The musical legacy of Bob Marley and his support band, the Wailers, remains vibrant, even though Marley died 40 years ago.
Marley’s songbook can be heard live by her children and grandchildren (son Stephen was brilliant at the Empire State Plaza a couple of years ago and grandson Skip recently performed at MASS MoCA) and through various branches of acts with the name Wailers.
One of these incarnations of the legendary band will make a stop in the Plaza on August 25, as guitarist Junior Marvin will perform with his Legendary Wailers as part of the Capital Concert Series.
With all these different iterations of the Marley brand out there, it’s hard to analyze which ones are worthwhile or, for lack of a better word, authentic. As Marvin explains, they all come with the blessing of Marley.
“Before he died, he talked to all of us in the band and said, ‘Do your best to keep going,'” Marvin said.
“Working with Bob was rewarding as a musician,” he continued. “We were disciplined, always in rehearsal, performing or writing songs; there was no stop. I consider continuing as a way to share with people what’s important about music and how it inspired me. “
As for the artists who possess the skill and musical vision to perform Wailers ’classic material, Marvin’s credibility is impeccable. He joined the group in 1977, when he began work on “Exodus”, the iconic album that Time magazine selected as the best album of the 20th century. That single bottle you hear in “The Heathen,” along with the funky basics of “Natural Mystic” and “Jamming,” are courtesy of Marvin’s impeccable draft and tone.
Marvin was in the Wailers when they transcended reggae and became world pop superstars. As lead guitarist on the acclaimed albums “Kaya”, “Survival” and “Uprising”, he played an instrumental (no pun intended) role in Marley’s musical and cultural significance. But what’s interesting is that instead of being a key part of Marley’s story, Marvin could have ended up in a completely different career, but still worth mentioning.
Born in Jamaica and raised in London, Marvin was cultivating a niche for himself as a rock ‘n’ roll guitarist. He entered the business as guitarist for Ike and Tina Turner, blues legend T-Bone Walker and Steve Winwood and signed his own record deal with Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Then, in 1977, he received job offers the same day. One was Marley, who was looking for a guitarist of Jamaican descent to join his band. The other came from Stevie Wonder, who had just released “Songs in the Key of Life” and was at his creative peak.
Choosing between Marley and Wonder seems like an impossible decision to make. Turns out it wasn’t as difficult for Marvin as you might think.
“The funny thing is, I didn’t really choose,” he explained. “I received an offer from both Bob and Stevie Wonder the same day and I just blasted the goosebumps. I called my family and friends, and they said, ‘You were born in Jamaica; you have to give support for your country.
“Stevie wanted me to sign a 10-year contract and I told her my only problem with the offer was this; Bob had told me to come and try it and see what happens, “Marvin recalled. . I just said, “Wow, he’s very kind of you.”
And the rest, as they say, is history. Marley “really took off” and Marvin found the creative space where he has operated for almost 50 years.
In the years since Marley’s death, Marvin has played on four Wailers Band albums, released three solo albums, and is preparing a fourth.
As she prepares this LP, Marvin appreciates the opportunity to get back on the road and turn around. During the pandemic he kept his shores writing, recording and playing live. In-person shows are essential to help you spread your own music and allow for an auditory and spiritual community experience.
“I did a few virtual shows and they were a lot of fun; it was good to get together (with a band) and make sure we weren’t rusty, ”he said. “But I certainly think the whole world is looking forward to having live shows again, for sure, after this drought.
Capital concert series with The Legendary Wailers
DJ Turbo and Anthem special guests
When: 5 pm, Wednesday 25 August
On: Empire State Plaza, Albany
Tickets: Free
For more information: juniormarvinswailers.com
“My only concern is that for a lot of people, they’re not sure they want to go or they’re broken because finding a new career isn’t easy,” Marvin added. “But there is a learning curve for everyone and we hope this will help make people more compassionate and share the love, the only love and the basic truth that everyone loves music and music makes everyone be the same “.
