“ORGANIX”
CELEBRATES/“BADIA” DAZZLES
By Jo
Sallins
Organix Soul
Local
promoters James Lewis and Darryl Moss, aka D-Moss, celebrated their one-year
anniversary of “Organix Soul,” a musical showcase that features local artists
and international artists from as far away as Toronto, Canada. Their anniversary show, held on Saturday,
December 22, 2007 at the Springfield Holiday Inn, easily sold out all advance
tickets, according to promoter/poet/entrepreneur D-Moss.
That’s easy to understand. Putting together two committed promoters, a
great venue, the return of Leon Timbo and the seven-piece band, Marcel and the
Truth, along with special guest percussionist, Springfield native Gerry Victory
spells SELLOUT!
I saw Leon Timbo perform before at the
very first Organix Soul and I was blown away.
So I made it my business to arrive early and get a seat to witness this
amazing performer. Unfortunately I
never got to see the two main acts because the show started late for which
James Lewis issued an apology to the audience and then brought on four opening
acts. Honestly speaking, the only
person that deserved to be on that stage was a young lady by the name of “Mind
Evolution.” That’s all that needs to be
said about the openers.
On a more positive note I want to give
kudos’ to James and D-Moss for keeping music alive in the Springfield area for
over 15 years, but next time around keep the opening acts to 20 minutes total,
pros only, 10 minute intermission with some music, and then “BRING ON THE MAIN
ACT.”
Badia Farah
After leaving the Holiday Inn, I went to
the Ribbery Sports Bar and Grill in Indian Orchard, MA, so I could see Newark,
NJ native Badia Farah (Badia means “original creation”). After receiving the royal treatment upon
entering the Ribbery, I got some really good food, sat down, and within 10
minutes of eating the band took to the stage.
Vocalist Badia Farah and “The
Instrumentalz” treated the capacity crowd to a non-stop set of nine songs
complete with great vocals, energetic musical solos, up-tempo grooves and
ballads in many genres, two covers, and seven originals.
Badia is indeed “original,” captivating,
and knows how to entertain. She and the
band delivered an almost flawless performance, which brings me to mention a few
flaws. There were some vocal pitch
issues. I think the band was too loud
for her to hear herself, and more attention needs to be paid to the seating so
everyone can enjoy the show.
As I was listening to Badia I kept saying
to myself, I feel like I’m listening to an improved version of Randy Crawford,
and to my surprise her last song was a very cool version of “Street Life.”
Oh! And the word on the street is Leon
Timbo, Marcel and the Truth were outstanding.
Until next time, “Inhale music, exhale life.” It is essential.