| volume 5 * issue 2 * December 2000 |
this month's features: |
wailing news * new releases * wailers shorts just a passing glance * wailers net * wailers survey * wailers reporter * back issues |
BOB MARLEY WINS A GRAMMY-
Bob Marley has received recognition from the world-at-large once again. Over the years, he has been inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," sold millions of albums to fans all over the globe, and recently named "Artist of the Century," with the "Album of the Century," among many other accolades. In 2001, not only will Bob Marley receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but it has just been announced that he will be awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Reggae/Wailers historian Roger Steffens informed us of this spectacular announcement, and added that, "This honor comes after many, many years of our nominating him."The 43rd annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 21st, 2001 in Los Angeles, California, and the CBS network will broadcast the award show live. Bob Marley is of course the first reggae artist to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and shares some legendary company with previous recipients of the award. Past winners include Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Charlie Parker, Igor Stravinsky and many others.
According to the official Grammy website, the "Lifetime Achievement Award" is "presented by vote of the National Trustees to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording." Needless to say, not only is this award groundbreaking for a reggae artist to win, but about time! Bob Marley now joins his fellow Wailers, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, by being awarded a Grammy. Special thanks to Roger Steffens for letting us all know about this!
THE WAILERS BAND PLAY ATHENS, GEORGIA- The Wailers Band recently made a stop in Athens, Georgia on their current mini-tour, and luckily Wailers fan Ken Maykut was in attendance, and graciously passed along a review and setlist of the show. From the below review, it is clear that The Wailers Band continue to carry on the legacy, town by town. Special thanks to Ken for sharing his feelings!
The Wailers Band - November 30, 2000 The Georgia Theater - Athens, Georgia by Ken MaykutWhen I found out that the Wailers were going to play in Athens, GA, I had to check it out. Just to see some of the same members who not only shared the stage with Bob Marley, but also Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Members like Al Anderson, Earl "Wire" Lindo, and the leader, Aston "Family Man" Barrett. Only little more than an hour away, the Wailers were playing in an old movie theater named the Georgia Theater in the heart of downtown Athens.
Being one of the first persons to get in the theater, I felt that not many people knew what they were about to see. From talking to fans who had seen the Wailers, and know them personally. They all told me that the band puts on a great show. Playing old Bob tunes, and still possessing that Wailer magic. After a cool opening act, I made my way down to the front of the stage, where I can see some of the Wailers tuning up for the show. I can see Family Man walking around with his bass striped around him. From the right of him was Wire, sitting at his organ, getting ready for the show. Then, standing in front of me, was Al, tuning his guitar. At this point, I can see the rest of the Wailers beginning to arrive on stage.
With the Georgia Theater beginning to fill up, and the lights being turned down, The Wailers broke into their opening tune. A jam, that I've never heard from a reggae group. Then after playing a little, the group stopped, and went right to their first number. "Natural Mystic," just like when Marley was fronting the group. To get the theater to rock, they jump right in to "Lively Up Yourself" and continued with a great version of "I Shot The Sheriff." At this point the crowd was really digging the Wailers, and as a result, they began to play, "Root, Rock, Reggae." For the next hour and a half, the mighty Wailers played tunes like, "The Heathen," which Al Anderson played a killer solo, "Rat Race," Keep On Moving, "Pimper's Paradise" and "Natty Dread." After doing a jam with "Bend Down Low," that went right in to "Kaya," the crowd wanted more, and that's what they got. With them jumping right into "Want More" and then wrapping up their set with "Jammin."
But there was no way that Athens was ready to go home. So, the Wailers made their way back out to the stage. Playing one of the best songs that night, "No Woman, No Cry." With the whole theater singing along. They proceeded to play "Get Up, Stand Up," and finish their encore with a great "Exodus."
Athens, is not known for being a reggae town, but on one cool November night, Athens witnessed one of the greatest reggae groups that ever lived. As for me, seeing the Wailers was the closest I'll ever get to see Bob Marley. It was a very good show, and I cannot wait to see them again. It was nothing but "Irie Vibes."
