Words by Eddie STATS Houghton
The Queen of Quiet Storm’s torrid love affair with Jamaica has been well-documented. But even though she named her sixth LP Lover’s Rock, the island’s sonic influence on Sade’s music has only reared its dreadlocked mane in remixes or occasional flourishes like the hypnotic dub riddim of “Slave Song.” It’s gratifying then, to those of us who are both reggae heads and Sade-stalkers, that she has invited new (old) sensations the Jolly Boys to be her opening act. The Boys’ practiced musicianship–with a combined age of 382, they may literally be Jamaica’s most experienced band–makes them a natural choice for the slot and in enlisting them, Sade has given a classy and unlooked-for nod to her erstwhile home. Confirmed dates are below, along with a number for tickets. For more info, check out the Marshall Arts website.
Friday 27 May M.E.N. Arena, Manchester 844 847 8000
Sunday 29 May LG Arena, Birmingham 844 338 8000
Tuesday 31 May The O2 Arena, London 844 856 0202