Reggae Music
Reggae is a music genre that was developed in the 1960s. It started in Jamaica but has spread around the world. Reggae developed from ska and rocksteady music, which are also from Jamaica. It was heavily influenced by African and Caribbean music. Reggae is usually played on the offbeat and uses a variety of instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and horns. It also uses vocals. The bass is very dominating and along with the drum provides the rhythm. Reggae is usually played in 4/4 but can be played in swing time. Reggae is usually sung is Jamaican English or Jamaican Patois. Bob Marley was born in Jamaica in 1945 and is the most famous Reggae performer. He was the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for the Bands “The Wailers” and “Bob Marley & the Wailers.” Both of these bands were Reggae, ska and rocksteady. Bob Marley helped to spread Jamaican music to a worldwide audience. Bob Marley died in 1981 at the age of 36. The bestselling Reggae album is Bob Marley’s “Legend”, which has sold over 20 million copies.
No Woman No Cry
It is a song written by Bob Marley or Vincent Ford. It is Reggae and is one of Bob Marley’s most famous songs. Bob Marley is the main singer and his singing, along with bass and drums are the main part of the song. I liked this song but not as much as “I Shot the Sheriff” because the music was quite slow.
I Shot the Sheriff
It is a reggae song written by Bob Marley, which was released in 1973. It is also Reggae and another of Bob Marley’s most famous songs. Bob Marley is the main singer. It is about someone who admits to shooting a sheriff but is also accused of shooting a deputy however he denies it. I liked this song because the music is more happy and upbeat.
Reflection
In this unit I think we are going to learn about Reggae music and how it is performed. I will also learn to play a instrument better as we have to perform in a band. I will get to practise on the instrument.
So far in the middle of the unit I have learned to play all versions of the drums part by myself. I have to practise more with the group so I learn the speed. I need to listen to the group so I know how fast or slow I have to play. I think I was playing too fast during the rehearsal.
I have now finished practising and have performed the final performance.
Adrian Chiriac
28.01.10
MYP4
