So far this summer, KCRW airwaves have been a sort of unofficial celebration of Reggae.
We’ve seen our Morning Becomes Eclectic session with Jimmy Cliff re-issued as a full-length album. Our own Music Director and host of MBE, Jason Bentley was the Executive Producer for a remix album of Bob Marley & The Wailers “Legend” album. Plus a handful of epic in studio performances from groups like The Lions and Tom Chasteen’s Dub Club.
But one of the most memorable Reggae inspired moments happened in the Fall of 2012 when we welcomed the be-speckled soul singer from the Pacific Northwest into our studio. As the son of a preacher man, Allen Stone finds his voice in a place much deeper than his lungs can reach. It comes from a place that only salvation and wonder can live, a place that redeems and offers clarity.
A Zion perhaps?
However Allen Stone finds his talent, it was evident during that performance that he has the ability to harness its strength and share it with the world. And in this summer of reggae, that’s the message that has resonated the most: Whatever your religion or creed, we’re in a better place when we share what we have with those around us.
So sit back, find your Zen, and let Allen Stone take you to church. The Honorable Nesta Robert Marley will hold the door.