Morgans' contrasting styles hit Studio 38

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Usually, the Morgan clan comes on stage in bunches, as Morgan Heritage and LMS. On Tuesday night there were only two, patriarch Denroy Morgan and son Laza.

The Studio 38 concert was billed 'One By One: Passing the Torch, Father to Son', and it turned out to be an interesting and successful combination of and contrast in musical approaches across generations, culminating in Laza's currently popular One By One.

And the eventually substantial audience which turned out seemed to enjoy both Morgans thoroughly, the ladies especially enjoying Laza's play on 'timber'.

Before Laza, the deejay with a huge voice, accepted the torch from Denroy, he played the drum for his father in the opening chants, which included a part of Rivers of Babylon. The twinkle in his eye showed that Denroy thoroughly enjoys performing and his voice was crisp and clear. He was also clear about the spirituality of the presentation, greeting all first in the name of Jesus Christ and then Haile Selassie, before singing Lion of Judah.

drumming

Laza's drumming gave way to recorded tracks from DJ Squeeze as the elder Morgan alternated roots reggae and the disco-style jams that yielded him his signature hit, the latter coming first as he sang "that's what I feel", the microphone stand getting a lift and lean as he incorporated it into his presentation. "I was a little bit on the R&B tip," a smiling Denroy said.

He went back to reggae with the advice to "read your Bible", his voice clear above the recorded harmony where necessary.

Denroy gave a little history lesson before he sang I'll Do Anything For You, saying that 30 years ago the number-one New York club was The Garage, the number-one station was WBLS and Frankie Crocker was the top DJ.

At one point Morgan's hat teetered with his nifty moves, and he adjusted it quickly without breaking singing or dancing stride.

He ended the disco song with a cry to Jah and noted, "when I say I will do anything, I could only make a commitment like that to the Almighty Jah. I love women, but to make a commitment like that to the wrong woman you would be in a whole lot of trouble".

After the reggae of Revelation Come to Pass Denroy turned MC for Laza, whipping up the audience to receive his son by rolling out his accomplishments - among them, movie soundtrack inclusion and British chart success - and encouraging more and more fervour, with a smile.

dramatic change

Laza did no let down the introduction, going back to his group roots as he chanted "dem nah go live fe enjoy no tomorrow". His high energy approach was a dramatic change from his father's laid-back charm, the pendant on Laza's chain at one point bouncing around to the back of his shirt and then back in place again.

His new songs did well, among them Coming Home and a track with the refrain "organ donor", which the audience caught on to. But when Laza did a play on being a lumberjack, with a bedroom cry of "timber!", the ladies' screams went up.

He closed on a high with One By One, the song restarted once by DJ Squeeze, and again at Pulse boss Kingsley Cooper's request after Laza had officially wrapped up. He got closer to the ladies on the song, shaking hands and performing directly to a few and also dancing with a lady who was celebrating her birthday.

Denroy had the last word as he greeted Laza at the side of the stage area, singing the refrain of One Love.