At
9:50pm, Rhythm Republik started their set with the good R&B groove of
"Paradise Right Here, Right Now", featuring Rashida and Mabili Ajamu
(The Funkmaster General) on lead vocals. "Disposable Culture" was
some great funk-rock stuff with some good backing vocals by Rashida and
Charlene (formerly of Original P-Funk). "Flowers in a Cage" was more
on the mellow side with some very good rhythm guitar soloing by Jared Booty,
but the groove later changed into a super-heavy gutbucket funk groove with the
great bass romping of Mark Bass). The R&B ballad "Last Time 2
Forever" was very good. A funky jam ensued which led into the song
"Never Put Me Under", a funky R&B song with a message encouraging
people to stand up to the bullsh-- around them.....and Mabili.....uh, The
Funkmaster General had people in the BAMCafe shouting "RISE UP!" The
percussion work by Gary Fritz (on congas) was a very nice touch to the song.
"All Saints Fall" was the highlight of the show with some great
singing by Mabili, Rashida and Eric "The Pearl" Wilson (who also
played keyboards)....by the way, the drummer (Richie Johnson) was very good.
One of Mabili's friends, Dr. Brookenstein, came in and repeatedly sang the
vocal "Are we only human after all?" while Mabili was walking about
in the audience. R&B musician/singer Steve Wallace joined the band and
began singing on "All Saints Fall". After the set, people wished
Mabili a very happy birthday. The show was over at 10:40pm.
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