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Post by kaya on Jan 29, 2007 18:41:17 GMT -5
Ziggy making melody with new Marleys
Ziggy, the eldest son of Rita and Robert Nesta Marley may be organising another Melody Makers grouping with the arrival of his second offspring since he married Orly Agai.
Gideon Robert Nesta Marley, the new addition, debuted Friday, January 12, weighing in at seven pounds 14 ounces, one year and 10 months after his sister, Judah Victoria Marley.
Named for his grandfather, the late Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, Gideon stretched 20 inches long to measure another celebrated event for the couple.
Marley 5 to ‘Get up’ for ‘Smile Jamaica’
To cap one week’s acknowledgement of the 62nd anniversary of the birth of reggae legend, Robert Nesta Marley, five of his sons will travel to Nine Miles, St. Ann, to perform a set reminiscent of the ‘Smile Jamaica’ concert of 1976.
Following a tradition recalled in Orlando, Florida, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, the icon’s birthday has been marked by weeklong and month-long commemorations. In Kingston, the Bob Marley Foundation plans “Get Up Stand Up” — a series of events including symposia, films, and a shakedown party at the 56 Hope Road Museum beginning on February 5 continuing until the eve of the Nine Miles concert event.
Ziggy, Damian, Stephen, Julian, and Kymani have all confirmed their February 10 appearance. The brothers performed at Port Royal for the 50th anniversary of Studio One Records three years ago and continue to headline major anniversary celebrations held in their father’s honour.
SOURCE: Sunday Herald Ja.
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Post by kaya on Feb 12, 2007 15:58:31 GMT -5
ZIGGY MARLEY WINS REGGAE ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR "LOVE IS MY RELIGION".
Bless
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Post by kaya on Feb 12, 2007 16:13:39 GMT -5
Ziggy Marley's win at the Grammy awards made it four And the Grammy Award for The Best Reggae Album goes to Ziggy Marley Love Is My Religion hurled Ziggy Marley to the top reggae spot in the 49th annual Grammy awards show held at Los Angels' Staples Center on February 11, 2007. Introduced as a Grammy category in 1985, the category of Best Reggae Album had a roster of the industry's' finest up for 2007 awards. Ziggy's triumph this year comes as the 4th such honour for him, as he walked down the Grammy Award winning road before in 1988, 1989 and 1997. Also nominated for the 2007 award were: Buju Banton for "Too Bad," Matisyahu with his album "Youth," Sly and Robbie's "Rhythm Doubles," and UB40's "Who You Fighting For." Never to be worn out is the old adage - love conquers all. So we join Ziggy and his father Bob Marley in encouraging the manifestation of this very sound message of love worldwide. Congratulations to you Ziggy Marley for the win and big up as well to all 2007 nominees. Taken from: Yardflex www.yardflex.com |
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Post by kaya on Feb 13, 2007 10:47:54 GMT -5
2006 Reggae Grammy winner Ziggy Marley Citizen of Earth Michael A Edwards Tuesday, February 13, 2007 Grammy winner Ziggy Marley As happy as he is about the result, Ziggy Marley is n't all that hung up on the Grammys or on awards in general. "I try not to get excited or put too much emphasis on the whole award ting," he said, speaking by phone to the Observer in the wake of his announcement as the winner of what for many is still music's cherished recognition. "If people ask, is Love Is My Religion that win the Grammy. This give me another platform to get the message out, that's what is most important" he said, in reference to the title of the album and the lead-off single, a modest hit. And what exactly is the message? "I'm really trying to make an evolution within the song, within the music to try to get us to being better people. If you really check it, the concept of God was never meant to divide people. Its really been about love from the beginning, that is what I read in the Bible and what Yeshua teach - love one another." As even the Grammy winner will acknowledge, love another is a hard sell in an era increasingly fraught with conflicts motivated by divergent religious beliefs. "Yeah," he says. "It a get worse." Initially hesitant, Ziggy offers this perspective on why inter-faith conflicts now seems intractable. "Well is generation after generation keep educating their children the wrong way, everybody pushing their own political view of the thing under the guise of religion and keep people divided. It jus keep the passin' on from one to the next, and each generation it get worse." There are, of course, other things to reflect on, and one of the album's other interesting tunes, On A Beach In Hawaii, (writtenon an actual visit to the Pacific island group some years ago), provides a neat vehicle for introspection. Against a somewhat plaintively strummed guitar, he manages to pull past, present and future together, reflecting on what it means to be a Marley and the inherent tension that poses vis-a-viz the search for a personal identity. "Is really a love song," he says, in an almost self-deprecatory manner, " but it have a whole heap a different layers to it." Ziggy Marley confides that such distance from his native land is not merely welcome but occasionally necessary. "Even though I born in Jamaica, and I love Jamaica, still, it's good to experience Earth, because that's the one thing we all have in common, we are from Earth. So, as a human being and as an artiste, it's part of my journey and my development." The journey takes him next to China, virgin territory in more than one respect. "It's my first trip. I know the people and I know about the culture, but this is my first time actually going there and that's the thing that really excite me - being able to get dis message to a lot of different people." And a timely trip it is, as only recently Universal Music China (As reported in the Sunday Observer, February 11), is making a significant promotional push behind a Chinese-language verison of Legend, the disc that cemented his father's standing as a global icon, though the same reports have it that the name Bob Marley has little cachet-as yet-among the average Chinese. It is, however, recognised by Grammy voters. This win marks the third time in five years that a Marley scion has taken the Reggae Grammy, and with brother Stephen's solo debut, Mind Control, now on the streets, there could well be a repeat next year. Dynasty? As he said, Ziggy's not too hung up on awards, but the win does beg the question, "Does he believe that the panel chose his album based on his lineage? "Listen to the music," he answers, " and then you can judge for yourself." Taken from the Jamaica Observer www.jamaicaobserver.com
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Post by kaya on Apr 4, 2007 17:36:54 GMT -5
Ziggy Marley: Music and ministration
"Love is the ultimate expression of spirituality. People everywhere look for God in different ideologies and call Him by different names. Yet I believe the only way to God is through true love."
