The Big Takeover, a reggae band from Hudson Valley, New York, came to Java last Saturday night. They wowed and mesmerized, seducing our largest, longest lasting crowd of the year. I should know; us beans could barely hold back the barrier from the crazed insurgence all around us.
Leading the band on vocals, was NeeNee Rushie. She doubles as an elementary school teacher during the week, and incredible singer at night.
Her voice is unique and elegant, while at the same time reminisce of reggae roots that penetrated pop culture so long ago. Her lyrics swept across the room, cutting through the loud, crowded venue. With dance moves to boot, she inspired the young sluzers, instructing them how to move in her own kind of rhythm.
Guthrie Lord, strapping through sunglasses, a beard, and a constant smile, was excellent on guitar. He held down the crucial reggae guitar beat, while also blending in excellent solos seamlessly. He bopped, to and fro, always with a bright smile on his face and consistent motion in his shoulders. Lord seemed simply just happy to be there. Andrew Vogt and Chas Montrose held down a trombone and sax, respectively. Rushie’s vocals bounced off their sound; the band merged the loud reggae funk of the horn section, with the cutting voice of Rushie seamlessly. Smartly dressed in black suits, a light tie (Rushie was in a dazzling dress), the band was professional and excited to be playing for us raucous college kids. You the crowd were great as well, swelling and swaying, moving with excitement. There was incredible enthusiasm and a few glazed eyes (reggae doesn’t have to mean the pot people). We appreciate ya’ll and can’t wait for the next show! Wurliday will play on Thursday, October 23.
It’s worth noting, not only was the band incredibly talented, impressing all with their polished, reggae sound, but they were also exceedingly kind, and low maintenance: always appreciated by us beans. At set break, they expressed their excitement at the energy of the crowd, telling us they certainly wanted to come back to SLU. Lucky for us!