replied “yes” and he said “I could tell that about you, good hopefully we will put on a good show for you” and that he did! It was such an honor to meet and watch such a legend in action!