Thus, says Ziggy Marley who was like pope with important message to bear during the recent press conference for the "MTV Reggae Fest By The Bay" that the dreadlocked superstar headlined. Ziggy is the son of Bob Marley who (together with his group The Wailers) made indigenous Jamaican music, ‘reggae,’ popular the world over.
"Music by itself carries a force that when paired with meaningful lyrical content could be bigger than us," says he. "And what message could be more meaningful than love? Love is not beyond social and political issue; it is human issue."
The Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter says all this in-character. His latest album, Love is my Religion, revolved around spiritual, social and political themes. One track, Into The Groove, is rumination on finding one’s self. Another, Still On The Storms, parallels the crises in Sudan, Rwanda and Sierra Leone with hurricanes and slave ships. Black Cat is for dissing stereotypes and superstitions. Ziggy is that kind of person: Deep.
Asked if he sings his famous dad’s songs, Ziggy affirms and then some. "I do but not because people expect or want me to. I sing his songs because when I do, I feel a connection between us. My dad has taught us a lot; about discipline, hard work and love. I have been a son of Bob Marley for a long time now and will always be so proudly."
Before going solo, Ziggy was part of the sibling musical act, The Melody Makers. With the group, Ziggy melded reggae with genres blues, R&B and hiphop for two decades.
It was in 2003 when Ziggy left The Melody Makers. His debut album was Dragonfly that featured collaborations with Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Flea and John Frusciante, and Incubus’s Mike Einziger and DJ Kilmore.
Before the release of his sophomore CD, Love Is My Religion, Ziggy contributed songs to the soundtracks of Shark’s Tale and 50 First Dates (the remake of 80’s The Cars-classic, Drive).
Outside of music, Ziggy has founded URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization for charitable children’s causes, in developing nations. He, too, supports Youth AIDS campaign.
In "MTV Reggae Fest By The Bay" held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Saturday, March 24, Ziggy was biggest name on marquee that also held featured local reggae bands. These were Coffeebreak Island, Indio I, Junior Kilat, Kudos, La Cucarasta, Milagros Dancehall Collective, Peacepipe, Reggae Mistress, Rubadub, Spy and Tropical Depression. "I like the vibe here in Manila. Good vibes. Much like Jamaica," says Ziggy who will also be in China, Japan and Australia in the following weeks.
What is Bob Marley’s greatest legacy? "Uplifting oppressed people especially of Zimbabwe. He was freedom fighter against British colonial rule. He understood that everyone is ‘rasta’ or a child of God thanks to reggae. Like my Dad, I know that I did not choose reggae but that it chose me. Making reggae music a calling, not work."
Reggae is ‘ragged’ style of Jamaican folk music rooted on drum music traditions of Africa and New Orleans rhythm n' blues. Its trademarks are lament-like style of chanting and emphasis on syncopated beats where the role of bass and guitar is inverted in what is called ‘hiccuping’ pattern.
In recent years, reggae has spun off sub-genres dancehall, ragamuffin and dub.
