Nieuwsbrief
Artiest
Gentleman & the Evolution (DE)
- Podium: Millenium Stage
- Dag: Zaterdag
- Aanvang: 19:45u
2010. The year of the tiger. Coincidentally, this is also the Chinese sign of the zodiac under which Gentleman was born. Tigers are known to be sensitive, courageous and born leaders – in fact, these are the very qualities that define Germany’s most popular reggae musician. At barely 35, Gentleman has made himself a name as a tireless ambassador of reggae. Indeed, with masterly albums like “Journey To Jah“ and “Confidence”, he has given this genre a new, distinctive profile and the kind of contemporary relevence which reggae hasn’t had hereabouts since the days of Bob Marley. Moreover, Gentleman has long since become an interationally renowned star. He is a recognised constant in several European countries as well as South America, Africa and even the US. Wherever he goes, people appreciate the stage artist’s charisma as much as his fabulous reggae hymns, dedicated to Consciousness, Righteousness and Tolerance.
“Diversity“ is the title of his fifth studio album. He understands it primarily as a musical challenge for himself but also for his fans and what they are expecting. There are not many German musicians who are so deeply rooted in roots reggae, but that doesn’t mean that Gentleman can’t explode to a dancehall-riddim as if there was no tomorrow. His album offers a multifaceted range of styles, textures and collaborations. “This time round, I was completely self-confident when it came to working with others and yet remaining the common thread myself,” says Gentleman, who took on the new album with an equal measure of creative voracity and the pluck to deal with self-reflective criticism. “That fire you feel as a newcomer does not keep for very long. Then it is up to you to stoke up the embers and this has much more force. I feel this craving, I want to go for it again.“
Gentleman has braced himself, has re-sorted and re-adjusted himself. The vocalist now has a new record deal which allows him to turn this new album into a veritable opus magnum. Even the standard CD features an amazing 19 songs which explore all the forms and hues that reaggae music has to offer. The 28-track deluxe edition offers an extra helping of tracks and then Gentleman even has a few more delicacies to download. Every collector will be in seventh heaven with quadruple vinyl and an opulent box set. Gentleman’s musical surrounding has also changed somewhat. His band is now called Evolution. Even though the cast is more or less identical with his former Far East Band, a few switchpoints have been re-positioned, so that now the band can start out with just that passion which Gentleman demands in order to guarantee an impressive live show. Gentleman is set to burn and so his band must also reach maximum temperatures at all times.
