Roots, Rock, Reggae -
music voyager

Jamaican reggae hit the world like a hammer in the 1970s, but where did reggae come from? How did this appealing, soulful sound develop, and where do the roots of this powerful tree extend? In this episode, Edgar explores the history of Jamaican music, from its African roots to the cusp of the reggae revolution. Edgar heads to the jungle for an entrancing kumina drumming session with the Akwaaba Drummers, that reveals the African underpinning of the island's music. Edgar is joined by Reggae Sunsplash founder Ronnie Burke on a journey across the island to Negril to meet Gilzene and the Blue Light Mento Band, who set up in a picturesque beachside setting to play some classic Jamaican mento. Along the way, Burke and Edgar stop at the Peter Tosh Memorial for a conversation on the life and legacy of this reggae revolutionary. Back in Kingston, Edgar connects with guitar legend Ernest Ranglin for a lesson on the development of ska and rocksteady, and an all-star jam session with Sly Dunbar and other greats. The episode ends at the magnificent Strawberry Hill resort for an intimate concert with Marcia Griffiths, a member of Bob Marley's band and a star in her own right.

Episode Duration: 26 minutes and 30 seconds

Episode Number: 105

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About Music Voyager:

The new travel-based music series MUSIC VOYAGER features host Jacob Edgar exploring thriving, exotic global music scenes to discover emerging talent.

Edgar - an ethnomusicologist, cultural musician and music critic - travels all over the world to hear cutting-edge musicians and immerse himself in their cultures.

In the series' first episode, Edgar ventures to Mumbai, Delhi to create a hit Bollywood song with vocalist Sona Mohapatra and meet Kailash Kher, one of India's most prolific performers, producers and musical stars.

Kher also brings the members of his hit band Kalisa into the studio for a private, intimate performance with Edgar.

Other episodes include journeys to Jamaica, New Orleans, New York and Chicago.