Third World and Friends … and sweet sorrel memories for ‘Cat’ Coore
Published:Wednesday | December 18, 2019 | 12:18 AMKimberley Small/Staff Reporter
Third World guitarist Cat Coore doesn’t have to think too far back to recall a most memorable Christmas. In fact, the musician grinningly told The Gleaner, without much thought, that one of his best Christmases happened just last year. The band spent the calendar year celebrating 45 years in the music business, then closing out with the major Third World and Friends concert at Liguanea Club on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
“That has to rank as one of my special Christmases. All those artistes who performed were so fantastic,” Coore said.
Hosted by Nikki Z and Rodney Campbell, the evening’s performers included reggae music superstars like Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Big Youth and Toots Hibbert. Powerhouse vocalists Tessanne Chin and Sevana also took the stage, in the company of legacy performer Naomi Cowan and avocado advocate Jah9. Coore excitedly recalled a stirring performance by Yellowman, the first entertainer who managed to pull the audience to their feet.
With 45 years down, and one more just about complete as the inarguable ‘Reggae Ambassadors’, Third World’s social circle stretches even wider. Surprise guest performers for the star-studded concert also included Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and ‘Mr Boombastic’ himself, Shaggy. Coore said: “That was a very special time for me. That one ranks up in the top five.”
Grandma’s Sorrel
Third World could pull all those stars together last December, because it is generally a quiet month for reggae music acts. But this year, things are different.
Next Tuesday, Third World will be at the Grammy Museum for an interview and an unplugged performance. Soon after, they’ll be heading to Los Angeles for the first annual Golf and Chil’ Charity Golf Tournament. “It’s exciting for me because it’s a Jamaican lady in charge of the whole thing. That’s really cool,” Coore shared. Following that, Third World will also be playing Dub Club in Los Angeles; they will perform at a major, free concert in St Croix on Christmas Eve; and on New Year’s Eve, they will be in Jost Van Dyke, a small island off the coast of St Thomas (British Virgin Islands). According to Coore, they throw the most prestigious New Year’s Eve parties every year. “Is pure big man sail up dem yacht and ting. So we’re very happy.”
In the midst of all the work, Coore is still looking forward to being immersed in Jamaican Christmastime traditions. “I love the Christmas season because everybody gets so friendly. It’s a super-duper time. There’s lights everywhere. The food gets off the chain. And real sorrel! I don’t have to buy the one in the store … I won’t call the name. I can get grandma’s own. That’s the real deal.”
When 2020 rolls around, there is still ’ More Work To Be Done’. In January, the band will perform at reggae music festivals in Australia and New Zealand, and then back in Jamaica for the Red Rose for Gregory tribute concert in February.