- Ras Ken
Thank You JMG -
WAILERS BAND CAPTURED LIVE- We recently were sent some fantastic photos of The Wailers Band's Summer/Fall European 2000 tour by the monitor engineer for the tour, Christian Cowlin. The tour made stops in France, Switzerland, England and other countries. You can view eight outstanding photos from the tour, including close-ups of Aston "Familyman" Barrett, trumpeter Chico Chin, Earl "Wya" Lindo, Marcia Griffiths, Gary "Nesta" Pine, and other Wailers Band members, on the "pictures" link on this site. In one of the pics, the vantage point is such that you see the band as well as the massive outdoor crowd, cheering for them. Special thanks to Christian for sending the spectacular photos to us!
Speaking of The Wailers Band live in concert, they are about to embark on several historic dates in South Africa, along with Culture and Burning Spear. The dates, scheduled for mid-December, will take place in locations like Cape Town and Johannesburg. You can view the South African dates, as well as the rest of their tour, on the "2000 tour" page. From what we hear, on their current tour, The Wailers Band are no longer touring with Marcia Griffiths and their horn section, consisting of Chico Chin and Nambo Robinson, but nonetheless still put on a tight show.
THE STORY OF REGGAE AND BOB MARLEY- "The Story of Reggae and Bob Marley," the showcase by Roger Steffens at the historic Queen Mary ship, has a few updates of late. The opening has been changed and the exhibition will now open to the public on January 20th at the Queen Mary in Long Beach , California. There will also be a huge bash just before the Bob Marley Day weekend at the Long Beach Arena on February 16th.
What can you expect at this exhibit? Roger himself tells us that the showcase will feature such things as video and film, computer facilities, thousands of records, posters, photos, 3,000 buttons, and of course plenty of music, all detailing the story of reggae and Bob Marley. If you have ever seen or heard stories about Roger Steffens' vast Ark-hives or his traveling "Life of Bob Marley" video presentations, then you know what a treasure this exhibition at the Queen Mary will be. If you are able to attend, be sure not to miss it!
JUNIOR MARVIN UPDATE-
Junior Marvin's forthcoming "Burnin' Love" album has just gotten closer to being released. The New York City based Sumthing Distribution has signed a deal with Junior Marvin to distribute "Burnin' Love." Sumthing Distribution is now owned by Nile Rodgers, who co-founded CHIC and has produced everyone from David Bowie to Madonna. Junior tells us that he is looking forward to putting out his new album by February 6th, 2000, which is also Bob Marley's 56th earthday.The disc will now feature 18 total tracks, nine roots and nine rock according to Junior, all of which are original songs. You can find out more information about the album and Junior Marvin & Roots Rock on his official page. Keep watching the official Junior Marvin page for tour updates and also photos from Junior's recent acclaimed shows from 2000.
Junior will also be a special guest at the New Year's Eve Reggae Bash at the Recher Theatre in Towson, Maryland, along with Jah Works, Dr. Dubenstein and Soldiers of Jah Army. Junior also tells us that he has plans for a tour beginning in March 2001, so stay tuned for this as well!
VISITING MARLEY'S HOUSE- Reggaeologist Toby Gohn passed along an article that was featured in the November/December 2000 issue of Travelocity magazine about Bob Marley, entitled "Trenchtown Block." Here is the article, graciously sent by Toby:
Open house at Bob Marley's old crash padIf anyone deserves a shot at sainthood, it's got to be Bob Marley. Who else shows up on T-shirts from Brussels to Brooklyn to Bangkok? Who else connects businessmen, bushmen and blue-collar grunts with bohemians, burnouts and ganja-huffers? Just about everyone, at some time or another, has worshiped at the church of Marley. Now you can get closer to the altar. The Kingston, Jamaica, house at 6810 Lower First St., where Bob Marley crashed in the kitchen and learned to play guitar, has been renovated and opened to the public as the first step toward developing a heritage-tourism site in the Trenchtown Culture Yard and Village. Artifacts include Marley's first guitars. The house belonged to Vincent Ford, who wrote the Marley anthem, "No Woman No Cry." Culture Yard attractions also include tributes to Rasta legends Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston. Entrance fee: $10; 876-948-1455.
