1973 in Kingston, Jamaica was an absolutely insane time in musical history. Bob Marley and his label Island Records were at the peak of their powers, dub music and deejaying were emerging from a reggae subculture, and new configurations of R&B and calypso were lighting up dance clubs around the city. Enter THIRD WORLD, a group of friends who found their own place in this rich ecosystem, “seamlessly fusing reggae with soul and pop” (Billboard). They caught Marley’s eye, were asked to tour in support of the Wailers, and the rest is history. Forty-plus years and ten GRAMMY nominations later, they are as cool, steady and easy as ever.
Last year they lost their beloved leader William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, but the magnificent AJ Brown took on lead vocals and they have risen like the phoenix from the ashes, discovering new corners of the same time-tested grooves. Brooklyn is home to the largest Jamaican population anywhere other than Kingston. The faithful will be out in force, so come early to this one.
Opening the evening is AWA SANGHO, “the Golden Voice of Mali.” Born near Timbuktu and raised in the Ivory Coast, Sangho carries the rich tradition of West African song in her heart and lungs.