After a few weeks on the road with opening act Public Property, what does Toots Hibbert think of the Iowa-based reggae combo’s new CD Work to Do? (Little Fish Records).
Rewarding words. Public Property founder David Bess was just thrilled to share vocals on the CD’s infectious title track with Toots, whose gospel-tinged reggae creations first fired his passion for reggae. Not to mention Elliot Martin of John Brown’s Body adding roots flavor to "Fight for Your Life," Victor "Ticklah" Axelrod remixing the dub-tastic "Stank Sauce Dub," and ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro, from Bess’ native Hawaii, destroying the solo on swinging album closer "Coming Down the Mountain." "A humungous honor," Bess says. "He’s the master."
Guest stars aside, Public Property’s fourth album is a big leap forward for the seven-piece band. Recorded more or less live to analog tape in the northwoods of Wisconsin, Work to Do seamlessly blends Bess’ deep grasp of roots reggae idioms and stunningly authentic vocal approach with tight band arrangements and surprising textural touches: sweet female harmonies and Euforquestra’s horn blasts, ukulele rhythms and jazz fusion guitar licks. The result is pure and joyous -- from the ‘60s-style singalong "Marianne" to the trippy come-on "Morning Glory."
I don’t know what kind of music we make...
We’re a reggae band with a big roots influence.
But if something else hits us right, we don’t deny it.
The music has to move forward.
- Dave Bess
In keeping with the best of reggae, the CD delivers an uncompromising message - if you take the time to listen while you’re jamming. The central theme: Our troubled planet is public property for which we’re all responsible, and we must erase artificial barriers of nation, race and religion to work together.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t whistle while you work. Pull Work to Do from its sleeve and another message appears underneath: "Play."...
I like to take a serious, doomsday topic and make it uplifting - that positive attitude is one thing I love about reggae music. The world is in an emergency situation, but we shouldn’t be downhearted. It’s important in this time to do what you can, organize and be conscious, but put the record on and have fun. There’s work to do, but you have to have play too.
Catch Public Property live on the road with Toots & the Maytals or on the new CD Work to Do, and you’ll see this is the upcoming American reggae band to watch. As Bess sings on the track "Dread None": "This music is not a passing fashion, music moves a message, message moves action."
<- Back to Projects
It’s wicked - this is the new sound,
Public Property will win a Grammy for this record!
-- 'Toots' Hibbert
Public Property will win a Grammy for this record!
-- 'Toots' Hibbert
Rewarding words. Public Property founder David Bess was just thrilled to share vocals on the CD’s infectious title track with Toots, whose gospel-tinged reggae creations first fired his passion for reggae. Not to mention Elliot Martin of John Brown’s Body adding roots flavor to "Fight for Your Life," Victor "Ticklah" Axelrod remixing the dub-tastic "Stank Sauce Dub," and ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro, from Bess’ native Hawaii, destroying the solo on swinging album closer "Coming Down the Mountain." "A humungous honor," Bess says. "He’s the master."
Guest stars aside, Public Property’s fourth album is a big leap forward for the seven-piece band. Recorded more or less live to analog tape in the northwoods of Wisconsin, Work to Do seamlessly blends Bess’ deep grasp of roots reggae idioms and stunningly authentic vocal approach with tight band arrangements and surprising textural touches: sweet female harmonies and Euforquestra’s horn blasts, ukulele rhythms and jazz fusion guitar licks. The result is pure and joyous -- from the ‘60s-style singalong "Marianne" to the trippy come-on "Morning Glory."
We’re a reggae band with a big roots influence.
But if something else hits us right, we don’t deny it.
The music has to move forward.
- Dave Bess
In keeping with the best of reggae, the CD delivers an uncompromising message - if you take the time to listen while you’re jamming. The central theme: Our troubled planet is public property for which we’re all responsible, and we must erase artificial barriers of nation, race and religion to work together.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t whistle while you work. Pull Work to Do from its sleeve and another message appears underneath: "Play."...
Catch Public Property live on the road with Toots & the Maytals or on the new CD Work to Do, and you’ll see this is the upcoming American reggae band to watch. As Bess sings on the track "Dread None": "This music is not a passing fashion, music moves a message, message moves action."
<- Back to Projects
Copyright ©2008