THE 'REAL' ALL-STAR BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE - 

   After nearly two hours, The Wailers Band took the stage and featured Aston "Familyman" Barrett on bass, Earl "Wya" Lindo on organ, Ian Burrell on keyboard, Al Anderson on guitar, Gary "Nesta" Pine on lead vocals, Vin Gordon on trombone, Glen DaCosta on tenor saxophone and Marcia Griffiths on harmony vocals. The caliber of talent on this stage, which included six members who originally performed with Bob Marley & The Wailers, made this the real "Bob Marley All-Star Tribute." We came into the show a little apprehensive about hearing an entire show of Bob Marley covers, by a band who has nothing but tremendous talents. However, by the end of the show we were absolutely amazed and our opinions changed!

   As The Wailers Band slowly walked onto the stage to begin the show, they immediately went into two incredible Familyman penned instrumentals "Cobra Style" and "Well Pleased." If you have never heard these songs on the recent Heartbeat Records' Familyman productions disc, "Cobra Style: Productions from The Wailers' Musical Director," do yourself a favor and go out and do so! Simply outstanding musicianship from the entire band! Marcia Griffiths then appeared from the side along with two young female harmony vocalists, and performed beautiful renditions of "I Shall Sing," "Dreamland," "I Wanna Be Closer," and "Fire Burning." Marcia then moved from the lead mic over to the two harmony singers and out came Gary "Nesta" Pine to showcase his vocal abilities.

   They began with a medley of "Bend Down Low" and "Kaya" and continued with songs like "Lively Up Yourself," "Rat Race," "Pimpers Paradise," "Stir It Up," and "Heathen," among others. The tightly-knit band blessed the crowd with solos from Al Anderson, Vin Gordon and Glen DaCosta throughout the night. Rather than simply doing verbatim covers of every song, Nesta Pine added in his own vocals on "Be Wise" which followed "Heathen."

   The crowd was packed to the limit with at least 500 people in attendance. The Wailers Band concluded with a lengthy encore consisting of "Buffalo Soldier," "No Woman No Cry," and "Exodus/Punky Reggae Party." Seeing on stage the reggae legends like the stoic Earl Lindo and his magical fingers on the electronic organ to Al Anderson's brilliant guitar stylings, Vin Gordon's upbeat bone playing complete with a ska-like monkey dance, Glen DaCosta's smooth and silky tenor sax, and Familyman Barrett's unbeatable bass virtuosity, combined with the many other talented singers and players, made this show one not soon forgotten. Check out the "2000 tour" section for upcoming Wailers Band dates, hopefully in your area, and you will be able to not only hear some classic music but see the people who originally helped to make this music. The Wailers Band can easily be defined as living legends who do not get the credit they so justly deserve. Big respect to The Wailers Band for continuing one arm of the larger Wailers' legacy.

MUSIC FROM THE MILLENNIUM - 

   The album combines elements of reggae, ska, calypso, rockabilly, jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll, so there is at least something here for nearly every type of musical taste. If that's not enough, how about a run-down of some of the musicians on the album; Winston "Bo Pee" Bowen on guitar who has worked with nearly every reggae act around, including Bunny Wailer; then there is Dean Fraser on saxophone who is also one of the hardest working men in reggae; Michael Fletcher on bass; Rolando "Phanso" Wilson on drums who is a member of Dean Fraser's 809 Band, and Rich Demaio on vocals, piano, percussion and melodica, as well as writing the songs and co-producing the album, among many other talented players. Last but not least is the great Lester Chambers on harmonica and background vocals. Lester is best known as one of the members of the soul rock band The Chambers Brothers, who you might know as recording "Time Has Come Today."

   The eclectic blend of music on "Enter At Your Own Risk" ensures that there is something here to suit everyone's tastes. "There Goes The Neighborhood" is a fitting opening to the CD, suggesting that we all have to take care of the human race no matter what, or who, may come in the future. This song features a floating sax line by Dean Fraser and unique scat vocals by Lester Chambers. The blending of Rich Demaio's voice with the sax and harmony vocals make this reggae-esque tune an impressively catchy one. "Fear" blends a little rockabilly with a touch of ska together with Lester Chambers' harmonica and tells that people should, "Get back into living / Think of all the giving you can do." This positive message is just a sampling of the upful music on this energetic and conscious disc. "Mr. CIA" tells of a mysterious CIA agent beckoning images from classic spy movies and once again features the bouncing sax of Dean Fraser. "Me Now Wa" is reggae at its very core with the presence of the melodica adding to the song's mellowness. If we had to choose just one song from this album as our absolute favorite, this would be the one, as its message and music are right on.

   "Tumble Down" is a toe-tapper from the start from the laid back rhythm to the creeping vocals exposing the faults of televangelists who take money and only give false hope in return. The Millennium are experts at combining the appropriate music to the crucial message at hand, which is something that is desperately needed in much of today's music. This is only a scratch on the surface for The Millennium's terrific album and we're sure that if you enjoy top-notch musicianship combined with integral lyrics, then "Enter At Your Own Risk" is something you have to purchase for yourself. To do so, visit their website at www.newmillenniumcd.com or call toll-free 1-800-791-4100. On the site, you can also get more information about the band, lyrics to the songs, sound clips and much more!

