By ADAM SHAW, Special to Bootleg Essential Culture
The Wailers will perform during the Solid Orange festival on April 11.
Backing bands are sometimes the unsung or underappreciated launching pad for the biggest icons in music. Bob Dylan had The Hawks (later renamed The Band),Backing bands are sometimes the unsung or underappreciated launching pad for the biggest icons in music. Bob Dylan had The Hawks (later renamed The Band), James Brown had The JB’s and Bob Marley had The Wailers.
The Wailers formed in 1969 when Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh brought bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett and his brother Carlton into the fold. Aston’s rhythmic bass lines laid the foundations for Marley’s soothing, streetwise reggae.
When Tosh and Wailer left the band in 1973, Marley channeled his “One Love” philosophy through new means. With Aston and Carlton on bass and drums respectively, the band gained new harmonies from the I Threes, their background singers. The I Threes, including Marley’s wife, provided soulful coos on Marley’s biggest U.S. release, “Rastaman Vibration.”
The Wailers emerged with an even fuller sound. Junior Marvin, Al Anderson, Wya Lindo, Seeco Patterson and Tyrone Downing brought a rich, relaxed sound to Marley’s rasta sermons.
Marley spent the rest of his life preaching peace, love and freedom through his work with The Wailers until his death from cancer in 1981. His last album published during his life, “Uprising,” included such moving tracks as “Redemption Song.”
Marley’s musical backbone continued to tour after his death, keeping their close ties with their Jamaican homeland. Carlton Barrett died in 1987, while singer Elan Atias brought newly infused soul to the group.
Aston and Atias are arguably the strongest adhesive for The Wailers. Aston’s longstanding acclaim on bass is a counterpoint to Atias’ fresh influences. Tracks like “Cobra Style Dub” showcase The Wailers’ ability to put new synth styles into the tried-and-true formula of reggae beats and bass lines.
“Rebel Am I” has meandering effects on guitar that cycle around Aston’s gripping riffs. Hushed horns cry out to the streets throughout.
The Wailers are carrying on the spirit of one of the 20th century’s most iconic musicians, and they’re doing it with love. They’ve toured new territories like Africa and the Far East to spread their reggae legend.
