Search - Aswad :: Live & Direct

Incredible

Oliver Morrish | 06/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is hands-down the best live reggae album I have ever heard! The band is on fire, and the recording is raw but captures the moment perfectly. Absolutely an essential part of my collection and one of my all-time favorite records."

A Great Upbeat Affair..Roots Rocking Indeed...

Original Mixed Up-Kid | New York United States | 08/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK..it is a good thing that this CD is re released,Aswad,UB40 and Steel Pulse were the leaders who defined the commercial UK bands.

Whereas Steel Pulse's strength lies in it's jamming ability, a band bolstered by their leader and front man David Hind's, whose feet long dread point upward as their political aspirations do, Aswad on the other hand like Pulse began in earnest as a Jazz fused reggae band but evolved more as sweet soul men masking behind sci-fi soundscapes,sweet Abba tunes later converted into hits,more lover's rock than strident militancy.

Aswad's introversion is more into love making than militancy, as a then functional trio they packed a unique rhythm with funky,sweet and lovely harmonies, great studio chicanery and overall stellar musicianship...

This live CD is a great upbeat affair,one of the best live reggae Cd's of any band capturing Aswad live at The Notting Hill Gate Carnival 1n 1983 when Aswad became a trio packing a strong punch behind main main Brinsley Forde, his co singer and drummer Drummie Zeb,and bassist Tony Robinson.The lineup here includes 2 lead guitarists, keyboards and that great traditional horn team of a sax,trumpet and trombone adding sway to the sensuous rhythms of Aswad.

The songs contained within were their staples of the time, with a 10 minute medley recorded well and mastered digitally...the cover artwork depicts the UK festival with it's political undertones and overt festivities..you can feel it all here..

Aswad's next studio album, Rebel Souls, their studio classic, will probably be reissued as well.

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