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Post by kaya on Apr 10, 2007 15:11:59 GMT -5
Ziggy retreats from Target Exclusive distribution was a mistake, he says - But I still made history BY CHARMAINE N CLARKE Observer writer Sunday, April 08, 2007 SHANGHAI, China - With the drawing to a close of his one-year exclusive distribution deal with the American department store chain, Target, Ziggy Marley is looking for new US distributors for his Grammy Award-winning album, Love Is My Religion. MARLEY. we have a few interested parties "Right now, we in the process of speaking with different companies to distribute it on a wider basis," he told the Observer. "We still a work out the deal; we have a few interested parties. But the Target ting, it was a adventure," he added with a smile. Just not one he wants to repeat. "I wouldn't do it again because it limited the exposure to only people who went to Target, yuh nuh. So, I mean, I learn a lesson," he admitted. Not only had he learned a valuable lesson, he said, but he had also made history. "It was the first time that had been done in the history a music, so it play a part in history," he said, "but I wouldn't do it that way again." Target, like Wal-Mart and Kmart, is a popular low-priced chain of retail stores. Ziggy had no specifics on how well the album was selling, when asked about sales. "Me nevah check; but I tink it going fine. I think me sell more than one," he said, chuckling at his own joke. In addition to Target, the CDs are available online via Ziggy's home page. But the fans that turned out for his shows in China had no opportunity to get their hands on any of the CDs on location. With no distributor in China and international customs restrictions, none were on sale at the venues. "In Europe, the rest of the world we have a distributor; in Australia, Japan. The only place is like China and the Philippines," Ziggy explained, adding that albums had been sold at other locations during the year-long tour. Released in July 2006, Love Is My Religion is Ziggy's second solo album without the Melody Makers. His first solo was Dragonfly, released in 2003. With Love Is My Religion, Ziggy was able to fulfill a dream that his father once had but never managed to accomplish: the album was independently produced on his Tuff Gong World Wide label. Married life less stressful, says Ziggy BY CHARMAINE N CLARKE Observer writer Sunday, April 08, 2007 SHANGHAI, China - Roughly two years into his marriage, Ziggy Marley claims to find matrimony a refreshingly liberating experience. "Married life nice," he said, after a long chuckle at the question. He leaned forward as he searched for the words, fidgeting out of his comfortable sprawl on a strait-backed chair in his dressing room. He was speaking with the Observer at the Yun Feng Theatre here, on March 27, shortly before the Shanghai show for his Love is My Religion tour. For a moment he wasn't Ziggy, eldest son of reggae icon Bob Marley. He was simply 38 year-old David, with a Jewish wife named Orly, mother of the last two of his five children. To hear Ziggy tell it, he has no regrets about giving up bachelorhood. "I've been around, I've done the other tings so me nuh miss nutten," he said in his typical blend of English and Jamaican dialect, patois. "I've done dat already inna me younger days." Matrimony has grounded him, in a good way, he says. "Married life, it kinda balancing and settling. Less stress, yuh nuh haffi lie and dem ting de," he added with a wide grin. Some of that balance and maturity is evident in the Grammy Award-winning album whose promotional tour took him to China. Ziggy is the songwriter/producer and plays multiple instruments on the album, which was independently produced on the Tuff Gong World Wide label. The title track, based on what Ziggy has explained in earlier interviews, is both a love song and a message song. "It's all about love and all aspects of love," he was quoted in a Billboard.com article last April. In more recent interviews in the Observer, he has alluded to the catchy guitar-laced tune as being his response to all the hatred that has been spawned in the name of religion over the centuries. The title and first lines of the song, Ziggy has said, spilled from his lips when a Catholic lady asked the dreadlocked singer what religion he practises. SOURCE: JAMAICA OBSERVER www.jamaicaobserver.com |
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Post by kaya on May 16, 2007 14:44:58 GMT -5
Ziggy talks: Marley to perform Friday By Emily Welly/Staff Writer Ziggy Marley will perform with Robert Randolph & The Family Band on Friday, May 18, at Avila Beach Resort. / Contributed Music is the instrument Ziggy Marley uses to spread a message of peace, love and happiness to people all over the world. And on Friday, May 18, he’ll be at the Avila Beach Resort to share it with the Central Coast. “Seek love,” he said in a May 3 phone interview with the Santa Maria Times. “If you’re seeking spirituality, if you’re seeking God, or even if you don’t believe in God,” he said. “Love is the answer to the problems. It’s very simple.” In addition to music from “Love Is My Religion,” Marley’s latest solo album, he’ll play some of his older hits and some of the songs his father, Bob Marley, made famous. “The audience, they have their favorites,” Marley said of his father’s music, adding that he also likes to pick some songs they don’t think about as much. But in all of the reggae-inspired music, his message remains constant. “Love, love,” said Marley. “When I play, they respond very well to that message,” he said. But, he added, “they’re not being influenced that way.” Popular culture — including music, television and movies — are not marketing Marley’s message of living in peace and harmony, he said. Advertisement And so, Marley is on a mission to do his part to spread love in the world. “This message is a message that will cause people to wake up,” said Marley. “That’s