Thursday, April 26, 2007
S. Marley on Reggae in the Times Standard
For some reason the Northern Lights section was omitted from my morning paper today. Someone sent me this except from Thadeus Greenson's interview with Stephen Marley where the subject of Reggae on the River comes up.
T-S: You've been to Humboldt County before, for Reggae on the River, right?
Stephen Marley: Yeah, many times.
T-S: As a fan, it's a very special place to see a concert, with the river and the vibe, have you heard it might not happen this year?
Marley: Yeah, I heard about it.
T-S: As a performer, is that just another show, or is there a special vibe to that place?
Marley: No, it's not just another show. As you say, it's not really so much the name as the atmosphere, the people and the vibe. That's why it's not just another show, why it's special. It's just free. The vibe always free spirited, ya know? Down by the river, visit the people and pitch their tents. That type of free lifestyle, that, you know what I mean? When you hear my father say (singing), 'why can't we roam this open country,' it always remind me of that type of vibe, ya know, just being. You pitch your tent, the river is there, ya know, and the greenery, and the scenery. It get no better than that. So, it's not just another concert, but at the same time, it's not the name of it, really, but the vibe of it.
T-S: So, even though you think the name might end, you think the vibe will continue with shows there?
Marley: Well, I hope the name don't have to end. I'm just saying, it's not really about the name, you know. It's the people. So, if the people should change, then maybe the vibe of it will change. You know what I mean?
T-S: Well, a lot of people would say that the vibe has changed since it started.
Marley: That shouldn't be. It should get better, if it's going to change in that sense. It shouldn't change to something else. No. 'Cause it's been years. I grew up on the river, you know what I mean, sometimes when we don't even have a record out...
[Note: the quote Stephen makes about "open country" comes from Bob Marley's song "Rebel Music."]REBEL MUSIC (3 O'CLOCK ROADBLOCK)
I, rebel music
I, rebel music
Why can't we roam this open country
Oh why can't we be what we want to be
We want to be free
3 o'clock - roadblock, curfew
And I've got to throw away
Yes I've got to throw away
Yes I've got to throw away
My little herb stalk
I, rebel music
I, rebel music
Take my soul and suss me out
Check my life if I am in doubt
3 o'clock - roadblock
And hey Mr. Cop, ain't got no
(What you say down there)
Ain't got no birth certificate on me now
I, rebel music
I, rebel music
Take my soul and suss me out
Check my life if I am in doubt
3 o'clock - roadblock
And hey Mr. Cop, ain't got no
(What you say down there)
Ain't got no birth certificate on me now.
