Marcia Griffiths in Los Angeles

By Jan Salzman on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - Photos by Jan Salzman - 1 comment

Marcia Griffiths performed at The Dub Club, The Echoplex in Los Angles, California on August 10, 2011.

Sampler

Marcia Griffiths is undoubtedly the “Queen of Reggae”. Her illustrious career has spanned more than four decades with many massive hits to her credit. Working with the famed Coxsone Dodd in the mid-sixties, Marcia started her brilliant career, first working as a solo artist, then teaming up for duets with Bob Andy in “Bob and Marcia”, which spanned 1970-1974. In 1974 Marcia formed the “I-Threes”, the magnificent backing singers for “Bob Marley and the Wailers”, where she performed until Bob Marley’s untimely passing in 1981. Marcia sparked a dance craze in 1989 with The Electric Boogie having the dance The Electric Slide, which is a line dance, sweep the US. This is just a little history of this wonderful singer who played to a packed audience at the Dub Club in Los Angeles, California.

Marcia Griffiths setlist Anticipation was in the air for this more than an hour performance. We were treated, about two weeks prior to this night, to a performance of the I-Three’s at the Hollywood Bowl. Now was Marcia’s moment to shine as the incredible solo artist that she is.

Marcia blazed onstage in a colorful, red, gold and green dress to the song Childish Games, from her 1997 CD, Land of Love. She has a vast repertoire to draw on for her performances and she gave us a taste of her history. This woman can dance, too! Another favorite of mine that she performed was Fire Burning, from her 'Indomitable' CD. I was able to retrieve a set list at the end of the night from the bass player (thanks bassie), so you can peruse the list to see how many wonderful hits that she performed. Marcia paid homage to the late Desmond Dekker when she sang the song Israelites, and closed the main portion of her set with Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier and Could You Be Loved. Of course, she was brought back for an encore by the incredibly enthusiastic crowd. Her encore was Dreamland and then she brought down the house with her smash hit Electric Boogie; during which she brought people onstage with her to perform the Electric Slide. Marcia kept us rocking throughout the night! I loved this show and was impressed with Marcia’s consistent high energy. You go girl! Thanks for a wonderful and inspiring night!