   Here's the complete tracklisting for The Millennium's "Enter At Your Own Risk":

1. There Goes The Neighborhood 2. Fear 3. Mr. CIA 4. AWOL On The Holodeck 5. Fate Loves The Fearless 6. Me No Wa 7. Slip Away 8. Tumble Down 9. Old 45's 10. Meltdown 11. The Enemy 12. Speed Of Light

   In the near future, also look for Rich Demaio's other band, Steppin' Irie, who will release their first CD on Warning Track Records soon.

'KHWESI'S "ONE BRIGHT DAY" - 

   If Jamaican reggae is underrated then American based reggae is even more so, but with bands like 'Khwesi and others, this should not be the case. The title track and opening song "One Bright Day" looks to the future for a better existence. The guitar solo within is reminiscent of Junior Marvin, who is also one of 'Khwesi's influences. This song is both catchy and also puts forth a message of hope. The saxophone played by the talented Rick Deja compliments the song greatly. The conscious message songs like "Unity," "Children Want," and "False Prophets" all tell of what our world is lacking in -- unity, freedom and truth. The lyricism throughout the entire album is further enhanced by 'Khwesi's outstanding musicianship. "Great M" is a fresh roots instrumental that further showcases the album's talents.

   "Rise Up" and "Thank You Jah" give even more proof that not only is American based reggae a force to be reckoned with, but groups like 'Khwesi put their heart and soul into their music and this devotion shines brightly through in the work. These two songs suggest a hint of Peter Tosh's influence and broadcast the message of Rastafari. For an album to standout amongst the rest, it should move the listener both physically and intellectually. 'Khwesi's "One Bright Day" does just this and offers great riddims, positive messages and all-around crucial songs and we could not recommend it enough to any true roots reggae fan.

   Here's the tracklisting for 'Khwesi's "One Bright Day":

1. One Bright Day 2. Unity 3. Children Want 4. False Prophets 5. In Dis Garden 6. Great M 7. African Children 8. Rise Up 9. Give Thanx 10. African Lion 11. Time Has Come 12. Thank You Jah 13. Na Give Up 14. Crisis

   To order your very own copy of this disc, give a visit to 'Khwesi's website. 'Khwesi has tour dates planned for the upcoming year and will be playing as the Deep Roots Band, so keep watching their site for all the latest news about the band including lyrics, and more information.

CELEBRATION TIME - 

   Of special interest are celebrations taking place in Florida, which will host two major Bob Marley tributes. The first is the "7th Annual Bob Marley One Love Caribbean Music Festival" and will take place on February 12th at Bicentennial Park in Downtown Miami, featuring the likes of the Marley family (including Cedella Marley Booker and Richie Marley Booker), Lauryn Hill and many others. For more information check out the official Bob Marley Movement of Jah People website.

   The second Florida tribute will be held at the Bob Marley Restaurant at the Universal Studios Citywalk in Orlando, Florida on February 26th & 27th. Artists scheduled to appear include Ky-mani Marley, Inner Circle, Third World, Wayne Wonder, Richie Marley Booker, Mad Cobra and others over the two-day celebration. For more information on this event travel over to the Citywalk webpage.

   There are also the large celebrations in California and Washington, D.C., so if you can try to attend and if not you can always pay tribute by simply playing a few songs.

   Many accolades are still pouring in regarding Bob Marley and the dawn of the new millennium. Besides "Exodus" being named as Time magazine's album of the century, the cable music channel VH1, has named Bob Marley & The Wailers' "No Woman No Cry" as one of its "100 Greatest Songs of Rock & Roll." The song came in at number 97 and the songs were chosen by musicians and music executives.

BURNIN' LOVE IN 2000 - 

   We've also updated the Official Junior Marvin site and tour dates should be coming soon for the "Burnin' Love Tour 2000" as well. Pay the site a visit to stay on top of all the latest regarding Junior Marvin.

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HIT ME WITH MUSIC - NEW RELEASES - 

1. Cobra Style 2. Well Pleased 3. I Shall Sing 4. Dreamland 5. I Want To Be Closer/Fire Burning 6. Bend Down Low/Kaya 7. Lively Up Yourself 8. Heathen/Be Wise 9. War/No More Trouble 10. Buffalo Soldier 11. No Woman No Cry

   The line-up contains the same players who you can see touring now, including Marcia Griffiths, Gary "Nesta" Pine, Familyman, Wya, Vin Gordon, Glen DaCosta, and Al Anderson, among others. We have not been able to track down any online sites that offer this special disc, but we will keep our eyes open!

   Out of Australia comes a brand new four-track CD single that contains some infamous Lee Perry produced Bob Marley songs on Ascension Records. The disc entitled "Bob Marley: Black Ark Sessions" features "I Know A Place" and "Who Colt The Game" as well as their dub versions. Apparently these mixes are somewhat different from those found on the three-CD Lee "Scratch" Perry collection "Lost Treasures Of The Ark," which is also being re-released this month on Jet Star Records to a wider market. If you are looking for crystal-clear sound quality then this CD single might not be for you. However, don't let the sound bother you as these songs are fantastic and crucial to any Bob Marley fan. There are also 7" vinyl versions of both of these songs available on the same company which you can order online

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Wailers Shorts - 

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WailersNet - 

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WAILERS SURVEY - 

   This month's question asks "What are your feelings regarding artists releasing their music via the internet through mp3 (ie. Andrew Tosh's "Payday")?" If you have a Java capable browser you can respond to the question. We will have these results next month as well as an all new question! All responses are anonymous!

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GOT THE NEWS FROM A WHISPERING TREE -