Reggae legend shows dimension

By Tricia Arcelona, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 28, 1998

Legendary reggae singer Gregory Isaacs kept a sold-out crowd singing and vibing to his upbeat tunes on Saturday at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana. Known as the "Cool Ruler" and "Lonely Lover," Isaacs is one of Jamaica's best-loved reggae singers.

Since the mid 1970s, he has successfully combined sultry, romantic ballads with realistic songs based on truth and rights.

Isaac's No.1 worldwide hit "Night Nurse" moved the crowd on the dance floor. Other songs such as "My Number One" and "Soon Forward," made the already hyped crowd sing along to the reggae tunes.

Opening acts for Isaacs included the alternative band Family Tree and a soulful band called The Black and White Reggae Band.

These two bands prepared the crowd for the anticipation and arrival of the "Cool Ruler."

Dressed in his usual mesh T-shirt, Isaacs' suave style and romantic preoccupations make him one of Jamaica's finest performers.

Like Marvin Gaye, Isaacs is a multidimensional singer who appeals to fans of all types of music.

Isaacs gave the crowd members an enjoyable time and left them with a memorable experience.

As a prolific songwriter with a distinct voice and a great appeal to both men and women in the reggae-music genre, Isaacs is definitely one of reggae's all-time greatest legends.