Aston Barrett Jr.
Bass – Band Leader
Aston Barrett Jr.
Bassist / Musical Director
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born into a family deeply entrenched in the reggae music scene, Aston Barrett Jr. carries the legacy of his father, Aston “Familyman” Barrett, the iconic bassist for Bob Marley & The Wailers. His lineage is rich with musical prowess, being the nephew of drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett and the grandson of Joe Higgs, who mentored Bob Marley. Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, in a household that harmonized Rasta and Christian beliefs, his mother played a pivotal role in nurturing his spiritual and moral compass. Music was not just entertainment but a way of life in the Barrett household. Aston recalls, “I have an ear for music. Music is in my blood. I was born for music and I live for music.”
A Revelation of Fame and Legacy
Aston’s first brush with the magnitude of his family’s legacy came at a tender age of four and a half. Watching The Wailers perform at a 1979 concert in Santa Barbara on television, he connected the images of Bob Marley he grew up with to the global icon revered by millions. This revelation was a turning point, awakening a deep sense of identity and purpose in him.
Musical Apprenticeship and Early Beginnings
Emulating his father, Aston chose the bass as his first instrument. His father, sensing a natural talent in him, took on the role of his mentor, instilling in him the nuances of bass playing. This mentorship was the foundation of Aston’s disciplined approach to music. By the age of seven, he was already making waves, joining an all-girls high school band in Kingston, a testament to his prodigious talent. His journey in music took a leap when he moved to the United States, joining a school jazz band in Miami and expanding his musical repertoire to include the drums, a nod to his uncle’s legacy.
Professional Foray and Educational Pursuits
While still in high school, Aston began playing bass for Julian Marley And The Uprising Band. This period was crucial in shaping his professional path, as he balanced his burgeoning music career with academic excellence, graduating high school with honors. His talent caught the eye of Lauryn Hill, leading to a significant collaboration that spanned over two years.
Stepping into The Wailers’ Legacy
In 2009, Aston’s journey came full circle when he began touring with The Wailers alongside his father. This experience was more than a musical endeavor; it was an apprenticeship, learning the intricacies of band leadership, stage management, and the art of performance. In 2016, he rose to the occasion, taking the helm of The Wailers, driven by a mission to propel the band’s legacy into a new era.
Grammy Recognition and Artistic Collaborations
Aston’s contributions to the reggae genre were recognized in 2017 when he received a Grammy certificate for his co-production with Damian Marley on the track “The Struggle Discontinues” from the Grammy Award-winning album “Stony Hill.” The following year, he joined forces with Alborosie for the album “Unbreakable – Alborosie meets The Wailers United,” a project that showcased his versatility and commitment to the genre. As a co-owner of BAD Lions Productions, LLC., he has created a hub for musical creativity in Pompano Beach, Florida, collaborating with a diverse array of artists.
Venturing into Acting with ‘Bob Marley: One Love’
Aston Barrett Jr. expanded his artistic repertoire by venturing into acting, portraying his father in the biopic “Bob Marley: One Love.” Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and co-written by Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin, the film is a comprehensive portrayal of the life of reggae legend Bob Marley, tracing his rise to fame and his journey until his untimely death in 1981. The film features Kingsley Ben-Adir in the titular role of Bob Marley, with Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, Jesse Cilio as Norval Marley, and James Norton as Chris Blackwell.
“Bob Marley: One Love” is set to offer a deep dive into Marley’s life, exploring his musical career, personal life, and the impact he had on the world. The cast also includes Michael Gandolfini, Nadine Marshall, and Anthony Welsh in undisclosed roles, adding depth and diversity to the portrayal of Marley’s world.
The project, developed by Paramount Pictures, was announced in March 2021, with the screenplay crafted by a team of skilled writers. Kingsley Ben-Adir was selected for the role of Bob Marley after a rigorous, year-long global search, underscoring the film’s commitment to authenticity. Lashana Lynch joined the cast in August 2022, bringing to life the character of Rita Marley.
The title of the film was officially announced by producer Ziggy Marley at CinemaCon in April 2023. Principal photography for the film began in December 2022 in London, setting the stage for a film that promises to be both visually and emotionally compelling.
“Bob Marley: One Love” is scheduled for release in the United States on February 14, 2024, by Paramount Pictures. The film’s release, initially planned for January 12, 2024, has been set to coincide with Valentine’s Day, offering a unique celebration of Marley’s legacy of love and unity through his music and life story.
