Tarrus Riley — Summerjam, Cologne, 2023

Captured at the Summerjam festival in Cologne in 2023, this filmed live concert presents Jamaican singer Tarrus Riley before one of Europe’s largest reggae gatherings. The son of veteran Jimmy Riley and revealed in the mid-2000s with “She’s Royal,” Tarrus Riley champions a modern, melodic and polished reggae at the crossroads of roots, lovers rock and dancehall. Backed by a full band and often by saxophonist Dean Fraser, he runs through his hits and covers, alternating conscious numbers, love songs and danceable highlights. The recording conveys the warmth of a summer festival stage and the rapport between the artist and an international crowd. This roughly 70-minute full concert showcases a supple voice and a sense of stagecraft inherited from the great Jamaican tradition, while displaying the vitality of contemporary reggae. For fans of the genre, this 2023 live set is a fine testament to how the Jamaican scene continues to shine at Europe’s major festivals.