» Review: The Jolly Boys
Before reggae and ska there was mento and The Jolly Boys have been playing it for over 60 years. Probably the oldest performers to grace the Coalition stage, the snappily dressed septuagenarians, dubbed the Jamaican Buena Vista Social Club, were here to promote their new covers album. Most of the songs suited their laid back calypso style, with ‘Rehab’ and ‘Ring Of Fire’ standing out. Both ‘Powda’ Bennett, 73, and Albert Minott, 72, were surprisingly sprightly and ‘Johnny’ Henry, 71, sat sage-like as he played his sitting bass rumba box. A great show from a group who have more than paid their dues.
Coalition, 31 August
4/5
Steve Clements