why we do what we do.” What propels Marley to keep touting love in a world that doesn’t always seem to keep it foremost? “It is what I do,” he said. “Every winter the birds fly south. It’s just a part of them.” Marley believes his natural instinct toward love and peace has evolved over time, “because of my spiritual search,” he explained. “I’m searching for the truth all of the time,” he said. “I have to know for myself.” He believes that by opening his mind to new ideas, he gains knowledge, which eventually leads to the truth. “Let me look and see,” he said. “Just enough to let the truth come in.” Marley is living his message not only through his music, but also through organizations like U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a charity organization he founded in Jamaica to help children in need of basics like medication and clothing. (To learn more about U.R.G.E., visit http://www.ziggymarley.com.) “We’re just trying to do what we can do,” said Marley. GET TICKETS: Ziggy Marley and Robert Randolph & The Family Band will play at Avila Beach Resort at 4:45 p.m. May 18. Gates open at 3 p.m. Tickets, $31, can be purchased online at www.avilabeachresort.com or by phone at (888) 825-5484. ON THE SIDE: Ziggy Marley will be joined in Avila Beach by Robert Randolph & The Family Band. The funk and soul group includes Randolph, a critically heralded pedal steel guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and The Family Band, which is made up of cousins Danyel Morgan on bass and Marcus Randolph on drums, along with keyboard player Jason Crosby. Their latest single, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That,” from their third album, “Colorblind,” was released in January. They’ve toured with The Black Crowes and the Dave Matthews Band. For more information on the band, visit www.robertrandolph.net. ZIGGY TRIVIA: Ziggy Marley is the son of Bob Marley, legendary Jamaican reggae artist and leader of Bob Marley & The Wailers, who died in 1981 at age 36. His musical career began with “The Melody Makers,” starring Ziggy, brother Stephen and sisters Sharon and Cedella. His first solo album, “Dragonfly,” debuted in 2003. He played the voice of Ernie the Jamaican jellyfish in the animated movie “Shark Tale.” To learn more, visit www.ziggy marley.com. SOURCE: Santa Maria Times www.santamariatimes.com |
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Post by kaya on Jun 8, 2007 15:15:33 GMT -5
Grammy Winner Ziggy Marley Debuts on PodShow With New Music Release and In- Depth Interview 'Double-Play' ARTIST OFFERS FREE MUSIC LICENSE TO PODCASTERS THROUGH PODSHOW'S PODCAST MUSIC NETWORK By: PR Newswire Jun. 8, 2007 01:02 PM Digg This! SAN FRANCISCO, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- PodShow, the #1 New Media Network, announced today that music superstar Ziggy Marley has released the single "Into the Groove" from his second solo album Love is My Religion, on the Podsafe Music Network (PMN), supporting the release with a rare, in-depth interview with PodShow power couple, Dawn and Drew. With this release on the PMN, Marley is enabling thousands of podcasters to play the track on their shows for free, supporting the free licensing of music to the podcasting community and creating millions of 'spins' with audiences around the globe. (Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070523/AQW505LOGO)In conjunction with the release, Marley granted an exclusive interview on PodShow's award winning daily show, the Dawn and Drew Show. In the interview, Marley elaborated on his vision of the future of the music business. "Close in the future...music's gonna be free. I make music at home ... I don't need a big expensive marketing budget. Touring is the way to make money with music today." PodShow's PMN has already revolutionized how music is used in online programming. The company's approach fits Marley's philosophy, enabling podcasters to freely use his mix in their shows; a relationship that benefits the show producer, the artist ... and, above all, the fans. "Ziggy is a rare combination of musical talent and industry vision," said PodShow CEO and Co founder Ron Bloom. "He is one of a new breed of artists who are blazing a trail and finding innovative ways to reach their fans and new audiences outside the traditional label system. Producers and fans love having him on the SHOW!" "Ziggy's interview with Dawn and Drew adds an extra element to his music," added Adam Curry, President and Co founder of PodShow. "Releasing his material to be shared by podcasters with audiences worldwide is a huge endorsement for our Network. I am very appreciative of Dawn and Drew, as well as the Marley family for adding their magic to PodShow and the PMN." By releasing his music on PodShow's PMN, Marley's hit will be available for podcasters to use free and legally, simply for reporting their use. This free-use license is revolutionizing the music industry by enabling artists to get literally millions of spins, or plays, often far exceeding the exposure they could get on traditional radio. The PMN has become the destination for artists, labels and producers seeking to go beyond the traditional system to connect with their fans. The network features songs that range from legends such as James Brown to new superstars such as Death Cab for Cutie and has supplied music to over 10,000 shows. Click dawnanddrew.podshow.com/ to hear the interview now. Audiences can listen to Ziggy Marley's song, "Into the Groove" for free at PodShow.com/Music (http://www.podshow.com/music/?artist_id=10087). The PMN can be found at music.podshow.com/. Shows featuring PodSafe music can be found at www.podshow.com/music. The Podsafe Music Network, (PMN) is the leading site for discovery of music from new and legendary artists. Experiencing over 250 million spins in its first 12 months, the PMN features music from thousands of artists ranging from the newest independent artists to the hottest