On Tuesday, November 22nd, both reggae fans of old and modern new-age hip-hop scenesters were treated to the innovative sound and politically savvy lyrics, of Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley.

Originally scheduled to appear at the Great Salt Air, the youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley, was relocated to Suede in Park City. While the attendees were clearly aware of the location change, it became increasingly obvious that Marley and crew may not have gotten the memo on time. Arriving to the club over an hour late, the suavely dressed Marley greeted a packed room of screaming fans, eager to hear what the 2001 Grammy-winner had to say.

The concert began with heavy drumbeats and prophetic chanting as one by one, Marley’s accomplices took their place on stage. With the Jamaican flag being passionately waved behind him, Marley jumped on stage and immediately began rapping the lyrics of “Confrontation”, the first track of his September 2005 release, “Welcome to Jamrock”, which was co-written and produced by brother, Stephen Marley.

Faced with the challenge of stepping out from behind his father’s shadow, Marley’s Park City performance proved that he most definitely has created both a sound and style that are uniquely his own. Dressed in a black suit with dreadlocks swinging down to his waist, the 27 year-old Marley kept a steady pace as he danced and jumped around the stage, motivating fans to do the same.

When watching Marley perform, there was no doubt as to whom he was a descendant from, as his music maintains an element of the 70s roots reggae that was made popular by his father. Damian Marley however, offers something new to the world of reggae by bringing in lyrics that are often times aggressively rapped in a Jamaican accent, and backed by the sounds and rhythm of contemporary dancehall.

With passion in his voice, Marley spent well over an hour going from one song to the next, taking little time in between to converse with the audience that couldn’t seem to get enough. Slower songs brought clouds of marijuana-induced smoke and a sense of calm to the crowd, as the Jamaican flag waved at a steady pace and Marley swayed back and forth with his eyes closed.

The concert ended with the current hit off of Marley’s album, the title track, “Welcome to Jamrock”. With fans screaming along to the chorus, Marley told the story of life in the ghettos of Jamaica, and the lack of concern that others seem to have for the destruction of their people. Marley’s stellar performance solidified his presence within the realm of reggae, and proved to any unbelievers that he will be around for a long time due to his music, not his name.

autumn [at] saltshakermagazine.com