by Howard Campbell
SOUTH FLORIDA – Information that The Wailers break up in 1974 had music followers in Jamaica questioning what would occur to its members — Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston. Marley was the primary to reply that query with Natty Dread, his highly effective solo debut album.
Though credited to Bob Marley and The Wailers, Natty Dread is the primary album the Jamaican singer-songwriter recorded with out Tosh and Livingston. October marks the fiftieth anniversary of its launch by Island Information.
The earlier yr, The Wailers launched two groundbreaking albums by way of Island — Catch A Hearth and Burnin’ — which helped introduce roots-reggae to audiences in Europe and North America.
After The Wailers ended their 10 years collectively, Island Information founder Chris Blackwell turned to Marley. He wished Marley to unfold roots-reggae and its Rastafarian message world wide.
David Sinclair, writing for udiscovermusic.com in 2023, stated Natty Dread delivered in an enormous approach.
“Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer now departed from the group to determine solo careers of their very own, Marley took maintain of the reins with new confidence and gorgeous outcomes. Listening now to the opening run of tracks it virtually appears like a Biggest Hits assortment – Energetic Up Your self, No Lady, No Cry, Them Stomach Full (However We Hungry) – earlier than you even get to the celebrated title monitor. Natty Dread was a soubriquet Marley had lately acquired on the streets of Jamaica due to his lengthening locks which, as may very well be seen within the cowl {photograph}, had been starting to circulate as freely as his music,” he wrote.
The rhythm part of the Barrett brothers — Aston on bass and Carlton on drums — drove Marley’s militant lyrics. They had been complemented by the bluesy riffs of African American guitarist Al Anderson, and the keyboard touches of 19 year-old Bernard “Touter” Harvey.
“The classes went in a short time again then, plus all of us knew what was anticipated of us. Bob was at all times encouraging everybody to be inventive and provide you with concepts to reinforce the method. This was additionally the primary time I discovered that there was no restrict to doing overdubs. I imagine we had been working with 16 tracks on the time however (engineer) Sylvan Morris made it look like 48,” Harvey, finest identified for his work with Interior Circle, recalled lately.
Natty Dread – Debut of The I Three
Natty Dread launched The I Three, a concord group that included Marley’s spouse Rita, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt. Many critics assume that is Marley’s finest work. It paved the best way for different nice albums by him, similar to Reside!, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, and Kaya. Critics imagine that is Marley’s finest work. It set the stage for different nice albums by him, like Reside!, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, and Kaya.
In 2003, Natty Dread was ranked quantity 181 on Rolling Stone Journal’s checklist of 500 Biggest Albums of All Time. Marley died on Might 11, 1981 from most cancers at age 36.
