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For Stephen Marley, reggae is still a family affair

BY KEITH RYAN CARTWRIGHT

PROVIDED

Reggae artist Stephen Marley will bring his solo show to The Music Farm this week.

'I don't want to be just another artist." Those were words of Stephen Marley.

Granted, the 34-year-old only recently released his debut solo effort, "Mind Control." But this is, after all, the son of the late Bob Marley — the same son who joined his siblings, The Melody Makers, onstage when he was only seven years old.

In the 27 years since that first stage appearance he's established himself as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-winning producer. In fact, he's won five Grammy's, which is more than any other member of the famed Marley family.

It's hard to believe that until this point, he had yet to release a solo album.

In any case, after a career spent writing and producing numerous albums for various family members, one of the most famous Marley siblings finally decided it was time to not only tour, but also put together his much-anticipated recording, "Mind Control."

As expected the album is an amalgamation of reggae, nyabingh and rhythms, but slightly less expected manner it contains R&B, flamenco and hip-hop sounds. Then again, what more would critics and fans expect from a project that features guest appearances from Ben Harper and Mos Def, as well as Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley.

"My joy and my pain," he said, "this is me.

"It's a page from my book: every page tells a story, but at the same time is a continuation of the page before it or the page to come.

"This is just one page," he continued.

Born in 1972, Stephen was the second son of Bob Marley.

In 1979, he released his first single "Children Playing in the Streets." However, it would be six years — 1985 — before Marley family band The Melody Makers — Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Sharon Marley and Cedella Marley — released the group's debut album, the prophetically titled "Play the Game Right."

According to Stephen's personal Web site, in addition to recording his debut album, he also served as the producer for both of Damian Marley's past two Grammy-winning albums. He was also instrumental in working with the Ghetto Youths International and Tuff Gong imprints.

In 1999, 20 years after his first single, he executive produced the critically-heralded, star-studded tribute to his father, "Chant Down Babylon," and his production skills can be heard on albums by Buju Banton, brothers Julian and Ziggy, Spearhead, Eve, Erykah Badu, Capleton and Mr. Cheeks. He has performed as a vocalist, percussionist or guitarist on albums by all the above.

Eric Clapton also enlisted Stephen for a past project and, as if that wasn't enough, he continues to work on new music for all of his brothers.

It's been quite a career for someone who has never seemed to take his family lineage for granted.

And, more importantly, wanted nothing more than to be part of "good music, good message, good vibe."

"I want to make a statement," Stephen said, "and continue this legacy, this musical legacy, with my family."

Keith Ryan Cartwright is a Colorado-based freelance entertainment journalist.