The newest project from Claude Bryant & The Allstars brings a New Orleans-Caribbean flavor filled with social commentary, happy feelings, and endless reasons to dance. Rude Awakening is a testament to the positive vibrations that birthed reggae in the past and an optimistic present that will have people coming together to groove for the foreseeable future.
Bryant sets the tone for the album early, starting the first song saying, “Born in Charity Hospital. It ain’t there no mo’.” Bryant sings lead and plays the keys, and Al Ventura (guitar and background vocals), Jimmy Planells (bass guitar), and Earl Smith, Jr. (drums and background vocals) are the Allstars. Listening to the band play feels like a Saturday night on Frenchmen during simpler times. They even shout out Mardi Gras, jazz, Bourbon and Frenchmen Street in the catchy tune “Roots Rock Rhythm.” (You’ll be singing along by the time the song is over.)
The title track, “Rude Awakening,” speaks to some of the social issues we face today, as being aware of the current world and “seizing the day” is advised. The tracks that follow—“Together” and “Love Is What We Need”—talk about how to overcome these issues. When we come together, straighten out our differences, and plant the seeds that will grow into a better tomorrow, we can get back to our lives and live even better than we once did. The last two songs are live recordings that sound as clean as the studio sessions. The crowds cheer as the songs start and the band members get the chance to give the crowds their all with solos and longer, jam session-style sets. They reference live music classics like Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” and Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove” like you might hear off Esplanade on any given night. Dancing shoes are strongly suggested.
Rude Awakening is a 45-minute journey through quintessential reggae with major New Orleans influence. It is a collection of sonic energy reminiscent of our beautiful summer nights and hot festival days that bring real feeling to your feet, heart and soul. The album is a real music experience in your pocket, in your home, at your disposal whenever you need a bit of boogie in your life.
—Tyree Worthy