MARLEY FAMILY SUPPORTS CME- At the just concluded Caribbean Music Expo held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the Marley family were heavily represented and even allowed the expo to have their Lifetime Achievement Award named in honor of Bob Marley. At this year's expo, the award was given to Eddy Grant. The show concluded with performances by Stephen, Damian and Julian Marley on December 3rd. Below is an article that appeared in the Jamaica Gleaner detailing what was to take place.
Marley family supports CME As the second annual Caribbean Music Expo, Ocho Rios, draws near, the organisers are pulling out the stops to ensure this year's event is bigger and better.
And to this end, they have secured the endorsement and support of reggae's premier family, the Marleys.
The Bob Marley Foundation has agreed to have the CME's Lifetime Achievement Award named in honour of Robert Nesta Marley.
On Saturday, December 2, at a dinner scheduled for the Renaissance Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios, CME will present to Guyana's Eddy Grant, the Bob Marley Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his accomplishments as a foundation member of the Caribbean music community. Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Wyclef Jean, of Haiti, will also be presented with an Award for Excellence for his efforts at promoting Caribbean music internationally.
Top New York-based entertainment attorney, Paul Marshall, who is no stranger to the Caribbean music scene, is expected to deliver the main address at the awards dinner.
On Sunday, December 3, Stephen, Damian and Julian Marley, are to appear on stage at the Caribbean Beach Party scheduled for Mahogany Beach, Ocho Rios, to close the event.
They will appear along with Morgan Heritage, Junior Kelly, Reel Kila of Martinique/Guade-loupe, Solomon from Trinidad and Tobago and Bayanga from Puerto Rico, among others. This concert will be co-hosted by R&B/Hip Hop queen, Mary J. Blige.
WAILERS SURVEY RESULTS- We have again received some very interesting results for the monthly Wailers Survey. Last month's question dealt with Bunny Wailer's political aspirations and whether he could positively effect Jamaican politics. Here are some of the responses:
Well too much politics a gwan in a Jamaica already so mi wouldn't dought it.
I think the Wailers, Lee Perry, Sly and Robbie and other rastaman must become a member of the UPP. Bob`s message`s must lead the UPP, Jamaica and the world.
A soul rebel will always have a positive effect and will sweep away all bag o wires.
Power to the people/ no more career politicians/ true LEADERS don't get to lead/ false manipulators call themselves leaders!!! ENOUGH...do your thing.
With his faith in JAH, hope for the youth, and concern for the people, he can improve the situation for I & I, the Jamaican people, & all people.
Yes a Lion is always needed. I fear that he could get hurt in the political circus of JA. Bunny will seek equal rights and justice-that's what's needed.
Many in the US will be surprised by how conservative rastas like Bunny really are.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer the survey! This month's question isn't as heated, and you can answer it at the bottom of this page or the main page of this site.
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NEW RELEASES-
Erykah Badu's new album, "Mama's Gun" on Motown Records, features a duet song with Stephen Marley. The song, "In Love With You" is a reggae ballad, with heavy scat singing throughout from both Erykah and Stephen. If you remember, Erykah was also featured at the TNT "One Love: A Tribute to Bob Marley" television concert, singing alongside the Marley family in 1999. Among other guests on the album include jazz great Roy Ayers, The Roots' ?uestlove and others. The album, a heavy blend of jazz and classic soul, is in stores now, and you can find more information about the album and Erykah herself at her official website at www.erykahbadu.com.
The late-great Joe Higgs is featured on the new album by Jawge Hughes and The UKB, entitled "Come On Back." Higgs played nyabinghi drums on "Biko" and "Fire & Rain," a cover of the classic James Taylor tune, from the album. Jawge Hughes is no stranger to the reggae scene, as he has played with most of the legends on the scene, including Bunny Wailer, The Mighty Diamonds, The Wailing Souls, and many others.Jawge is also an accomplished musician in his own right, as he does the lead vocals, and plays keyboards, bass, drums and backing vocals on the 15-track "Come On Back" album. The disc also features the likes of guitarist Tony Chin and bassist George "Fully" Fullwood, both members of The Soul Syndicate, Peter Tosh's "Word, Sound and Power," as well as Andrew Tosh's outstanding backing band. You can purchase the album online at Jawge's official website at www.jawge.com or www.annafisher.com.