Aston Barrett Jr.’s involvement in the film not only marks his acting debut but also serves as a bridge connecting the authentic essence of The Wailers’ music and the Marley family legacy to the cinematic portrayal of Bob Marley’s life. His participation is anticipated to add a layer of genuine connection and depth to the story, resonating with both fans of Marley and those new to his enduring legacy.
A Legacy Continued
Aston Barrett Jr.’s journey is not just a story of musical talent but a narrative of dedication, respect for legacy, and a continuous evolution of the reggae genre. His life and career stand as a testament to the enduring influence of his family’s musical heritage, a legacy he carries forward with pride and innovation.
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Mitchell Brunings
Lead Vocals
Having been born in Surinam – a northern country of South America – and raised in The Netherlands, Mitchell Brunings had a plethora of musical influences from all over the world. Reggae, bossanova, samba, soul, rhytm and blues, calypso, country, salsa, merengue, Surinam’s own traditional music called Kaseko, and a host of other styles have lent their authority to Brunings’ raspy and soulful music style.
Both of Brunings’ grandfathers were singers and his father a musician. His mother, a fan of country music, would weave these influences into her favorites. With a musical family, Mitchell was exposed to these various melodic techniques from a young age daily. Mitchell admits that his main influences have always been reggae, soul and rhytm and blues. As a teenager, The Netherlands based musician spent time in clubs imbued with R&B notes and classic Motown. If he had to choose, reggae music would be his greatest love and driving force. Mitchell says, “The one drop, stepper rhytm, the heartbeat of reggae are hypnotizing to me. The consciousness of the lyrics in most reggae songs has always been of great inspiration to me.”
As an artist, Brunings hopes to represent pure reggae with clear and soulful influences and feels that he provides a combination between American singer-song writer Marvin Gaye and reggae legend Bob Marley and more contemporaries like John Legend and bands like Morgan Heritage. “This allows you to see different sides of my personality,” Mitchell exclaims.
He continued by saying, Ï want my music to be lyrically conscious and pleasant to listen to, yet at the same time may it stimulate the brain and drift you off into thought to merge with the melody.”
In August of 2013, Mitchell had the opportunity to participate in The Voice of Holland – the original which other countries, including America, now base their own competitions known as The Voice.
The Voice of Holland catapulted Brunings into the spotlight. Nearly winning the competition as the runner up, Mitchell’s YouTube videos continue to put him in the limelight,even bringing him in contact with the Marley family. In 2015 Mitchell played the leadrole in the Marley Musical at Baltimore’s Centre Stage theater.
It sold out before the end of its run, was the highest-grossing and best-attended show in the company’s history.
Continuing to grow and hone his craft, Mitchell now brings his voice and music to stages around the world.
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Mitchell Brunings
Lead Vocals
Wendel 'Junior Jazz' Ferraro
Guitar
Junior Jazz (Wendel Ferraro) was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies. In his early years, Ferraro was nicknamed Junior and developed a love for jazz music, which inspired him to add the name of his favorite genre to complete his moniker. He began his musical journey playing in his local church band, where he gained valuable experience and influence.
At the age of 13, Junior Jazz joined the school band and met Lennie Hibbert, a music school teacher who helped him refine his musical skills. In 1982, at the age of 17, he started working as a gigging musician at Seawind Beach Resort in Montego Bay under the leadership of Tony DaCosta, cousin of Glen DaCosta of the Wailers.
In 1988, Junior Jazz migrated to Miami but quickly moved to New York to pursue his music career. Upon his arrival, his connections led him to accompany visiting Jamaican artists such as Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Judy Mowatt, and the Mighty Diamonds. He also worked with several artists from the reggae, R&B circles, and multiple other genres recording and performing with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Diana King, Sister Carol, Maxi Priest, Easy Star All Star, Monty Alexander, and Jimmy Cliff.
While supporting Jamaica’s top recording artists, Junior Jazz formed his own reggae band and began performing as a soloist. In 1991, he recorded his interpretation of George Benson’s hit, ‘The Greatest Love of All,’ which was featured on a Japanese reggae compilation and became popular in the Far East.
From 1997 onwards, Junior Jazz’s career continued to flourish. He released his first solo album “My Turn” distributed by VP Records which included the single “Ease Up” featured on a Capitol Records compilation. The release earned him four nominations at the Tamika Reggae Awards and led to tours alongside artists such as Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks. He also performed regularly at multiple New York City clubs such as the renowned S.O.B.’s (Sound of Brazil) nightspot in NYC, performing multiple music genre-themed shows.
