Aswad (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Aswad


Img_capt = Aswad, 2007
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = London, England
Genre = Reggae
Years_active = 1975–present
Label = PROTV
Associated_acts =
URL =
Current_members = Martin Augustine
Brinsley Forde
Drummie Zeb
Jimmy J-Slice
Paul Garred
Donald Griffiths
Jimmy Haynes
Clifton Morrison
Tony Robinson
Past_members =

Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long lasting British reggae group, that is noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the mid-1970s, having released a total of 21 albums.

History

As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the "kids" were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove.

The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Angus "Drummie Zeb" Gaye, and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear's 1977 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London. Other contributors included Vin Gordon, Bongo Levi, and Karl Pitterson.Larkin, Colin (1998) "The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae", Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9]

They became one the UK's top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as "Three Babylon" and "It's Not Our Wish", and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental "Warrior Charge" (full versions of these available on the "Showcase" album).

Aswad gained a wider audience with the "New Chapter" album (1981). "Love Fire" gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown's "Promised Land".

Among Aswad's catalogue of hits is "Don't Turn Around", a UK no.1 pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner's hit "Typical Male", which was later covered by Ace of Base; they followed this up with UK #11 hit "Give A Little Love", and a reggae flavoured rendition of "Best of My Love", first popularised and written by The Eagles. Their next hit, "Shine", was released in 1994. Another track was the upbeat 1998 remake of The Police's "Invisible Sun", performed with Sting.

The band also hold the distinction of having played with each one of the ex-Wailers.

In 2000, the band was mentioned in the British situation comedy, Spaced. In an argument, Tim Bisley accuses Daisy of spending, "hours in front of the mirror bogling to Aswad."

Band members

*Martin Augustine aka "Tatta" - Lead guitar
*Brinsley Forde aka "Dan" (born 16 October 1952, Guyana) - Vocals, Rhythm guitar
*Drummie Zeb aka Angus Gaye (born 1959, London, United Kingdom) - Vocals, drums
*Donald Griffiths (born 1954, Jamaica)
*Jimmy Haynes aka "Senyah" - Lead guitar, Acoustic guitar
*Clifton Morrison aka "Bigga" - Vocals, keyboards, Melodica
*George Oban - Left in 1980 - Bass guitar
*Tony Gad - real name Dennis Anthony Robinson, born 11 November 1957, London. Joined in 1980 - Vocals, Bass guitar

Additional musicians

Keyboard players
* Courtney Hemmings
* Bubblers
* Michael Martin - also performed with the Spice Girls and Vanessa-MaeHorn Section
* TanTan - Eddie "Papa" Edward Thorton, trumpet.
* Brian - Saxophone
* Trevor Jones - TromboneDrums and percussion
* Lion - Prerry Melius - drummer

Production work

* Ace of Base remix of "Don't Turn Around" (#10 hit in the UK)
* Vanessa Mae - "Classical Gas" (Top 30 hit in UK)
* Janet Kay - "Missing You"

Discography

*1976: "Aswad" - Mango Records
*1978: "Hulet" - Mango Records
*1981: "New Chapter" - Columbia Records
*1981: "Showcase" - Mango Records
*1982: "A New Chapter of Dub" - Mango Records
*1982: "Not Satisfied" - Columbia Records
*1983: "Live and Direct" - Mango Records
*1984: "Rebel Souls" - Mango Records
*1986: "To the Top" - Simba
*1988: "Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio" - Jah Shaka
*1988: "Distant Thunder" - Mango Records
*1988: "Renaissance - 20 Crucial Tracks" - Stylus
*1989: "Aswad: Crucial Tracks
*1990: "Next to You" - Alex
*1990: "Too Wicked" - Mango Records
*1993: "Firesticks" - Alex
*1994: "Rise and Shine" - Rhino Entertainment
*1995: "Rise and Shine Again!" - Mesa
*1995: "Dub: The Next Frontier" - Mesa
*1997: "Big Up" - Atlantic Records
*1997: "The BBC Sessions"
*1999: "Roots Revival" - Ark 21
*2001: "25 Live: 25th Anniversary"
*2002: "Cool Summer Reggae"

ee also

*List of reggae musicians
*John Arnison

References

External links

* [http://www.blackworld.com/proffs/artistes/aswad.htm Biography and discography]
* [http://www.d-z.co.uk/aswad Gallery of Aswad party pictures by dz studios]
* [http://www.myspace.com/aswaduk My Space profile]