Concert Reports
Sting and Shaggy
10/29/2018, Santa Barbara Bowl
All Photos : Steve Kennedy
www.Facebook.com/SteveKennedyPhotography
Sting.com ShaggyOnline.com
Goldenvoice.com SBBowl.com
Performing in intimate clubs and theatres, the iconic artists have combined their bands to play songs from their island-flavored collaborative album, 44/876 (A&M/Interscope Records), and to collaborate on each other’s most celebrated hits such as "Every Breath You Take," "Englishman In New York," "Message In A Bottle,” “It Wasn’t Me,” "Mr. Boombastic" and "Angel.”
Sting and Shaggy initially joined forces to record a new song, "Don't Make Me Wait" (which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s digital reggae singles chart), as a tribute to the Caribbean sounds that influenced them both and ended up recording an entire album full of joyful and uplifting, melodic music. With its title referencing their respective telephone country codes (44 for the UK, Sting’s birthplace and 876 for Jamaica, Shaggy’s homeland), 44/876 honors the duo’s deep-rooted love for Jamaica: Shaggy’s birthplace, and where Sting penned such classics as “Every Breath You Take.”
Sting and Shaggy are joined on the 44/876 Tour by Sting’s players Dominic Miller (guitar), Josh Freese (drums) and Rufus Miller (guitar) as well as Shaggy’s band members Melissa Musique (backing vocals), Gene Noble (backing vocals) and Kevon Webster (keyboards).
Sting and Shaggy were initially introduced by Martin Kierszenbaum, who is Sting’s manager and Shaggy’s former A&R executive. After Sting heard a new track that Shaggy was working on, they decided to go into the studio together. Initially, the plan was to only record “Don’t Make Me Wait,” but the rhythms, lyrics and melodies flowed readily between these two accomplished musicians and, as a result, more new songs emerged.
Sting and Shaggy wrote and jammed together for a few weeks in New York City, creating music that seamlessly blends Caribbean rhythms - in traditional and modern styles - with pop craftsmanship and rock energy.
The artists were joined in the studio by musicians and writers from Jamaica and New York including the legendary Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie, dancehall sensation Aidonia, DJ Agent Sasco and Sting’s longtime guitarist, Dominic Miller as well as writers Tyrantula, Dwayne “iLLwayno” Shippy, Shane “Gold Tips” Hoosong, Machine Gun Funk and Patexx. The sessions were produced by Sting International, who has previously worked with Shaggy on global smashes such as “Carolina,” “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me,” and Executive Produced by Martin Kierszenbaum who has previously written/produced songs for Sting, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Sting International, Robert “Hitmixer” Orton and Tony Lake mixed 44/876.
The duo debuted “Don’t Make Me Wait” - on which they effortlessly trade verses, over a smoldering island rhythm - in front of 20,000 people in Kingston, Jamaica at the “Shaggy and Friends” charity concert, which benefited the local Bustamante Hospital for Children. They also filmed a soon-to-be released music video in the heart of the city, directed by Gil Green.
Santa Barbara Bowl Mission Statement
The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation actively strives to create the leading outdoor performing arts center in the country. Dedicated community volunteers lead the charge in achieving this goal through pursuing the following major initiatives:
Facility Enhancement
Amplify the comfort and enjoyment of patrons and artists by continually enhancing Santa Barbara Bowl facilities and establishing long term-funding sources for ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Performance Diversity
Purposefully and continually broaden the musical spectrum of Santa Barbara Bowl performances as a reflection of our patrons’ diverse communities and interests.
Community Outreach
Provide support and funding for performing arts education in the Santa Barbara community.
Tweet