Morgan Heritage
Friday
Reviewed by Robert Gabriel, Fri., Sept. 30, 2005
Morgan Heritage
Zilker Park, Sept. 23
Offering the genuine article when it comes to "roots rock reggae music," Morgan Heritage rationalized their journey from St. Thomas Parish to bless the Capital Metro stage. "Being from Jamaica, we're used to the pain that hurricanes can inflict. So we figured that we should still come." Comprised of the sons of legendary reggae singer Denroy Morgan, the fivepiece family band ushered lead singer Peter Morgan into a kaleidoscope of late afternoon vibrancy. Jogging along well-worn paths including the blessings of "Live Up" and the lessons of "A Man Is Still a Man," Morgan Heritage caught its stride by way of a beautiful take on ska called "Everything Is Still Everything." Celebrating Rastafari with calls for the worldwide legalization of marijuana, the brothers Morgan infused the Gospel & Blues Tent with functional lifestyle suggestions guaranteed to breed smiles in the face of Babylon. Acknowledging "There's Work to Do," keyboardist Roy "Gramps" Morgan augmented the group's vocal repertoire with a baritone to match Peter's charismatic tenor. As well-rounded as they are polished, Morgan Heritage even took a stab at Bad Brains hardcore, positioning themselves as righteous "Rockaz" in a world gone couch-potato soft.
