As I settle in to write a piece that celebrates the music of reggae legend Bob Marley on the 30th anniversary of his passing, I'm compelled to do what any a music writer would to get my creative juices flowing and focused on Marley's rastafied sonics (not that! I know what some of you are thinking) — turn on Legend - The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers, and let the positive vibrations play on uninterrupted.
The groovin' reggae riddims and lovers roots-rock conjure vivid memories of my summers as a teen living the life on Maryland's east coast, which is about the time I first came upon the album in my parents' collection. I turned on my best friends and Legend became a staple, the background music for days spent lazily hanging out, walking down the boardwalk, laying on beach. The greatest hits gem also began my connection with Marley’s music as a source of reflection and peace of mind. While at first, tracks like "Stir it Up," with its funky basslines, easily appealed to the helpless romantic I was at 15 and 16 years old, the album has maintained its esteemed place in my collection because of the music's deeper messages, like those permeating the lyrics of "Redemption Song" — "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery / none but ourselves can free our minds."
It is with my own personal respect for Marley’s powerful Jamaican-bred music, and as an adoring fan of the man who brought reggae to the world, that I went into my interview with his second-born son, Stephen Marley. Stephen is a talented and acclaimed musician in his own right. He's earned multiple Grammys for his work as a producer, singer and songwriter, including 2008's award for "Best Reggae Album" for his solo debut, Mind Control. Known for his hip-hip and R&B-fused style of reggae, he's another Marley with the desire to uphold his father's pursuit of opening people's minds through music. Everything was irie when I caught up with the gracious, easy-going musician via phone on a recent Monday afternoon. We discussed his upcoming release, Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life, the first of a two-part installment, as well as the enduring power of his father's musical legacy three decades after his passing. Check out the complete conversation below. To enhance your reading experience, I suggest imagining Marley’s responses as delivered in a heavy Jamaican accent.
CL: I would love to talk about your new album, Revelation Part 1: The Root of life, out May 24. Tell me about the release and what inspired the music for the first part of the Revelation project.
Stephen Marley:For the first part, The Root of Life, the concept behind the record is mostly roots reggae … I didn't really stray too far from the root. Like with "No Cigarette Smoke" [audio below], it's lovers' rock, original reggae and "Jah Army" is that type of '80s reggae like Sly and Robbie, so the record really represents the roots.
NO CIGARETTE SMOKIN - STEPHEN MARLEY & MELANIE FIONA by Stephen Marley
What do you want listeners to take from Root of Life? Are there any overriding messages you hope to convey through the music?
Yea, definitely, there’s messages … songs like "Made in Africa" [audio below], which in the beginning has a commentary saying scientists found proof that Africa is the origin of mankind. Not just the black man, but all of mankind … but it's a good record. There's growth in it. It's really only my second solo project, so there is growth from my perspective. And those who know my music, they will love the growth. And those who don’t know me yet, but I hope are introduced to the music through this record, or Mind Control, whichever way, will check this record again and they will hear the growth.
Made In Africa (Feat. Wale & The Cast of Fela) - Stephen Marley Revelation Pt. 1: The Roots of Life by Stephen Marley
What about Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life? Why are you releasing the album in two parts? When is it due out?
With The Fruit of Life, the concept of the album represents the bearing of fruit, which is the offspring of the root and the tree. Some fruits are tart, some are sweet, some are fully ripe, some are tangy, so you get a more eclectic sounding album and - yea mon' - we’re planning to release that in the fall.
So, are you looking forward to playing the Best of the Best Concert in Miami on Memorial Day weekend? Do you enjoy playing huge reggae events with a lot of other musicians?
Yea mon'! Any platform where the people are willing to listen and appreciate the music you bring is always a good thing, so I’m definitely looking forward to the show.
This week marks the 30th anniversary of your father’s passing. Why do you think it is that people in countries all over the world connect to his music and allow his “One Love” legacy to live on 30 years after his death?
Well … so check it. Bob come from an island. Bob come from the country of an island and moved to the ghetto on this island and then straight on to da’ whole world and who we know him as today and what his music stands for today. So, that is just ordained — this man and the world. And all of those who were involved and still are to make the music what it is are ordained souls also mon'.
How has your father’s beautiful and inspiring music positively affected you and your life?
My father’s music impacted my life positively in much the same way it impacted yours, ya know what I mean? But my father is my mentor and his music is definitely the backbone of our life. The lessons and the integrity of his music and what he stands for and what the music stands for — that’s the root of everything right there.
Stephen Marley plays the 2011 Best of the Best Concert Memorial Day weekend (May 28-29) at Bicentennial Park in Miami. Other performers include brother Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Trina, Chris Brown and Keri Hilson, among many others. Admission is $52 per person per day general, $120 VIP; combo Saturday-Sunday tickets, $95/$220.
Side Note: In honor of the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s death, Jimmy Fallon presents "Bob Marley Week," with each night’s musical acts paying tribute to the reggae king by performing Marley covers. Acts include Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Cornell, Jakob Dylan and Lenny Kravitz — just another reason why Jimmy Fallon is the best. Check out Ziggy Marley's Monday night appearance below.