Funkstar Deluxe, the man behind some of the recent Bob Marley remixes, has a new album out, entitled "Keep On Moving (It's Too Funky In Here)". Despite the title's association with Bob Marley, there are only three Marley related tracks on the disc. "Sun Is Shining (vs. Bob Marley)", "Rainbow Country (vs. Bob Marley)" and "Sun Is Shining (Sand In My Shoe Mix) vs. Bob Marley" are included on the album, all of which have previously been released on Funkstar Deluxe's 12" and CD singles for both "Sun Is Shining" and "Rainbow Country."
The album also sees Funkstar remixing the likes of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower," James Brown's "It's Too Funky In Here," Tom Jones' "She's A Lady" and many others. Funkstar Deluxe was planning on releasing an entire Marley remix album a while back, but the album was scrapped. You should be able to purchase the 14-track album in most stores, and you can visit Funkstar Deluxe's official page for more information about the man and his remixing at www.funkstardeluxe.com.
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WAILERS SHORTS- According to www.rasnas.net, there is a Norwegian Bob Marley tribute in the works, due to be released in February of 2001. Ras Nas, a Norwegian reggae musician, along with his band, have just recorded "The Small Axe (Norwegian Version)," sung by Nasibu Mwanukuzi and Pal Terjei Asheim. The page says that the album "brings together some of the top names in the Norwegian music scene." It should be quite an interesting release!
The newest issue of VIBE magazine features a few brief mentions of both Roger Steffens and Peter Tosh. On page 38, in a section entitled "Droppin' Dime: VIBE's Top 10 List," the number 5 entry reads, "Roger Steffens's Reggae Archives. Steffens shares thousands of rastalicious reggae memorabilia at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif. Jammin'!"In their monthly "Boom Shots" column (on page 141) focusing on the reggae scene written by staff writer Rob Kenner, there is a review of the recent Peter Tosh "Live at the One Love Peace Concert" on Koch International records. The article hails the album as "extraordinary" and reviews the ferocity that went into Tosh's performance and the price it cost him. The review ends by discussing the fact that free speech can be at the cost of one's own life, and states, "For truly, as Stepping Razor said, 'I am not a politician, but I suffer the consequences.
It is great to expose reggae and The Wailers to the VIBE audience! You can pick up the January 2001 issue of VIBE magazine on better newsstands now.
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JUST A PASSING GLANCE- The online music store CDnow.com has a special feature on their site, listing their top-10 most essential Bob Marley albums of all time. Some of those chosen include nearly all of the Island released albums, as well as "African Herbsman" and "Birth Of A Legend." You can view the entire list, including finding out why these particular releases were chosen over others, by visiting CDnow.com.
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WailersNet- Cedella Marley, member of the Melody Makers, has recently started a new clothing line called "Catch A Fire." The line features clothing for women, including shirts, bags, jeans and more. Some of the styles have names ranging from "Marley" to "56 Hope Road." You can find more information about the line by visiting www.themarleystore.com.
Ziggy Marley was featured in the November 2000 issue of Whole Life Times, a magazine devoted to living naturally, in an article entitled "Ziggy Marley - Singing the Praises of Hemp." The article features interview samples from Ziggy Marley during the Melody Makers' recent tour with the Furthur Festival. In the interview, Ziggy touches on everything from the benefits of hemp to vegetarian eating. You can read the article, in its entirety, by visiting the Whole Life Times website.
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WAILERS SURVEY- The results are in for November's Wailers Survey, asking Do you think Bunny Wailer's UPP party will have a positive effect on Jamaican politics? Some very interesting results indeed!
Here are the complete results for November's poll:
This month's question asks, "Would you consider The Wailers to be your all-time favorite musical group/artist?" If you have additional comments about this question, please leave them when you answer the question. We will have these results next month as well as an all new question! All responses are anonymous and thanks for taking the time to answer the survey!
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