When Killer
Opening Songs wrote about roots reggae band The Congos a few years ago, it
stated very clearly that Bob Marley had not invented the genre. And the more our
regular music section listens to this syncopated blend of calypso, blues and
rock’n’roll, the more it is convinced that it is important to acknowledge other
artists who have excelled in this particular field.
One of
those giants of reggae music whose oeuvre ought to have a higher profile is Clinton
Fearon. Originally a member of The
Gladiators, a band that found fame in the 70s, Fearon was the bassist
guitarist with the hearty baritone voice.
Although he
did not sing lead vocals at The
Gladiators very often, when he did it, Clinton stood out. If you're asking why, his latest album Heart and Soul will answer your question. It’s because his is an authentic voice with the power to move the
listener. There’re no gimmicks in his delivery, just heart and soul.
One Love is the Killer Opening Song that unrolls
this rich, musical tapestry. Pregnant with a strong social message, this is one
of those melodies that linger long in the mind for days and weeks on end.
One
love hear the children singing
One love they are singing in the background
One love hear the children shouting
One love they are shouting in the background
One love they are singing in the background
One love hear the children shouting
One love they are shouting in the background
Where is equal rights and justice
It's nowhere to be found it's nowhere to be found
If you got it in your bosom your bosom
Check it out check it out
So that we all can be can be redeem
It's nowhere to be found it's nowhere to be found
If you got it in your bosom your bosom
Check it out check it out
So that we all can be can be redeem
The beauty
of One Love, and Heart and Soul by
extent, is Fearon’s intimate approach. You feel as if he were sitting next to
you shooting the breeze, trying to fix the world, guitar in hand.
Ahhh,
yes, the guitar! His playing style is uncomplicated and yet so skilful. On the
clip below he comes across as someone who has an extra limb, a six-stringed one;
so comfortable he looks with that guitar in hand. One Love is followed by Let
Jah Be Praised, an ode to Jah, or Yahweh (Jehovah). Again, his voice is
crisp and clear, telling you that “Remember I'm not a preacher man/Remember
I'm not a teacher man/I'm only singing you my song oh yeah oh yeah/Don't want
Jah glory goes to waste oh no so.” Chatty Chatty
Mouth touches on politics whilst I’m Not Crying shows defiance and
audacity.
Heart
and Soul is one of those magic records, made even more
magical by One Love, the Killer
Opening Song.
© 2013
Next
Post: “Sunday Mornings: Coffee,
Reflections and Music”, to be published on Sunday 19th May at
10am (GMT)
