Sting...and Shaggy

A surprising duo closes the four-day Guitare en Scène festival in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois: Sting...and Shaggy. This collaboration, which might seem impromptu, is the fruit of a friendship where each was able to enter the other's world.

On one side, Sting, the internationally popular Englishman with his legendary band The Police and then his solo career. On the other, Shaggy, a Jamaican reggae artist with several hits ("Boombastic," "Hey Sexy Lady," etc.). A joint album entitled 44/876 was released in April 2018, including the single "Can't Make Me Wait."

This osmosis is perfectly illustrated when the two artists take the stage. The audience turned out in force (a sold-out evening on July 22, 2018), and all generations are represented.

The concert begins with a Sting song, "Englishman in New York," tinged with a warm Jamaican vibe. Shaggy revisits the original lyrics and waves a flag in the colours of his native country. The tone is set, the blend of styles is immediate.

A fluid and pleasant alliance is immediately established between Sting and Shaggy, with a proven complicity. Tonight, it's a pop-rock-reggae show! This delicious blend carries the audience away on a gentle wave of positive emotions. Sting is smiling, Shaggy connects with the crowd.

The spectacular performances of the two backing singers, combining vocal technique and emotionally rich performances, literally captivated the audience, who warmly applauded them.

We must also salute all the artists who accompanied Sting and Shaggy tonight: the musicians delivered performances of the highest quality. It's a return to Sting's roots, being accompanied by a rock drummer (more accustomed to jazz drummers, notably Manu Katché), who energizes The Police's songs, restoring their original soul.

It should be noted that from the first track, the sound balance was very well balanced and of high quality, without however falling into the excess of bass typical of reggae, thus maintaining a very pop neutrality suited to the duo.

The show featured a mix of songs by Sting, The Police, and Shaggy. The audience was undoubtedly eagerly awaiting the iconic songs from the headliner of this 2018 Guitare en Scène festival, Sting (at least as he was presented on all the promotional materials...)!

He sang along to each of his songs ("Walking on the Moon," "So Lonely," "Every Little Thing"...), and was discovering Shaggy's songs, often of a much lower standard, it must be said...
We already knew the reggae leanings Sting had with The Police; with Shaggy, he rediscovered his deep influences, and his joy on stage was palpable.

It was once again a wonderful evening at this festival, which, as usual, provides a friendly and friendly atmosphere, particularly thanks to the extremely good humour of its volunteers, whose work is to be commended.

(c) Rictus by Christelle Marlot