Things that make me happy… The Last Wailer

April 17, 2011,

Things that make me happy… The Last Wailer

Spring time rocks!!  Winter is over and its time to for things to start growing again, much like a new beginning.  Maybe that’s why I always find myself reconnecting with my roots this time of year.  For me that includes Jamaican culture, in specific food and music.  As I prepare for my helping of Easter bun and cheese and the beginning of mango season, I figure I would explore something new. Let’s start with some music history… 

How much do you remember about the reggae legends like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy, Shabba, and Super Cat?  I remember as a kid, my parents listening to Bob Marley and Wailers blasting throughout the house as I finished my chores (yes, I had chores despite popular belief.) There aren’t many artist producing music that can stand the test of time the way the legends have.

I didn’t realize that there is only one member of the Wailer still alive? 

Bunny Wailer still is alive and kicking and living in Jamaica.  Most people don't know that Bunny taught Marley alot about music. Talented in his own right, he was one of the founding member and was sort of an older brother to Bob.  It's good to hear that, he occasionally still does music but spends most of his time in his home near Kingston. He recently did an interview in a magazine and discussed not only music but the current state of Jamaican politics including a good explanation of the recent Kingston violence associated with the capture of Jamaican drug kingpin Dudas.  Bunny seems to be a supporter of this man and thinks of Dudas as a good man caught in bad Jamaican politics. There a quick history lessons of the creation of the garrison system (and the political parties PNP and JLP) and the lasting the effects on Jamaican society and government for those that may interest.

Link to article
The Last Wailer Music: GQ.com

If you want to hear some of Bunny classic songs…

Reincarnated Souls

http://youtu.be/-7Tv052M_kE

He Who Feels It Knows It

http://youtu.be/zuZWf-w46m0

Moses Children

http://youtu.be/wWjh5zed-F4

Innocent Blood

http://youtu.be/oyaqijPqtP8

Sometimes its good to go exploring for new things. Never know what you might learn.  Well I am going to put Bunny in my playlist this week. And play some classic Marley this weekend when I do my chores…just like old times.

I am curious who did your parents' listen too when you were young?