Reggae Singers Sizzle to Marley’s Musical Vision

The legacy of reggae icon Bob Marley is more than his messages about God and freedom. Marley’s reputation owes as much to a dynamic musical vision that stretched the limits of his genre.

It was that side of Marley’s work that was best celebrated Saturday at the 17th annual Bob Marley Day Festival at the Long Beach Arena. There was evidence enough of reggae’s musical reach between the sweet soul crooning of Barrington Levy and the high-energy dancehall blends of Sizzla, Yellowman and Capleton.

Backed by the muscular rhythms of the seven-man Firehouse Gang band, headliner Sizzla (a.k.a. Migel Collins) sang in an urgent, “ragamuffin” rap style that was alternately agitated and soothing. He strutted dramatically across the stage, warned of social ills and delivered apocalyptic prophecies. His often indecipherable elocution kept him far from Marley’s spiritual heights.

More accessible, though no less energetic, was Yellowman, who told the crowd, “I promise you I will not leave the stage until you get your satisfaction.” He mostly delivered. With a flair for rich Jamaican melody, Yellowman sang across a rock-steady beat that improved on the sound of his Grammy-nominated album “Freedom of Speech.” He urged an end to racism and lobbied for condom use, never pausing in his Jagger-esque dancing.

Most impressive Saturday--the first of the festival’s two days at Long Beach, each with a different lineup--was Capleton, who crafted a searing, contemporary reggae blend that showed he wasn’t at all dependent on the sampling and studio effects of his new album, “I Testament.” His only onstage extravagance was the crucial addition of hand drums as he passionately rapped odes to Africa and the almighty Jah.

More measured was Levy, whose crooning reached back toward the soulful romance of Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. Levy’s smooth delivery didn’t always hold the crowd’s attention, and his use of synthesized horns hobbled his attempts to find the emotion in his material.

The night’s most aggressive set came not from Jamaicans but from Washington, D.C.-based Born Jamericans. Their blend of reggae and hip-hop was tough and energetic but lacked the deep groove of the others on the bill. For that, fans could turn to singer Sugar Minott, whose performance was festive and warm as he sang songs of the ghetto, his devotion to reggae and his favorite blends of “herb.”

Between sets, fans were led in sing-alongs to vintage Marley tracks, paying tribute to the reggae master who died of cancer in 1981 and whose pop influence is in a league with Lennon and Hendrix. It’s an influence unlikely to fade.

* Bob Marley Day Festival presents Bunny Wailer, Luciano with Sizzla, Barrington Levy, Yellowman and others, 1 p.m. today at the San Diego Sports Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. $24 and $32. (619) 224-4176.