Postcards From Page Side: Jah Live
This week, featured columnist Brian Bavosa lets legendary artist Bob Marley do most of his talking for him by sharing this playlist of videos that represent who Marley was…
There are few artists we have ever known that are considered by some more than just a mere mortal. Some are revered to legendary, idol-esque status, for not only mastering their craft, but the very essence of their being and what they represent. One such musician is Bob Marley.
There is nothing more that I can say about Marley that you don’t already probably know, or is written about in dozens of books. So instead, this week’s installment of Postcards was simply inspired by my walks to and from work these past few days in the freezing temperatures of New York City. Being a man of many words, I figured I’d mix things up for you loyal readers this week, and instead focus on a man and an icon that speaks volumes by himself. So, sit back, relax and simply enjoy this playlist of some of my favorite – and most poignant – Marley tunes to help get you over hump day.
1.) This first track, War, is a timeless piece that still resonates today. In a recent issue of Rolling Stone, musician Jack Johnson speaks of Marley as “royalty” in the islands, and has some specific comments about this track. ”Marley was able to dive into politics and take on the darkest issues. That’s what made him amazing. The thing is, he had sweetness in his voice, but he also had fire, and when he opened up, nobody could do it better.”
READ ON for clips and Brian’s thoughts on six more Marley tracks…
2.) Possibly my favorite “mainstream” Marley tune is Trenchtown Rock. This song embodies everything Marley represents: catchy hooks, a simple, yet universal message and one of the greatest lines of any song: “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.” Amen.
3.) Here is another tune that Johnson commented on in the RS article, Three Little Birds. ”It’s such a simple song,” Johnson says, “but Marley was the master of singing simple messages with all his heart, making them real.”
4.) This one doesn’t need my meddling mess of a mouth to screw things up and try and explain this. The anthem, Redemption Song. Enjoy this live version…
5.) A song that has inspired countless cover efforts, including a stellar reading by The Jerry Garcia Band, Stir it Up, is a song that is infectious and resonates with you. Enjoy this spirited version from BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test in 1973…
6.) While Concrete Jungle embodies my personal life in Manhattan, this tune, Natural Mystic, represents the complete antithesis, and the island breezes. It makes me feel relaxed by simply closing my eyes and picturing a secluded beach somewhere. Here is a great live version I feel you will enjoy…
7.) To close things out, I will leave you with my Junior-year of college, Spring break anthem, and a a “lesser” known tune of Marley’s (if there exists such a thing): Jah Live. A song that simply brightens up any situation, and speaks of the children, it embodies Marley’s message of love, peace and unity through a simple existence.
Thanks for reading this week. Stay tuned for a very special 12/29 segment next time that I feel will get you ready for a special New Year’s blowout, right here at Magical Square Garden…
