A Timeless Soul Revival:
Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band
17 November 2023
The Junction, Cambridge
Words and Pictures by Dan Sly
On a brisk November evening in the heart of Cambridge, music enthusiasts
and soul aficionados (including some very elderly mods) gathered at
The Junction for a night that promised to be a nostalgic journey through
the golden era of soul. Headlining the event was none other than the
legendary Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band, delivering a performance
that felt like a time capsule transporting the audience to the heyday
of soul music.
As the crowd filtered into the venue, the anticipation was palpable.
The warm up acts started to get the people moving and if you looked
very carefully, you could actually spot Geno wandering in the shadows
at the back of the hall checking out the performances – if you
asked him nicely, you might even get a selfie! As he wandered back
stage, unnoticed by the majority, the air was filled with a sense
of excitement and reverence, knowing that Geno Washington, now 79
years old, might be gracing the Cambridge stage for the last time.
The opening act's, Shake Your Tail Feather & Lucas, performances
were met with enthusiastic applause, but it was evident that everyone
was eagerly awaiting the main event!
As the stage lights dimmed and the spotlight centred on Geno, there
was a collective chant from the crowd ‘Geno, Geno, Geno, Geno,
Geno….’ that swept through room. The man of the hour, a
living legend with a career spanning decades, stepped into the limelight
with a charismatic presence that defied his age.
Dressed in his trademark American football shirt and
sporting his iconic grin, Geno Washington was a monument to the enduring
power of soul music.
The Ram Jam Band, his loyal companions on this musical journey, kicked
off the set with a tight groove that immediately had the crowd swaying.
The chemistry between Geno and his band was unmistakable, evidence
to years of collaboration and a shared passion for the soulful sounds
that defined an era.
Geno's voice, weathered by time but still carrying the raw emotion
and power that made him a soul sensation, filled the venue. From the
upbeat rhythm of ‘Water’ to the soulful crooning of one
of Geno’s signature hits ‘Hold On I’m Coming’,
each song was delivered with a level of authenticity that transported
the audience back to the 1960s. The energy on stage was infectious,
and it wasn't long before the audience was on their feet, dancing
and singing along to the timeless tunes.
Despite his age, Geno Washington's stage presence was undiminished.
He moved with a grace and swagger, although needing to sometimes sit
down rest, engaging the audience with anecdotes and banter that added
a personal touch to the performance. One of which included a story
of Geno being present for the Martin Luther King’s ‘I have
a Dream’ speech in Washington DC, while being ganged up against
by a group of white supremacists from the KluK Klux Klan! The crowd
hung on his every word, soaking in the stories of a bygone era as
if they were hearing them for the first time.
As the set progressed, it became clear that this performance
was not just a concert but a celebration of a musical legacy. Hits
like ‘I Can’t Turn Me Loose’ and ‘Michael (the
Lover)’ had the crowd in a frenzy, and Geno's infectious enthusiasm
only fuelled the fire. The Ram Jam Band, a powerhouse in their own
right, delivered seamless transitions between songs, showcasing their
mastery of the soul genre.
One emotional highpoint of the evening came when Geno Washington performed
another signature hit, "Land Of A Thousand Dances". The
crowd erupted in cheers as the familiar chords filled the venue, and
Geno's soulful delivery left no doubt that this was a performance
for the ages.
Geno continued to belt out some bangers including Arther Conley’s
classic hit ‘Sweet Soul Music’, ‘Knock On Wood’,
a funked up version of ‘I Feel Good’ and a soulful version
of that well known Rolling Stones track ‘Jumping Jack Flash’.
As the final notes of the encore faded away, the audience was left
in a state of awe and gratitude. Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band
had delivered a performance that transcended time, proving that the
magic of soul music is eternal. The chilly November evening in Cambridge
had become a chapter in the storied career of a musical icon, and
those in attendance knew they had witnessed something truly special.
It was very humbling.
In the end, Geno Washington's performance, even at 79, could still
command a stage with unmatched charisma and talent. As the audience
filed out into the crisp night air, there was a sense of fulfilment
and nostalgia, knowing that they had been part of a night that could
very well be a farewell to a soul legend in the heart of Cambridge.
Dan Sly dslyweb@gmail.com
www.chockyboyzmedia.com
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