The last time I saw Jamaica’s Third World (wiki :: band’s website) reggae band I was at the Mountain Jam music festival and didn’t pay much attention to the set details as I danced along aimlessly with the beat in the hot sun.  I knew that they were one of the old school original reggae bands with a few crossover hits in the 70s and circled them on my show grid when planning my adventure. What I didn’t know is that they are a unique blend of soul, funk and disco wrapped up in giant dreadlocks… a cornucopia of groove music.

Catching Third World this week (7-23-21) in Hyannis, MA at the Cape Cod Melody Tent on a double bill with another walking musical treasure (Skatalites) was a wonderful music education and feel good evening.   

Lead dog and founder Cat Coore (pic above) produces that crazy authentic reggae sound (comparable to the authenticity of a Pat and Geno’s cheesesteak) and has a grand catalog of eclectic songs, including their “big” hits “96 in the Shade” and “Now That We Found Love” that made their hardcore fans singalong with every word. The crazy ass Cheshire Cat meets Flava Flav lead singer and take no prisoners drummer/bongo talent were an important part of the show and added much to the big fun party.

There were two surprises though… really good ones.

1.) Cat Coore pulls out a space-age looking electric cello and slowly starts to pace out a simple melody that gets increasingly intense and complex before turning the corner as a one-of-a-kind rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”. A great way to cover a classic and making it your own tribute.

2.) Lead signer AJ Brown steps to the microphone and belts out an opera song in Italian. Perfect Italian with gusto. I have never seen anything like it.  Deep and strong, that dude surprised and held breathless the entire audience. Bravo, bravo mon.

Although there was not a bad seat in the house, we sat in the second row stage right and snapped a few iPhone pics for kicks. In the case that Third World is on your next festival bill (see Jazz Fest mon)… make your way to stage and pay attention. They are not your average rasta fare.

YaYaYa… keep on ramblin’! Hope to catch you soon at a show as they are starting to pour out on the calendar.