I was privileged to hear the brothers Allen— Din and Woody— playing at the Tiki Bar at Sugarloaf Lodge. They were the core of the Survivors, the primo group of the Eighties and beyond on our island.
Quint Lange added percussive drums to the guitar and bass for the blue-eyed reggae band. Tonight, Din and Woody play electric guitars with an electronic drummer.
Din sings "Feel Like Making Love", and believe me, everyone does. Din Allen is one of the best romantic singers you'll ever hear, original and oh so soulful. Din comps rhythm under Woody's divine lead. These are true artists, more talented than almost anyone. Woody doubles the vocal melody an octave higher for a wonderful effect.
Din announces "Nashville Skyline 2002" and launches into Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay". Woody touches on a Pete Drake lick. Din makes the song his own. His smooth tone and romantic styling could sell you anything.
Next we hear a cut from Din's CD, which claims that, `though changes come "The Dream Lives On", which is proof that Din is an excellent songwriter in addition to everything else. This one should be enough enticement to make you buy the CD. Woody adds harmony. Din sings "Keeps My Mind From Wandering" from a Beatles song on one of his older CDs. We hear a humorous comment on Brian Evans and the `Sugarloaf Celebrity Series' which I can't repeat.
Now we are enveloped in Calypso rhythms in a fine instrumental that calls everyone to dance on the deck. Din and Woody trade leads, fabulous and artistic to the nines. Billy Joel's "My LIfe" works great as a bossa nova, keeping the dancers happy. This is probably the ultimate duo. Now an oldie, Marty Robbins' "Devil Woman".
Din displays a magical falsetto. He sings it as well or better than Marty, which is high praise inded. Marty Robbins was one of the very best singers. A slow groove leads into "It Had To Be You". Can the brothers play jazz? Do you need to ask? Woody's lead is superb. Din adds his famous Mt. Gay horns.
Stevie Wonder's "Boogie On Reggae Woman" calls the dancers to the deck in droves. The Do-do-wop ending is a gas. The percussion instruments come rolling in. Can Quint Lange be far behind?
Din romances us with Aaron Neville's "Tell It Like It Is". Quint makes it a trio. They give us a Bob Marley tune, "I Can't Wait In Vain For Your Love". The threesome sounds great. Din sings his wonderful original, "Lucky Man" with a lilting bossa nova beat. The dancers are overjoyed. We have three part harmony on an exciting tune done en Espagnol!
More players sit in, Carlos Solis plays bongos. Jerry plays maracas. We hear more Mt. Gay horns and a wonderful 1978 Gregory Isaacs reggae tune. This is turning into a Latin jam.
If you were there, like me, you probably won't ever forget it. We hope Woody will come back again soon. Inthe meantime, go hear Din. He's marvelous all by himself! Stay cool.