Warm reception for music festival

Jun 18 2009 by Matthew McKenzie, The Journal

Reggae in June? Matt McKenzie explains why Boss Sounds is good in any season.

THERE was always something splendidly out of step about staging a reggae festival just as the Tyneside autumn began to turn into sharp winter.

But, despite being seasonally challenged, Boss Sounds has become an essential event on the region’s musical calendar over the last five years, and one when you’d be certain to emerge into a frosty night air with a glorious Caribbean glow.

Last year, the weekender was nudged forward to October after a late November sunburst in 2007, but this time around it leaps forward to June (not that I’m holding my breath for any Caribbean sun at the weekend).

So, postponing my one-man campaign to return this wonderful event to its rightful winter slot, I’m happy to report that this year’s festival looks as good as ever.

Ska pioneer Derrick Morgan headlines on Saturday night.

Perhaps best known for Housewife’s Choice, his other big moments include the rudeboy classic Tougher Than Tough and Forward March, the latter brimming with the joy of a freshly-independent Jamaica.

A fresh-faced, pork pie wearing cheeky chappie, Morgan was foolish – or cunning – enough to embroil himself in a feud with the arch pugilist Prince Buster.