Gig review: Jimmy Cliff, Academy, Glasgow

THERE can be few recording artists with a half-century career of writing standards who can still skank, spin and unfurl the most devilish dancehall moves with the energy and élan of Jimmy Cliff.

Never given the label backing that Bob Marley had to launch himself into the mainstream consciousness, the 64-year-old’s place in the reggae pantheon is nevertheless unquestionable.

In a fiery gold ensemble, and with the muscular horn and rhythm backing of his excellent band, the Jamaican legend proved himself a veritable fireball, mixing up the hits with well-received recent tracks.

Opening with the furious optimism of You Can Get It If You Really Want, the smooth ska of Miss Jamaica, with its infectious melody and sing-along chorus reinforced the summer vibe introduced by Wild World, Cliff’s reggaefied version adding edge to Cat Steven’s bland pop.

Mid-gig, the mood shifted, bringing his social conscience to the fore with the wishy-washy eco-protest Planet Earth and the wonderfully charged Afghanistan, a retooling of his anti-war hit Vietnam.

Subsequently, Hakuna Matata reassured everyone that we were back in feelgood territory. Highlight of the night was his rich tenor arcing through the haunting Many Rivers To Cross, the organ backing affirming its spiritual portent.

Newer numbers, like a passionate cover of Joe Higgs’s World Upside Down and the crowd-baiting faux-encore One More certainly weren’t out of place in such exalted company. But it was a restrained rendition of his masterpiece, The Harder They Come, that capped the night off in tremendous style.

Rating: ****