The band executed their unique blend of Calypso, roots reggae and a splash of jazz with effortless precision. The crowd was receptive and appreciative. During their first song a two-year-old baby danced a solo game of Ring around the rosie on the riser in front of the stage, entertaining the audience and causing guitarist Cesco Emmanuel to crack a smile. Soon that solo baby would turn into a mob of dancers.

A quartet of young teenage female hip-hop dancers popped and locked amongst the other Kobo Town revellers as the band delivered crowd pleasers from their Independence album, which was released late in 2006, as well as many bonus songs. The violin solo from “Abatina”, which had turned into a Linsey Wellman flute solo at the Independence album release party, this time became a dramatic guitar solo by virtuoso Cesco Emmanuel.

A couple of pulsing conga solos by Derek Thorne had the crowd cheering. Bassist Roger Williams laid down thick bottoms as drummer Robert Millicevic kept precision time. In between gifting us with his melodic poetry, bandleader Drew Gonsalves volleyed festive rhythm riffs on his acoustic guitar.

The sounds all came together beautifully, the five men on stage each bringing a unique style that came together to create lush, exotic kaiso music. The large crowd that came out to enjoy the band received a real gift this night. The dancers got a glorious workout. One fan in the audience held up a large homemade Bristol board sign that summed it all up nicely: Kobo Town Rocks!