Following his time in New York, Jazz relocated to South Florida, where he continued to perform gigs in better weather. This eventually led him to become the frontman of the pop/reggae band Inner Circle for four years starting in 2008, recorded and toured before departing from the band in 2012. Between 2015 and 2017, he also served as the lead singer for Third World as he continued touring around the world.
Today, Junior Jazz is the singer/guitarist for Reggae Force and The Wailers.
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Wendel “Junior Jazz” Ferraro
Guitar – Vocals
Owen 'Dreadie' Reid
Bass
Owen “ Dreadie “ Reid was born on July 8, 1958 in Beautiful St. Mary, Jamaica. As a young boy he had a deep passion for music and growing up, all types of music inspired him. At the age of eight his mother “Mama Price” gave him his first guitar on Christmas Day. This begun his journey with music and learning to play the guitar.
One day while meditating on Hellshire Beach in Kingston he met a gentlemen who said he had a guitar book and guitar that he did not want because he could not play. He told the man that he liked guitars and if he would be willing to give it to him. He returned later with the items. This was the start to his musical career.
In 1980 he headed out to Bob Marley’s Studio to audition as a singer at 56 Hope Road, in Kingston. At the time Bob Marley was out touring with the Wailers; unfortunately, this turned out to be his last mission with the group. He stayed on and learned his craft after meeting Aston “Family Man” Barrett. Family Man mentored and took on Owen “Dreadie” Reid as his last musical apprentice.
As Owen “Dreadie” Reid mentored with Family Man he was responsible for Ziggy and Stephan Marley’s after school musical practices, which Family Man left him in charge of. He had the opportunity to practice and later played bass tracks on Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers first album titled “Play the Game Right” track Aiding and Abetting. This was his first international recording.
In 1987 he toured with The Wailers as their rhythm guitarist. He continued to tour the world with The Wailers until 1991. He has had the opportunity to work with world renowned Artist such as Jimmy Cliff, The Abyssinians, and Ericka Badu. He received a participation Grammy on Damian “JR. Gong” Marley’s album “Half-Way Tree”, Stephen “Ragga” Marley “Mind Control” and also Damian “JR. Gong” Marley’s “Welcome to JamRock” album. Additionally, he worked with Aston “Family Man” Barrett and the Wailers on Alpha Blondie’s Worldwide Hit Selling album “Jerusalem”.
Currently, he is working with Julian “JuJu” Marley and The Uprising Band as Producer, Composer, and Bass player. He has worked on the albums “Lion in the Morning”, “Time and a Place” and “Awake”. He is also enjoying working with The Wailers Reunion Band as rhythm guitarist and assistant bass player to Aston “Family Man” Barrett. He is producing and composing his own work and has enjoyed collaborating with other talented up and coming artist.
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Owen “Dreadie” Reid
Bass
Miguel “Skooby” Anderson
Keyboards / Organs
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Miguel “Skooby” Anderson
Keyboards
Shanna-Lee Fletcher
Vocalist
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Shanna-Lee Fletcher
Vocals
Andrea Sawyers
Vocalist
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Andrea Sawyers
Vocals
Carl ``Carlalou1Drop`` Benjamin
Drums
Carl Benjamin (aka) Carlalou1Drop is a Reggae Drummer of Jamaican/Antiguan heritage, born and raised in Hackney, London, UK.
Carlalou1Drop has recorded for and toured with Reggae legends such as Uroy, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Big Youth, Johnny Clark, Dawn Penn, Mutabaruka, Dennis Alcapone, The Cimorons and Mad Professor to name but a few.
The nick name ‘1Drop’ is a testament to his craftmanship, a title given to him by fellow peers within the music industry due to his influenced sound of the great Carlton ‘Carly’ Barrett, to which he has been a student since age 6.
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Carl “Carlalou1Drop” Benjamin
Drums
Christian Cowlin
FOH / Sound Engineer
FOH/Sound engineer is Christian Cowlin, a Wailers Band veteran who has traveled the world with The Wailers for more than 20 years and who is responsible for the band’s live sound.
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Christian Cowlin
FOH / Sound Engineer
Anthony ``Ants`` Donaldson
Bio Coming Soon!
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Anthony “Ants” Donaldson
Monitor Engineer
Matt Denison
Bio Coming Soon!
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Matt Denison
Stage Manager
