IN PHOTOS: Big Mountain at Exodus Music & Arts Festival

Big Mountain – you may not recognize the band name but most likely, in the mid ’90s, especially during the summer, you’ve heard their cover version of Peter Frampton’s, “Baby I Love Your Way.” They were the headliners at the recently concluded Exodus Music Festival, held March 21 in Cavite. 

They also have a new album out, and they enthusiastically performed a few of the tracks, along with covers of classics from this genre. These guys have been around the block, and by that I mean around the world, and have over 10 albums under their belt. They toured extensively for a decade, and one of the more memorable events in this circle was the Reggae Sunsplash festival in Jamaica, the mother of all festivals, which really put them on the map.   

It can be a challenge touring again after coming back from a long break. Their previous album was over a decade ago, but that wasn’t readily noticeable with this performance. Like riding a bike, it’s something you never forget and it’s doesn’t take long to get your balance even if you haven’t ridden one in years. While on hiatus they did regroup periodically for some fundraising and international events, so rust never gathered.

They moved so well together and it was evident that these guys are top notch, one them regularly tours with Ziggy Marley.  

The lead vocalist, Joaquin McWhinney, aka Quino, was very charismatic and commanded the stage with ease. Caught a minute to chat with him backstage after the show, very easygoing and friendly, it’s his first time here and was more than impressed with the hospitality of the Filipino people. 

This type of music is conducive to simple fun, and even the statues at Island Cove where swaying with the beat. The crowd just loved it. 

And the rest of the a line-up was great, too, with Razorback, Wolfgang, Urbandub and Franco; legends like Pepe Smith and Marla Cafra, who basically performed a guitar clinic, at one point using the mic stand as a guitar slide, wow. The smooth island sound was abound, interestingly some created music with different instruments, like a didgeridoo and a chapman stick. 

The day started off clear and sunny, and this one was a 24-hour event, folks were setting up and welcoming the early birds before the sunrise. There was a car show and various art installations. I enjoyed the fire jugglers.  

Considering it was relatively large space, it could have accommodated more folks. This was hugely beneficial to the folks attending, though – plenty of elbow room, no long lines and at one point the band asked the spectators in the back to move closer, not a luxury you have at crowded shows.

This one is worth watching out for next time. Towards the end of their set, Big Mountain even expressed their desire to come back someday – something fans can look forward to in the future. – Rappler.com