Dubwiser recently released their latest album; Bring The Light. The band join us for look at reggae great, Peter Tosh.

Check out our review of Dubwiser’s latest full length player here.

TOTALLY UNIQUE: PETER TOSH

Peter was a totally unique musician, singer, producer and songwriter. In his life and music he appeared completely fearless. Probably like any other human being he was uneasy and even frightened at times, but his convictions helped him overcome and push forward.

Peter’s voice was entirely unique, in the same vein as Nina Simone, Muddy Waters or Billie Holiday. When Peter sang, regardless of the subject matter he sounded like he was singing from a cell in prison, a place he was familiar with after several false arrests and severe beatings at the hands of the Jamaican police.

He is known for ‘Legalize It’ but he did so much more. Peter was a militant and thoughtful songwriter and an equally remarkable guitarist, whose style of playing and his teaching of Bob Marley, was fundamental in setting the sound and feel for reggae guitar to this day. He was a brilliant arranger and producer who gathered around him the very best musicians and set the stage for Sly and Robbie to go on to become THE drum and bass sound of the world.

international renaissance

Tosh stayed loyal to Jamaica, even though the country hadn’t done him many favours. Near the time of his passing he was starting to enjoy an international renaissance, bolstered by transcendental live performances. His sights were newly set on shaking up the corrupt world of JA radio by starting his own independent station.

Spider J & his brother, music journalist John Williams actually knew Peter Tosh after meeting him on one of many European tours. He embraced the young musician & journalist with one of his many slogans: “You can’t blame the youth, you can’t fool the youth”

BRING THE LIGHT

Spider J and I were together at a rehearsal on the evening when the news came through of his tragic and brutal death. There was real sadness in the room, but there was music too, and so… we ‘Come Together’ and  ‘Pass It On’.

On our Album ‘Bring The Light’ you can hear Peter’s influence on tracks like ‘The Chunnyman’ which has the characteristic loping rhythm and big horns found on ‘Reggae Mylitis’. The rhythm and sentiment of our final track ‘The Empire Windrush’ is also a nod to Peter’s classic ‘Pick Myself Up’.

Our thanks go to Dubwiser for their words on a true legend. Check out our review of Dubwiser’s latest full length player here.

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