pop stars to the legendary masters of soul; streamed music available to any PodShow user; an archive of music providing tools for musicians and podcasters; and a platform to create, promote and sell tracks for up and coming artists looking to gain a larger audience. PodShow, the premier social media community, is the only network providing single-click access to the best in new media in audio, video, podcasts, and music to be delivered to your computer, iPod, mobile device or television. About PodShow, Inc. PodShow(TM) is the #1 new media network, addressing a global audience of tens-of-millions, comprising the PodShow Network (http://www.podshow.com/), PodShowPDN, Podcast Alley, indiePodder and the Podsafe Music Network. PodShow+ makes independently produced media more accessible to an audience of tens-of-millions, providing resources for producers, and enabling marketers to take part in the digital media explosion. PodShow Productions produces serialized content and specials in audio and video for the PodShow Network. BTPodShow.com is a co-branded service from PodShow LTD in partnership with BT, enabling consumers in the UK and Ireland to create, connect and share their content on the PodShow network. PodShowTV is a version of the PodShow Network developed specifically for television viewing audiences, distributed through products like AMD Live! CastBlaster Software enables thousands of producers to create and distribute audio podcasts and other productions on the windows platform. The PodShowPDN(TM) is the first high-performance content delivery network meeting the specific needs of podcasting, delivering a comprehensive creation, production, and delivery and monetization solution for independent producers and mainstream media companies. In every way, PodShow has greatly simplified the production experience for artists and listeners around the world. PodShow is a privately held company, backed by leading venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia Capital, Sherpalo Ventures and DAG Ventures. For more on PodShow, visit: www.podshow.com/ , and for all queries visit: www.podshow.com/contactus.html . PodShow, PodShow+, Podsafe Music Network, Podcast Alley, and PodShowPDN are trademarks of PodShow, Inc. theShow! is a trademark of PodShow UK LTD. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. PodShow, Inc. CONTACT: Alden Schell of PodShow, Inc., +1-415-247-6890, a.schell@podshow.com Web site: www.podshow.com/ |
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Post by kaya on Jun 28, 2007 15:00:10 GMT -5
Ziggy Marley It is sobering to think that at the age of 38, Ziggy Marley is now two years older than Bob Marley was when he died. But, like his brothers Stephen, Damian and Julian, who were all playing in London last week, Ziggy continues to live in the shadow of his father’s legend. Thirty years after the release of Marley senior’s magnum opus, Exodus, Ziggy opened his latest European tour with a half-sold gig at Shepherds Bush. The dancefloor was busy enough but, with the balconies closed, playing to the gallery was not an option. The word “love” was spelt out in big black capital letters, hung on a piece of string across the back, giving the stage the look of a village fête. Marley’s problem was how to celebrate his father’s legacy without being engulfed by it. There was certainly no getting away from it, given his resemblance to him. Dressed in a denim workshirt and jeans, dreads down to his waist, head thrown back while gently running on the spot as if immersed in a tank of water, the similarities were manifest even before he opened his mouth to sing. Backed by a superb seven-piece band staffed mainly by old-school Jamaican musicians, and accompanied by two excellent backing vocalists, Marley navigated a cautious voyage around material taken from his two solo albums and that of his former group the Melody Makers. There was also a sprinkling of his father’s songs, including Is This Love, Rastaman Vibration, Lively Up Yourself and Them Belly Full (But We Hungry). Any more than that and he would have turned into a tribute act, any less and he would not have got out of the venue in one piece. There were moments of brilliance. When his percussionists locked on to the groove of Still the Storms it sounded like a reggae version of Santana. And both the lyric and the bright, pop chorus of True to Myself were evidence of an underrated songwriting talent. But despite such close attention to detail, there was a lack of urgency, and the show fizzled out towards the end. For all his talent and charm, Marley remains, like Julian Lennon, an echo of his forebear’s greatness. SOURCE: entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/live_reviews/article1994497.ece |
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Post by kaya on Jul 11, 2007 10:34:38 GMT -5
Ziggy ‘Zings’ Into The Groove Energy and colour meets the eyes of individuals when they watch Ziggy Marley’s new video for his single, Into the Groove. Approaching a new way of expressing his music, Ziggy does a one man show- unlike his previous videos such as Love is My Religion and True to Myself, which take in all aspects of people. The song opens with reggae, salsa-like riffs from his guitar- the dominant instrument in his melodies. The rhythm is well composed and his emotions along with it, is contagious. Though alone in the video, his upbeat dancing and positive appearance acts as tools to innately express his idea of finding happiness with self Ziggy and his producer definitely develop the dynamism of video with another remarkable characteristic, the angles at which the video has been captured. It creates a feel of a spirited atmosphere with a range of movement into scenes of a variety of colour and contrast. To see this video for yourself log on to check out the video at www.ziggymarley.com. |
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Post by kaya on Jul 31, 2007 9:57:39 GMT -5
