Many people pride themselves on knowing a lot about music, and think they have a worldly knowledge of what’s good here, what’s good there and what’s up and coming. But have you heard of New Zealand’s best kept secret?
The Black Seeds is a dub-reggae band out of Wellington, New Zealand. If you happen to be in the know, congratulations. If this is your first time hearing, or, reading, about the group, then you have some catching up to do.
You might wonder, reggae in New Zealand, how did that happen? Reportedly, reggae came to the Kiwis in the ‘70s, sparked by a ‘pivotal Bob Marley concert’ in 1979. The socially conscious Jamaican sounds and lyrics echoed the New Zealand Maoris’ struggle for cultural and political recognition in their native land. Plus, you can’t overlook the island-living connection – it is its own culture.
Though inspired by the Jamaicans, the Black Seeds has developed their own recognizable style. It is prime dancing music, earthy laid-back reggae tastily mixed with tinges of infectious afrobeat and funk.
The lyrics are uplifting and conscious. For example, in the song ‘Send a Message,’ the band speaks on the connection between everything:
Every action, causes a reaction
Through the constellations, of natural selection
We are connected through the chain of life
From the beginning of time itself
It’s feel-good, life-loving music and it’s deeply irresistible.
Formed in 1997, the currently nine-member band has released four studio albums, including the recent ‘Solid Ground’ – their first North American release (with Easy Star Records) – which has won over reviewers across the world. Two of their albums went double-platinum at home.
The group is currently on a 12-show tour throughout the United States, accompanying the stellar reggae band, John Brown’s Body. True to form, the Crystal Bay Club Casino managed to book the only small-city stop on this tour: On September 23, catch the opportunity to see both of these top-flight acts.
‘We are excited about touring with (John Brown’s Body) and we think the combination is one of the best tours we’ve had so far,’ said bassist Tim Jaray, who is excited to explore the U.S. scene. ‘I want to discover the other great music and culture that’s here; that’s what gets me inspired.’
Speaking of inspiration, a U.S. lunch-time staple recently had quite the profound effect on Jaray.
‘I had a sub sandwich in Ithaca last night that was very over-the-top, I’m going to get some more of those,’ he stated. ‘What I look forward to on any big tour is finding out about new places and meeting great people.’
The band isn’t too worried that unfamiliarity will lessen people’s enjoyment.
‘Well everybody likes hearing something they know, so compared to New Zealand, people don’t know the songs yet,’ Jaray said. ‘Yet, I feel that the rhythms and sounds are universal. That’s one of the coolest things really, watching people get into it over the gig so by the end they are really with you.’
After the tour here in the States, the band heads to various parts of Europe, and then back to New Zealand to continue the tour with John Brown’s Body, giving Kiwis a taste of some solid U.S. reggae.
I can give you my word – if nothing else – that money and time spent on seeing this show is well worth the price. The Black Seeds spread words of world change, self change, love, good friends, and good vibes. So if that interests you, come feel all of this, and be a witness to it yourself. One listen and I promise you’ll be hooked. In the words of the band itself:
Something so true
Is what I get from you
An’ I hope that you’ll see
You get the best of me
John Brown’s Body and The Black Seeds, perform Wed., September 23, in the Crown Room of the Crystal Bay Casino, doors open at 8 p.m., with tickets available now, at the casino and on The Black Seeds website, theblackseeds.com. Happy dubbing.
~ Discuss this article with the author, email gburchell@moonshineink.com.
