Matisyahu
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
02.19.16
I was living in Redmond back in ’05 when my friend Shawn told me, “Dude, you have to watch the music video for a song called, ‘King Without A Crown’ by a musician named Matisyahu.” So I went to a little known site called YouTube, pulled it up, and was floored from the first note that came out of his mouth. Live At Stubbs was the record, and 11 years later Matisyahu has released Live At Stubbs Vol. III.
Matisyahu has come a long way to become the musician he is today. Throughout the years, his sound has been built on tight musicianship and a captivating voice. From Live at Stubbs Vol. I to Live At Stubs Vol. III, his look has changed and his music has evolved from raw reggae jams to a recent inclination towards pop arrangements on albums such as Akeda and Spark Seeker. However, what was never lost, and what I believe to be most important, is how his faith and approach to life continue to be instilled in his lyrics.
For Live at Stubbs Vol. III and this ensuing tour, Matisyahu has returned to his roots of jamming. Though his name headlines the tour, these performances are about the band as a whole, in which he is but one part. In a winter coat, he walked out onto the stage with his band and went into a extended rendition of “Exaltation.” True to his beginnings, he allowed his whole band to shine, often standing to the side and admiring the musical talents of his auditory partners in crime: Tim Kelper (Drums), original Live at Stubbs Vol. I guitarist Aaron Dugan, Rob Marscher on keyboards, and Stu Brooks on Bass.
Throughout the night, whenever you thought a song was going to end, the solos would continue for a few more bars or Matisyahu would interject with a nod for more, or maybe a dose of beatboxing. The highlight of the night was “One Day,” an anthem of peace and tolerance where the entire crowd had one voice as they sang out.
The performance was not overly dynamic, but it possessed an underlying energy. It was five people on stage living in the moment, enjoying it, appreciating it, and gladly sharing it with the exuberant crowd.
Matisyahu has evolved from Hasidic reggae artist to international music star to father, and now to a guy doing what he loves: spreading a message of love and playing music with his friends. Stubbs better be ready to be home to an anthology, it doesn’t seem like Matisyahu is stopping anytime soon.
Review and photos by Phillip Johnson
Matisyahu