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Ziggy Marley charts his own course SEEKING CHANGE: Ziggy Marley, shown performing at the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee in June, says ?The solution for mankind is of a spiritual nature ... It's the ability to love each other." The son of the reggae legend, who performs this week in Costa Mesa, goes in a different direction in his music and philosophy. By LEN RIGHI The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) Though it may unsettle fans who believe the struggle against political and social injustice is a crucial component of the best reggae music, Ziggy Marley, eldest son of reggae's most transcendent figure, Bob Marley, doesn't quite see it that way. Marley says his struggle is "spiritual," unlike the "physical" striving embodied in the protest anthems that gave hope to the downtrodden and made an international superstar of his late father, who died in 1981. "That generation that had that fight made a good fight," says the 38-year-old singer-songwriter and keyboardist, who performs Thursday at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa. "But that time for physical struggle is now changing into a spiritual struggle. That is where I am. "The solution for mankind is of a spiritual nature. It is not a political or religious solution. It's the ability to love each other. That's the only solution I see." The message is all over his second solo CD, "Love is My Religion." Generally, the disc, released in July 2006, is a genial collection of modern-sounding ska- and R&B-influenced reggae tracks. It won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in February. To be sure, "Love is My Religion" has several ear-catching tracks, including the sprightly "Into the Groove," originally meant for the 2005 film "Into the Blue," and the slinky, seductive "Make Some Music." But it is the title track, written by Marley midway through recording the disc, that Marley points to as "the father figure of the album." "When it came out, it was like it completed the album," he says. "It kind of put its arms around the other songs and gave them a big hug, like 'We are one. We are all together here.' " On it, Marley sings, "I don't condemn, I don't convert ... I don't want to fight," sentiments that might make more militant reggae fans blanche, especially coming from Bob Marley's son. Marley says his beliefs really began to change during the recording of 1999's "Spirit of Music," his final disc with the Melody Makers, the three-time Grammy-winning group he formed with three siblings, singer-guitarist-drummer Stephen and vocalists Cedella and Sharon. But the seeds of change were sown a few years earlier during a conversation with Alpha Blondy, an Afro-reggae musician from the Ivory Coast and a staunch supporter of African unity. "We were talking about changes in Africa," Marley recalls. "We were asking, 'Is it possible for you to change millions of people on the physical level? Or is the mission more to sing music so people can look into themselves?' I was about changing things, but things weren't changing, not at the rate they should." Marley says that he tried solving "the physical struggle" in Jamaica by giving money and material goods to people. "But that did not solve the problems." Eventually, Marley came to the conclusion that "using political tools to change social conditions won't work. It's spiritual conditions that need changing. It's what's inside of people that counts. I've spent my whole life's journey realizing that fact." That is not to say there can't be music about social issues, he adds. In fact, "Love is My Religion" ends with an incisive one, "Still the Storms," about the debt still owed to the victims of slavery, and the countries on two continents that people would prefer to forget. "It's the black sheep of the family," Marley chuckles. "It may not fit in the overall concept, but there was so much inside of me I couldn't not put it on the record." In the song, he explains, "I talk about the spirits of slaves, African people killed and murdered and their spirits (are) still not at peace. Nothing has been done to make up for that calamity, that holocaust. It's a struggle I cannot forget." "Be Free" is another track that unbottles a deeply held Marley belief – that the willingness to speak out in the U.S. eroded noticeably after 9/11. "I've spent a lot of time in America since Sept. 11, 2001," says Marley, who has been living in Beverly Hills for three years and also has homes in Jamaica and Nassau. "Being here I was noticing that the people, who in the '60s used to voice their opinions about their rights, are much different today. People are afraid to voice opposition to the government in a mass way. Before the war in Iraq, I thought, 'How come nobody's asking this question? Why aren't news organizations asking that question?' How did the Patriot Act pass without people asking any questions?" On a lighter note, Marley takes up the cause of the underdog on "Black Cat," a sure-footed ska track based on an experience at a Beverly Hills recording studio. "There were a lot of scary cats around and at one point a black cat walked across the doorway," Marley remembers. "My friend made a superstitious comment, and I totally reversed it on the spot. I told him, 'Stop being stupid. It's just a cat. It's doesn't mean to hurt anyone.' … "It started from that, and (the song) means don't judge people without knowing them and don't be superstitious." Though purists may carp about Marley's attitude toward his father's legacy, he draws inspiration from dad in a way that may surprise them – Marley recorded and produced "Love is My Religion" independently, and negotiated an exclusive yearlong distribution deal with Target. "They were lessons I learned from my father," says Marley. "He was an entrepreneur. He was a good businessman. He started the Tuff Gong record label and record stores in Jamaica. There were always rumors of him wanting to own his own music, so the idea was always in my subconscious. When I had the opportunity, I did it." Online: www.ticketmaster.com SOURCE:http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/marley-people-says-1791879-music-struggle |
