Reggae music fans have many opportunities in New Orleans to experience it first-hand, such as Collie Buddz with Arise Roots at The House of Blues on Saturday, March 10th!
This exciting blend of roots reggae and modern dancehall influences is certain to create an unforgettable show – don’t wait – get tickets now!
Roots
Roots reggae music originated in Jamaica. Since its introduction into Caribbean culture during the 1960s, roots reggae has become one of the world’s most beloved popular forms. Reggae’s origins can be found deep within both Caribbean culture and in its social and political history of this island nation.
Roots music was heavily influenced by rural folk music from Jamaica called mento and calypso; these influences combined to form the base for reggae’s distinctive sound.
Reggae music has evolved over its history into a socially and politically charged form influenced by Rastafari principles, shaping many iconic tunes as they weave their way into its lyrics and styles.
Roots reggae music’s central message is the struggle against oppression and yearning for freedom. This genre draws upon both African folk rhythms as well as Christian imagery and teachings for inspiration.
Some of the most influential early Reggae musicians include Bob Marley and the Wailers, Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd Winston Grennan Sly Dunbar Lee “Scratch” Perry Desmond Dekker whose recordings and performances had a tremendous impact on reggae history as well as Jamaicans worldwide.
Genre was first established to honor and revive Jamaican musical tradition and legacy. However, since its conception it has become one of the primary cultural and political forces influencing Jamaica and Africa at large.
Reggae music can be defined by its use of harmony and rhythmic repetition – two hallmarks of African and Caribbean musical traditions – as well as its use of acoustic instruments like guitar and bass.
Reggae music has historically been dominated by male artists; however, women artists like Marcia Griffiths, Beverley Knight, and Jah Mary made significant contributions during its development and success in the 1970s and 80s.
Collie Buddz and Arise Roots are two prominent contemporary reggae acts featuring women. Both groups incorporate roots reggae with modern dancehall and hip-hop sounds for an innovative sound that stands the test of time.
Bass
Reggae music New Orleans relies heavily on bass for rhythm, depth and space; this musical element helps define its style as distinct from rocksteady or ska.
The bass line features repeated two or four bar riffs that emphasize the root of each chord and include either dotted quarter note or eighth note patterns for percussive effect. Phrasing of these patterns may vary from complex and intricate to straightforward;
Since its creation, reggae music has seen many variations of bass lines. Some artists have taken traditional bass lines and altered them for specific musical contexts while others simply did away with them altogether.
Although bass guitars are essential components of all musical genres, their role is especially significant in reggae music. Where other styles typically employ one bass string with one note played on it, reggae musicians commonly employ two strings to achieve thicker sounds and greater volume.
One of the most commonly used bass instruments in reggae music is a standard electric bass guitar, typically from Fender. These models typically feature pickups close to their neck that allow users to achieve that signature “fat bass tone” sound that so often characterises reggae music.
An increasingly popular choice in reggae bass guitar music is an acoustic bass. These instruments typically offer lower frequency range and softer tones that make them well suited to reggae music bassists.
Acoustic basses are excellent choices for beginners as they make learning the instrument straightforward. However, more advanced models may provide greater benefits if you are experienced bassist.
Some guitarists opt to add a bass pedal to their instrument in order to achieve the low-end tone and “reggae bubble” associated with reggae music. A bass pedal can help achieve this effect by creating the “bubble,” or choppy sound which adds movement and body to a song’s rhythm section.
No matter your level of experience as a musician, having the appropriate bass guitar equipment can make all of the difference to your performance on stage. When equipped correctly, you’ll be able to play confidently and express yourself on stage with greater ease.
Lyrics
Reggae music has long been associated with peace, freedom and positivity; its roots lie in its diverse Caribbean-born genres – including ska, R&B soul rocksteady as well as traditional African.
Reggae music and lyrics draw their inspiration from real-life experiences and social events, making it a powerful vehicle to convey political activism, protest, and peace-seeking sentiments. Since its rise to fame worldwide, its influence can be heard in virtually all genres from rock to pop music.
Bob Marley and the Wailers played an instrumental role in popularizing reggae as a global genre. Their songs have become beloved classics that continue to influence many listeners today, leading many of them to compose their own variations of reggae music.
Reggae was an expressive form of protest for political and social problems in Jamaica during the late 1960s. Bob Marley wrote songs about social struggle and political change while his music represented life at that time in Jamaica.
Reggae first gained popularity in England during the 1970s. While still influenced by Jamaican influences, English groups and singers such as Steel Pulse, Aswad and UB40 took its message further by including UK inner city themes in their lyrics, as well as Cockney slang in their vocals.
Reggae music quickly gained momentum in England through instrumental versions of hit singles. Duke Reid was one of the pioneers to capitalize on this concept by quickly issuing instrumental versions of his hits as single releases.
Reggae instrumentals were an immediate hit at dance clubs in Jamaica, and quickly spread to other parts of the world. Today, instrumental versions of reggae music continue to keep this feel-good genre relevant and fresh.
Reggae may be best known as a Caribbean genre, but its roots lie elsewhere: New Orleans jazz and New Orleans blues were key influences when Jamaican musicians first began incorporating rhythms from these genres into reggae music in the late 1950s. Mixing them with Jamaican instruments produced a genre which blended soulful jazz sounds with offbeat ska tempos into one unique form: Reggae music has roots that go all the way back to New Orleans jazz in New Orleans jazz music eras of American history that still live today.
Instrumentation
Reggae music is known for its distinctive rhythms and instrumentation. Common reggae instruments include drums, bass guitar and keyboards – with drums usually played syncopated to produce the overall sound of each song.
Reggae music requires bass guitar for rhythm. In many instances, its use provides the song with its groove; often this means repeating a two- or four-bar riff that creates an infectious groove that keeps listeners listening for every note played on that line.
Reggae music relies heavily on bass lines for rhythm. But the snare drum can play an equally critical role by providing beats for songs; typically being tuned higher than its bass counterpart to produce an intense and powerful sound similar to that produced by timbales.
Reggae music relies heavily on its horn section. A typical reggae horn section comprises three or more horns arranged around one central horn to perform simple melodies or countermelodies; their sound can range from softly played melodies to aggressive solos for an upbeat effect.
Reggae music utilizes various other types of horns, including brass instruments. These instruments may be played solo or used together in an ensemble setting; more recently however, real horns have been replaced by synthesizers or recorded samples.
Reggae music may have originated from Caribbean cultures, but other styles have contributed to its development as well. Ska, rocksteady and dub are all influential genres which continue to have an impactful role today in reggae’s history and popularity.
Ska is an early form of reggae music, in which musicians combine elements from New Orleans Jazz with Jamaican instruments for a distinctive rhythmic style and distinct tempo. Ska is often considered the precursor of reggae music and remains influential today among many mainstream songs.
Ska is an energetic genre with an upbeat tempo that has played an instrumental role in modern reggae songs and remains extremely popular throughout Jamaica.