»Why is mom listening to summertime music and bopping in her computer chair? Mom's working. Really.
While other people are frantically racing around covered in strings of lights or wrapping paper this time of year, "research" for this writer-mom requires putting on music that the All Music Guide (www.allmusic.com) categorizes as "summery, organic, cheerful, laid-back/mellow [and] earthy."
The Wailers carry on the spirit and musical style of the world-renowned Bob Marley.
(2003 Photo Jeff Moore)
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With the winter cold taking hold and the post-holiday blues threatening, you can enjoy the Wailers, too, live and in person -- but don't think anyone will let you call it work.
The Wailers, as any reggae fan will tell you, are the band first and best known for their work with the legendary Bob Marley. Aston "Family Man" Barrett contributed bass guitar to the Wailers starting in 1968, along with playing multiple other instruments and serving as Bob Marley's musical director, most notably on the "Natty Dread" CD, which helped seal Bob Marley & the Wailers' reputation as international stars.
On the 1976 release "Rastaman Vibration," Barrett is credited with mixing the CD, writing "Want More" and co-writing "Who the Cap Fit" with his brother, Wailers drummer Carlton Barrett. "Family Man" was also involved with the careers of Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston after they left the Wailers, as well as contributing to works by Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, the Melody Makers, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt, among other reggae greats.
After Bob Marley's death from cancer in 1981, the Wailers, performing as a band without their charismatic leader, faced legal struggles and commercial disappointments, followed by the tragic murder of Carlton in 1987.
Still, Aston regrouped and has continued to this day, bringing the joyous and determined reggae vibe to audiences around the world. The current Wailers lineup includes Al Anderson, longtime Bob Marley lead guitarist, and Earl "Wya" Lindo, who has been with the Wailers since the early 1970s.
Though the Wailers still write and play new original material, you can expect to hear such classics as "I Shot the Sheriff," "Get Up, Stand Up," "No Woman, No Cry," "Could You Be Loved" and "Buffalo Soldier."
Barring Santa dropping the means to a Jamaican vacation in your stocking, this is bound to be the warmest, most good-vibrations place to be next week. Yeah, mon.
-- MARIANNE MEYER
The State Theatre is at 220 N. Washington St. Doors open at 7 p.m., and a dinner menu is available. Also appearing is the band Jah Works. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 on Tuesday. For more information, call 703-237-0300 or go to www.thestatetheatre.com.
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