US concert heads to Jamaica...

Sheldon Wright, Gleaner Writer

Reggae music is still alive and ready to deliver more than ever says reggae veterans, The Tamlins, as they hope to bring a great performance to this year's Reggae Salute, themed 'Honour the Stars' in Jamaica.

According to promoter Junior Forbes, he wants to bring back the sensational flavour of reggae with vintage artistes such as The Tamlins, Frankie Paul, John Holt, Ken Boothe, and Johnny Clarke, to be staged at the Liguenea Club on October 17.

The promoter hopes the event, which will be emceed by Professor Nuts, will be accepted wholeheartedly in Jamaica.

"Added to this, we just want people to appreciate a good reggae concert in the Kingston area."

The Sunday Gleaner spoke with the The Tamlins which comprises Carlton Smith, Junior Moore and Derrick Lara. The trio are described as a blend between Bob Marley and Earth, Wind and Fire.

The Tamlins are known for hits such as Baltimore, Ting A Ling, Laying Beside You, Go Away Dream.

When asked how they felt about the ever growing perception that reggae is on the decline, Moore, responded by saying "reggae music is still alive but in Jamaica is not appreciated like one time, and, to be honest, the media has played a part in causing that, and is more the young dancehall ting them want."

Smith backed up that point when he said, "People will make it seem like we are not producing music, but we always working. We are here and we like what guys like Rootz Underground and Protoje (are) doing, his mother Lorna Bennett was a great singer who sang Breakfast in Bed."

Indelible mark

Forbes has been in the promoting business since the 1980s and wants to make an indelible mark with reggae music. Forbes reiterates, "It's amazing how there are few reggae shows in Jamaica, and this is where it came from. It's surprising that I couldn't even get a lot of sponsors for this event, most of it is coming out of my own pocket, but I believe in this a lot."

According to The Tamlins, who have toured the world, they were the first reggae band to go to countries like Italy, France and other parts of Europe.

Carlton Smith explained to The Sunday Gleaner that the group helped to open doors for bands today.

"Yeah man, we tour some amazing places and meet some amazing people from France, Italy, all 'bout," said Smith.

"Man, a show like this we have to give great respect because this is a good thing to happen here," said Lara.