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Post by kaya on Aug 15, 2007 10:31:07 GMT -5
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Post by kaya on Aug 17, 2007 10:31:39 GMT -5
Marley spreads his religion of love through music By Roman Gokhman, STAFF WRITER Article Last Updated: 08/17/2007 07:57:12 AM PDT ZIGGY MARLEY embarked on a tour of China expecting to see despair on the faces of its people. "I was looking for that stereotypical Communist oppression," Marley, eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley, said a day after returning home to Los Angeles from an international trek that also took him to Europe and the United Kingdom. "But I guess it's a little bit more invisible these days, as most oppression is. We learned to hide it." The 38-year-old Marley, who will perform Wednesday at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, still proclaims that love is his religion, just as his Grammy-winning 2006 album "Love is My Religion" states. But lately he's had more than love on his mind. "My next work is going to be about the man-made world that we're living in," Marley said in a recent phone interview. "That's what I've been thinking about. It might include some politics. It might include ... oppression, injustice and these things." Although he has not returned to the recording studio yet, Marley has been busy. He has been touring constantly for the last two years — all of 2006 in support of "Love is My Religion" — and he's stayed active with his charity, which assists Jamaican children in orphanages. To top it off, his wife, Orly Agai, gave birth to their second child — his fifth overall — in January. "You caught me in my spare time right now," Marley said. "I got back yesterday. Today I cooked breakfast for my kids. Then -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I went and played some video games. Then I'm going to go roast some corn and potatoes on the grill outside. I have two weeks off and then I go back for summer shows." The oldest male Marley scion was born in 1968 to Bob and Rita in Trenchtown, Jamaica. His debut as a musician came when he was 11 — with siblings Cedella, Stephen and Sharon. Calling themselves the Melody Makers, the group recorded and performed together for two decades and won three Grammy awards. After the group ran its course, he went solo in 2003 and released "Dragonfly." Marley said the time was right to strike out on his own and that it was a good experience because he had the support of his family. "You kind of go with the flow of life," he said. "If life don't want me to perform, I won't perform. I don't fight it that much — I accept things." The album received lukewarm reviews from critics. It was his younger brother Damian, 28, nicknamed Jr. Gong, who became the first Marley child with a financially successful solo record, "Welcome to Jamrock," which was released in 2005 and won a Grammy for best reggae album. "It increased the buzz about our possibilities," Marley said. Marley released "Love Is My Religion" in July 2006 and it also became a hit, following "Jamrock" as best reggae album at this year's Grammy Awards. In March, his 35-year-old brother Stephen's solo debut, "Mind Control," was released and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Reggae Album poll. Despite the three Marley-brother albums charting at the same time (as of press time, "Mind Control" was No. 4, "Jamrock" No. 5 and "Love is My Religion" No. 15), he said there is no sense of competition. For "Love is My Religion," Marley wrote all the lyrics and music, played most of the instruments and even produced many of the tracks. The themes gravitated to friendship, spirituality and love, which his lyrics declare should be taught at every house of worship. "Let's say what religion is," Marley says, explaining the meaning of the album title. "Religion is (an) institutionalized concept of a higher deity, of higher concepts and higher philosophy. I tell people that the true religion of this thing that you're looking for which you call God ... is love." One of the ways Marley practices his religion is by helping the less fortunate. His nonprofit "Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment" helps children in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other developing countries face various hardships. He also has thrown his support behind the Youth AIDS campaign and Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit that gives children throughout America free musical instruments.. "It's not really volunteer work, it's life," he said. "I don't want to volunteer to do it — I just do it. I didn't have to think to volunteer. It's a part of our makeup." Marley, who voiced a Rasta jellyfish in the 2004 film "Shark Tale," also has a few other projects in the works. He is interested in possibly DJing a radio show and has been working on a movie script, although he won't give out any details. Eventually, he will get into the studio to record a third solo album. "I'm waiting on the time, I'm waiting on the season," he said. What he ends up writing about, be it concerns of "the man-made world" or love, will depend on what inspires him. "I write songs when I get the urge." www.insidebayarea.com/bayarealiving/ci_6648824 |
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Post by kaya on Aug 30, 2007 10:18:23 GMT -5
Music Review: Ziggy Marley welcomes university students, preaches 'Love is My Religion'
By WAYNE MULLEN - The Buzz
Article Launched: 08/30/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
Ziggy Marley, the deeply spiritual son and most prominent offspring of the godfather of reggae, Bob Marley, performed in Chico Aug. 23.
