By Anne O'Callaghan
Says Bernice Johnson Reagon, founding member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, "The only moment you know you have is the one you occupy. That's the moment you should express yourself." Expressing themselves sums up what these five African-American women did as Perth Concert Hall resounded with the opening concert of Sweet Honey in the Rock's 20th Anniversary Tour on May 20.
Support act Kev Carmody was an event in himself, performing old favourites including the powerful "Thou Shalt Not Steal" along with newer material. "Images of London" related the poverty and homelessness he witnessed during his five-day tour there late last year, while "Messages" was inspired by the flight of an albatross over the Southern Ocean. The haunting sounds of his didgeridoo expanded the Concert Hall.
Sweet Honey in the Rock's 20 years have defied a narrow definition of their range or repertoire and consolidated a warmth, humanity and political awareness which glows. "We Who Believe in Freedom", "Echo", "Sojourner's Battle Hymn", "Ballad of the Broken Word" and "(Women should be) A Priority" were just some of the chosen few from the material these women have gathered over 20 years of expression.
"Memories can get you through the unclear spaces", says Johnson Reagon, who explains that integral to African-American traditions and struggle is the ability to write and sing out your pain. "Always remember", she tells the sell-out crowd, "you are more than your condition".
The thunderous applause which greeted their colourful entrance carried them off the stage at the end of an exhilarating night.