REVIEW: Lovers Rock Monologues * * * * (From Enfield Independent)

REVIEW: Lovers Rock Monologues * * * *

11:16am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Music By George Nott

LOVERS ROCK MONOLOGUES, The Dugdale Centre, Enfield

* * * *

Lovers Rock, a sub-genre of reggae born in England in the ‘70s, is all about intimacy. In the clubs where it was played, youngsters would hold each other close, breathless and barely moving to its distinctive strains: a coming together of Jamaican reggae and British pop sensibilities.

Intimate is just the word for the show at The Dugdale Centre last week, where three of the genre’s leading lights; Janet Kay (singer of breakthrough hit Silly Games), Carroll Thompson (I’m So Sorry, Hopelessly In Love) and Victor Romero Evans (At The Club), took turns to share their stories of growing up and getting down on the dancefloor.

Their tales, punctuated by songs from the era, were heart-warming and hilarious. Victor’s dancing demonstration, Janet mourning the loss of love-rat Leeroy and Carroll’s discovery of the opposite sex, all found favour with the audience – even among those that weren’t there first time round.

Despite the title, these were anything but monologues, each adding to the others’ stories along with the solid three-piece band. Most importantly, the music didn’t disappoint and by the end, all were on their feet and grabbing for the nearest dance partner.