Part of his "Love is my Religion" world tour, promoting his latest album of the same name, the AS Presents show was the first concert of Chico State University's new school year.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Ziggy Marley first sat in on recording sessions with his famous father when he was 10 years old. Joining with his three siblings to become The Melody Makers, he crafted his art into the soulful, energetic sound he demonstrated on stage with his own band at Chico State's Bell Memorial Union auditorium.
After two decades as the driving creative force behind The Melody Makers, a triple Grammy-winning act that included brother Stephen and sisters Sharon and Cedella, Ziggy Marley released his debut solo album, "Dragonfly," in 2003.
"Love is my Religion" is his second solo album and winner of the 2007 Grammy for Best Reggae Album. The title spilled from his lips when a woman asked the dreadlocked singer what religion he practices.
Embracing both the spiritual and emotional side of his life, with the recurring theme of love and friendship, "Love is My Religion" showcases Marley's extraordinary talents as a songwriter (writing all 12 tracks), musician (playing a variety of instruments), producer and singer.
Marley appeared at the BMU with his nine-member band and mesmerized the audience, delivering his driving reggae rhythms and "Love
is My Religion" message.
He began his performance with a haunting number from his first solo album, "Melancholy Mood," which seemed to reflect his observation of too much hypocrisy in society, and too little love.
Continuing this theme, he launched into "Be Free," a track from his latest album, and perhaps the disc's most political song. With its solid, pounding reggae beat, it brought those who were not already standing to their feet and bumping to the music.
More rock than reggae, "Into The Groove" was next and charged up the audience even more with its penetrating beat, felt as much as it was heard. As Marley bounced to the infectious rhythms while performing, so too did everyone in the room.
Blending blues, rhythm and blues, hip-hop and reggae, Marley had the crowd in the palm of his hand, showering the audience with his message of love, hope, peace and spirituality, which is the driving force behind his music and the underlying message of his current album.
"Make Some Music," which was even more danceable, delivered an upbeat, romantic message with a hard pounding, solid reggae influence.
Marley continued to display his incredible talents with several cuts from his albums, including "Justice," "Still in The Storms," "A Lifetime" and one of his dad's classics, "Lively Up Yourself."
Most memorable was "Black Cat," exhibiting pure rock at its finest, to which the exuberant audience responded enthusiastically. "True to Myself," also noteworthy, had the entire audience with their hands held high, clapping to the beat in complete approval.
Marley ended his set with his father's anthemic "Is This Love," leaving the audience wanting more.
Of course, he didn't disappoint and soon returned to the stage performing "Dragonfly," "Look Who's Dancing" and finally, the immensely popular title track to his album "Love is My Religion," which brought the excitement to a fever pitch.
You certainly didn't need to love reggae to love Ziggy Marley, just an appreciation for great music, performed by an outstanding and multi-talented performer.
Opening for Ziggy was the polished and talented reggae group from Santa Cruz, Root Awakening, featuring Jamaican born, Ras Midas, who performed a thoroughly entertaining set
SOURCE:www.chicoer.com
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Post by kaya on Aug 30, 2007 15:05:14 GMT -5
EVENT CALENDAR: Simmons, Marley plug yoga for peace; Jennifer Holliday in San Fran; Wu Tang to play Hip-Hop Chess. (August 29, 2007)Email to a friend | Print Friendly *Russell Simmons, Ziggy Marley and Christy Turlington are participating in the Global Mala Project, an international effort that aims to use yoga-centered events to raise awareness and funds for global causes on the United Nations' International Day of Peace. Dozens of events – to benefit charitable groups dedicated to fighting global warming and AIDS – will be held in 30 countries, including Israel, Africa, India, Australia and the United States, beginning Sept. 21. *Jennifer Holliday will perform in concert at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco (401 Van Ness Ave.) on Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. Backed by an 11-piece band, the singer is expected to perform her songs from Dreamgirls and other Broadway musicals as well as jazz standards, gospel tunes and a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets, priced $37.50-$77.50, are available by calling (415) 392-4400 or by visiting www.theempireplushroom.com. *Wu Tang Clan members RZA and GZA are participating in the Hip-Hop Chess Foundation's first-ever Chess Kings Invitational, scheduled to take place Oct. 13 at the San Francisco Design Center. The rappers will participate on the tournament's Life Strategies panel about how music, martial arts and chess — activities the organization uses to promote nonviolence — have affected their lives. Source:www.eurweb.com |
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