Roxroy McLean, Star Intern
The Up Rising Band - Contributed
In the Jamaican music industry, the recent commercial success of live reggae band performances have been relatively quiet, although there has been a resurgent in its appeal to music lovers over the last couple of years.
To date, Third World is widely considered around the world as one of reggae music's most successful live bands. The six-member group was formed in the early 1970s and has remained positive throughout the decades while progressing both locally and internationally.
Third World is one of the longest running, most-diverse bands Jamaica has ever produced, and has influenced several reggae artistes including Damion Marley and dancehall act Sean Paul.
However, in recent times, other live bands such as C Sharp, Live Wire, Dub Tonic and the Up Rising Band have emerged impressively on to the music scene with their own unique styles and delivery.
uniting all racesToday THE WEEKEND STAR focuses on the Up Rising Band, a group that became known to the reggae world five years ago. Speaking via telephone, Lloyd Palmer, the crew's vocalist and keyboard specialist, outlined that they have been utilising music as a medium where they can unite all races.
The other members are bass player, Ruel Ashburn; drummer, Rashaun McAnuff, who is the offspring of long-serving reggae act Winston McAnuff. Joseph Sutherland plays the role as percussionist; Jeffrey Brown plays the keyboard, while I Mojah plays the guitar.
Their Up Rising studio is located in Rockfort and they have so far given exposure to upcoming artistes such as Fredlocks and Vania, vocalists for the band.
Palmer also said that the band, which is based in Springfield Gardens, Rockfort, is currently working on several music projects, one of which is mixing a track titled Love Rastafari for veteran reggae artiste Prince on a beat called Music For Life.
The other members are bass player, Ruel Ashburn; drummer, Rashaun McAnuff, who is the offspring of long-serving reggae act Winston McAnuff. Joseph Sutherland plays the role as percussionist; Jeffrey Brown plays the keyboard, while I Mojah plays the guitar.
Their Up Rising studio is located in Rockfort and they have so far given exposure to upcoming artistes such as Fredlocks and Vania, vocalists for the band.
Palmer also said that the band, which is based in Springfield Gardens, Rockfort, is currently working on several music projects, one of which is mixing a track titled Love Rastafari for veteran reggae artiste Prince on a beat called Music For Life.
a monopolyThey also have in the pipeline, a debut 13-track album, which they hope will be released early next year. Palmer admitted that he believed live bands in Jamaica were being overshadowed by other music bodies. He also stressed that the business has become a monopoly.
"It's a serious thing, because of the monopoly and the payola system. Live bands don't really get that sort of recognition," he said.
Palmer said the group has performed in several South American, Eastern Caribbean and European countries, and produced albums for other artistes. One such act is London-based reggae artiste Herbs Mans on his 'Zacharri' project.
The band also played on Gyptian's My Father Say hit song, which was recorded on the Foundation rhythm. Palmer, who is one of the band's leaders, believes live bands haven't lost their appeal across Jamaica, as good music is what really counts.
"Live events will always gather people, not because it's not seen many other places. People want to have good music to listen and enjoy," he said.
"It's a serious thing, because of the monopoly and the payola system. Live bands don't really get that sort of recognition," he said.
Palmer said the group has performed in several South American, Eastern Caribbean and European countries, and produced albums for other artistes. One such act is London-based reggae artiste Herbs Mans on his 'Zacharri' project.
The band also played on Gyptian's My Father Say hit song, which was recorded on the Foundation rhythm. Palmer, who is one of the band's leaders, believes live bands haven't lost their appeal across Jamaica, as good music is what really counts.
"Live events will always gather people, not because it's not seen many other places. People want to have good music to listen and enjoy," he said.
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