Living Colour
Living Colour had already been around for four years before their classic debut album Vivid was released and the alternative rock press seized upon the fact that they were that most rare of commodities – an all-black rock group. In the intervening years there still aren’t many black rock groups, the difference is that now, no-one cares or bats an eyelid. I saw them back in 1989, supporting Anthrax, but never even considered the possibility that the chance to see them live again would present itself.
First up though were Stone Broken, a four piece from Walsall. Their Nickelback-esque retro rock really isn’t my sort of thing, so it would be easy to be unkind about them. I don’t feel like being unkind though – they played with passion and managed to inject some energy into the early evening Norwich audience, no mean feat. Their songs wouldn’t sound out of place on Planet Rock and they left the stage to genuinely warm cheers and applause – just not from me.
Living Colour strolled onstage and eased into their cover of Robert Johnson’s Preachin’ Blues and we were off. Lead singer Corey Glover, looking incredible with his red hair and awesome jacket, was the immediate focal point. This guy has it, positively exuding charisma with a powerful and soulful voice. Guitarist Vernon Reid started to get into his groove and his playing was just on a higher plane – he has jazz in his DNA and it showed in his inventive style. I’ve seen guitarists who are considered some of the best ever and Vernon is up there with them. Then there’s bassist Doug Wimbish and drummer Will Calhoun, both extraordinary musicians; Doug’s bass solo was genuinely a thing of wonder. Honestly, collectively I’m struggling to think of a band where the component parts are more obviously talented.
This wasn’t a show where we stood and admired though, the crowd were really into it, the band were alive and between songs, damn funny. Some of the looks Vernon was throwing Corey were priceless. Middle Man came third song in and provoked a joyous singalong, as did another debut album highlight Glamour Boys. Still, this wasn’t just a night of nostalgia – excellent new album Shade was well represented with every song being greeted like an old favourite, especially Come On and their brilliant cover of Biggie’s Who Shot Ya. Their mix of rock, metal, funk, jazz and hip-hop has never sounded more fresh and vital.
There were a few missteps towards the end that slightly took the edge off the final push – great though Will is, his drum solo was at least four minutes too long, instead of Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay and Sunshine Of Your Love I’d much rather have heard some of their own songs and not ending on their biggest track Cult Of Personality felt like an obvious opportunity missed. Still, minor gripes. We would have loved more, but they had entirely delivered and headed straight to the merch stand to deal with the throng of customers.
Great band, excellent gig with passages of total and utter brilliance.
