The three core members of Morgan Heritage; Peter Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, and Mojo Morgan performed a three night residency at The Blue Note in Honolulu, Hawaii. Performing two sets each night allowed the band to play in a very intimate setting to a welcoming audience. Morgan Heritage has toured the islands extensively throughout the years staging memorable shows at various venues. Their dedication to the islands have gained the band a strong local following.
The Royal Family of Reggae began the night with “Strictly Roots” off of the Strictly Roots album. The band followed with the reggae classic “Don’t Haffi Dread.” Peter Morgan’s soothing but assertive voice explained to the listener that you don’t have to have dreadlocks to be a spiritual being. Songs such as “Wanna Be Loved,” “I’m Coming Home,” and “Down By The River“ led up to “Pineapple Wine.” The later reflects on the bands appreciation for the Hawaiian Islands. Midway through the set “Gramps” Morgan described the relationship between American R&B and reggae music. Morgan reminisced about listened to R&B classics in his home while growing up. The band then performed “Bring It On Home” by Sam Cooke and “These Arms Of Mine” by Otis Redding. The band ended their set with a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “Reggae Nights”. The thirty five year old song is remade with a more modern groove which had the whole audience on their feet.
Throughout the night the exuberant crowd sang along with the siblings and the band effortlessly engaged the audience with soulful reggae grooves. Once again Hawaii was treated to another memorable performance and the band maintained their reggae legacy.
Strictly Roots / Don’t Haffi Dread / Wanna Be Loved / Perfect Love Song / I’m Coming Home / Down By The River / Reggae Bring Back Luv / Pineapple Wine / Bring It On Home (Sam Cooke) / These Arms Of Mine (Otis Redding) / Best Friend / She’s Still Loving Me / Reggae Night / (E) Nothing To Smile About / (E) Tell Me How Come
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