Massachusetts area reggae band The Uplifters played last Thursday night in Usdan as part of Caribbean Week. The sextet, led by David Linhart on guitar and vocals, played classic reggae music, complete with laid-back beats and biting lyrics. The band was a very diverse group of people; each member seemed to be from a different ethnic background, and it was nice to see them all coming together to play some quality music.The group played to about 40 students who, after a little prodding from Linhart, danced the night away in Usdan lobby. The band played for two-and-a-half hours without a break. They played a number of songs off their new album, "Look Out Now," but they extended the jams and improvised on the lyrics quite a bit.
People often don't realize that true reggae carries a heavy message, and The Uplifters did not deny Linhart's Rastafarian background. During the first song, he declared "This is reggae music," and he continued to prove his point throughout the night. Linhart used his voice to make whirring noises, and the drums and congas were right on beat. James Curwood used his saxophone as a wailing background, and Brian Knox provided great effects on his keyboard, including a steal drum sound for "Natty Woman."

Linhart's message was hard to miss, with lyrics like, "There is too much commercialization" and "Confusing ordinary people into shooting ordinary people." His opinions were also obvious from the literature that was on the table near the band. He wrote a piece entitled "Cops, Blackness, and Hope In America." The article outlined law enforcement's treatment of African-Americans, which Linhart finds deplorable. His songs stressed love for fellow human beings and a strong belief in God as well.

All heavy-handed messages aside, The Uplifters are amazing musicians. Their use of rhythm was impeccable, and the music provided much fun and relaxation for students. It is unfortunate there was not a larger crowd to hear such fine music. It is not too often that a good reggae band comes around, especially to Brandeis.

The Caribbean Connexion, who sponsored the event and brought The Uplifters to Brandeis, was pleased with the outcome. "It was a great turnout. We had a very small intimate group there, and they were really into the music," Natalee Graham, president of Caribbean Connexion said. "The band was also very pleased, they commented on having played for a group of 100 people who just stared at them. They actually preferred the way it happened. Hopefully, next time they come, more people will come out and see them," Graham added.

Here's to hoping that The Uplifters do return to Brandeis soon. There is nothing better than some good music, and if you can have some cultural education through it — all the better.