Michael Rose @ The Star Bar 3/3/10
Apologies again for the short and random review here. It's a year and a half since I actually attended this show and I also failed to
make any notes. So, I'll just briefly attempt to document a few highlights from the show that I can remember. Thinking back it seems
there was initially a conflict in my schedule that was going to make it difficult to attend this show, but my desire to see Michael Rose
for the first time in my life was important enough to reschedule or nix whatever it was I had planned otherwise. My next problem was
who to invite to join me. It's increasingly difficult to find people who are motivated and inspired by the music I like to see. Yes, we are
admittedly getting older and justifiably many folks my age have priorities above and beyond attending rock (or reggae in this case)
shows. I was however able to wrangle two good friends, Derrick Smith and Brad Peacock to attend the show with me.

I was really looking forward to this show first and foremost because Michael Rose is such a gigantic figure in my own personal
musical history. Michael headed up the legendary Black Uhuru during their most productive and popular years (late 70's - early 80's),
and his voice and musical direction was a powerful force in solidifying my love for reggae music in those years. I must admit that I
was largely unfamiliar with his solo music although I had a general idea of his hit and miss efforts as a solo artist. I was also seduced
by the idea that he would be playing such a small venue as The Star Bar in Park City. It's a great little place located downstairs, next
to Wasatch Brewing on Main Street, and is a fun, clean, casual bar with pool and games at the back, an elevated bar area, a dance
floor fronting a small stage at front, and surrounded by cozy leather booths. My only concern was that the only other show I had
attended here was a disastrous show by the otherwise brilliant Lee Perry a few months before. The disastrous nature of that show
being mainly the lateness of Lee's appearance and some ongoing struggles with the sound system. I had my fingers crossed that
those problems were a one time thing and that the Michael Rose show wouldn't experience the same. Fortunately, my small prayers
would be answered.

Brad, Derek and I had some pre-show drinks and dinner at the No Name Saloon and then Flanagan's Irish Pub on Park City's Main
Street. Then occupied ourselves with some competitive fooseball once at The Star Bar. There were a couple of good warm-up
bands which we watched from the back. Then, when I sensed that Michael Rose was to about to take the stage I excused myself
from Brad and Derek (for a few songs) and made my way to the very front on the loosely packed crowd. My timing was perfect, with
Michael making his appearance within a minute or two of my taking a prime position front and center. Immediately the throbbing,
pulsing sound of the classic Rose dub sound filled the room and I sensed right away that we were in for a great show. Michael was in
prime form, singing and chanting in his unique and magical way. He also seemed to genuinely be in a good mood; singing with
great energy and a smile. The crowd was eating it up, and I was lifted up into a dreamy, meditative state as he proceeded through
his first few tunes. Just as I was thinking I should make my way back to Derek and Brad at the back, Brad tapped me on the shoulder
and said he was leaving! Leaving?! Could he not hear what I was hearing?! He was in a great mood and said he had a great time,
but that he had an early morning and had to go. I was a bit shocked, but glad he had at least joined us for a little while.
I spent the remainder of the show going back and forth from hanging with Derek at the back (because of his bad back he has to
remain seated) and making my way back to the front. Michael Rose was brilliant throughout, covering both Black Uhuru numbers as
well as solo material. Much of it I am familiar with, but much I was not. It didn't matter. Everything sounded amazing. Unlike the Lee
Perry show, Michael's voice was strong and full of emotion, and the sound of the band was thick, sweet, and clear.

As the show ended I found myself completely satisfied. Derek and I sat and talked at the back as the crowd slowly filtered out. I was in
discussion with Derek about the history of Black Uhuru and the important influences of drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie
Shakespeare, when Derek pointed out that Michael Rose seemed to be available to speak to at the merchandise table. There
remained only a handful of people gathered at the table, so we made our way over. I was really excited when I was readily able to
speak with Michael. We talked briefly about my history listening to him. What he thought about producer Ryan Moore of Twilight
Circus Studios,who had produced two of my favorite Michael Rose solo albums (he loves the guy!), and if he ever sees or speaks to
Sly and Robbie ("Every time I'm in Jamaica."). He was warm, smiling, and talkative. Fortunately Derek had brought his camera-phone
and snapped a picture of Michael and I together. Icing on the cake!