:: Jimmy Cliff - Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne - March 2006

By: Saeed Saeed

When I first heard that Jimmy Cliff was coming to Australia I was excited. But when I heard he was playing a free show, courtesy of the Commonwealth Games, I was beside myself. I arrived to the Myer Music Bowl with no expectations. I knew Jimmy Cliff would attract a decent crowd, most notably for his hit cover versions of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ and ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ but never in a million years did I think he would pack out the beautifully scenic Myer Music Bowl.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the man himself was surprised for when he entered the main stage he was greeted with a massive roar. Jimmy Cliff is a legend. There is no other way to label this great artist. Joining the ranks of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Cliff is a reggae pioneer whose message-driven songs never failed to strike a chord with each new generation.

The crowd at the concert was a testament to this, ranging from reggae enthusiasts to adults, teenagers and children. From the opening notes of “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” he had the crowd eating out of his hand. The 58 year old was joyously captivating as he danced and wowed the people with his soaring voice. The set list was a virtual greatest hits package and represented the many personas he adopted through out his career. Songs like the politically charged ‘Vietnam’ and ‘The Harder They Come’ were powerfully presented and still smack of urgency even thirty years on. ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and ‘I Want, I Do I Get’ were beautifully done and showcased the side of Cliff that we all love, the joyous optimist. ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ and ‘Wild World’ had the crowd clapping along and when he finally unleashed his colossal hit ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ it became a transcendent experience. It is funny, I always thought that song was too cheesy for me to stomach but when I saw the crowd arm in arm, singing along to Cliff lilting voice it gave me goose bumps.

Jimmy Cliff left the stage to the adoration of the crowd who all knew that they just experienced something special. A free concert by a reggae legend at the beautiful Myer Music Bowl is a rare occasion. One that I certainly will never forget.