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roots, reggae, and mexican?
74 Sound System at the Burrito Gallery
by ian desousa

      I was first made aware of the Burrito Gallery’s “Rocksteady Explosion” a couple of weeks ago when I found a postcard under my windshield wiper after a Ska show at Jack Rabbits. That would be the first and only time I would see or hear anything about this purported event until Friday, May 11th rolled around. The postcard exclaimed a “Jacksonville Massive Rocksteady Explosion”, and billed Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady and Soul. This sounded like a brilliant idea, and slightly too good to be true. I wasn’t certain if I was going to see a band, hear a DJ, or stand around drinking Red Stripe or Rum. The mystery only thickened when I called the Burrito Gallery and the employee could only tell me that it started at 8 pm and there was no cover.
      It was a promising scene when we arrived at a quarter to 10 pm. The bar was fairly full, but not packed, and you could feel the beautiful dub bass shake your clothes from a block away. The patio had about 30 people sitting at various tables and a sole Rastaman shuffling to the off-beat in front of the speakers, waving a red, gold and green Ethiopian flag.

      The music pouring out of the speaker stacks was supplied by DJs who go by the name 74 Sound System. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the classic Alton Ellis Rocksteady tune, ‘I’m Still In Love’ setting a mellow irie mood. This was stylishly blended into some 70s reggae rhythms that didn’t disappoint and moved onward through a nice mix of Jamaican and roots-inspired hits. From Buju Banton to the Skatalites, a little Dr. Ring-Ding, some Doreen Schaffer, and then back to dancehall stylings with Krystal and Shabba Ranks, the early part of the evening featured grooves with something for everyone.

      The patio had potential, and with more publicity, it may have favored a makeshift Dancehall. As it was, the place filled with regulars and the usual mix of people out on the town, rather than a majority who were there primarily for the music. Periodically, a lady with flaming sticks came out and threw fire to captivate the crowd, and we even ran into one of the EU professional drinkers wandering about, which also added an eclectic air to the entertainment. As the evening got later and standing room got scarce, the gems of traditional Ska, Rocksteady, and Bluebeat that had started the night off became less and less frequent, as more ruff neck and dancehall sounds took over.

      All-in-all, there were cold pints, good tunes, and a friendly atmosphere to be enjoyed. The roots weren’t quite deep enough with the older tracks fading out way too soon and too few fans of the genre even realizing it was going on, but I’d definitely check it out again. With any luck, the Burrito Gallery will make this a regular event and give fans new and old the chance to Rocksteady the night away.

Entertaining U Newspaper, eujacksonville.com. Published by N2U Publishing, Inc. 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Copyright N2U Publishing, Inc. 2006. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by N2U Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/or omissions, the Publisher's liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to the following address: 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For information concerning classified advertising phone 904-730-3003.