Aswah introduces his debut CD. Fools & Rebels (Zoe Jah Productions). Greggori. eight-time winner of the distinguished "Most Culturally Oriented Artist Award" and " 1997 Best Reggae Band" of the Chicago Music Awards. is known as an artist consumed with a passion for a conscious revival- and this release does not fall short of that mark. Fools & Rebels clearly demonstrates Aswah as a man with something important to say -a message worth delivering. All 10 original works cry out to the spiritual, cultural. societal. moral, and ethical conscience of the new millennium. This CD is for anyone who trusts in the power of brotherhood, love, and the father almighty.
A 20-year veteran of the Chicago music scene, Aswah is an artist who has paid his dues and earned his place. With his Chicago-based band, the Enforcers, Aswah has emerged as a local favorite booked with international bands on tour in the Windy City including Steel Pulse, Wailing Souls, Burning Spear, Yellowman, Israel Vibration Maxi Priest, Third World, Toots and the Maytals and Pato Banton.
Off stage, Aswah is a man of few words -always humble, usually humorous, very subtle. His personal story is as inspiring as his lyrics and music. Born in Louisiana in 1946, Aswah came to Chicago after his Viet Nam experience to find work "somewhere other than the lumber mills" of Louisiana. In 1971, a serious industrial accident, which severed his right arm, also changed his life forever. After surviving not only the accident but also the grueling arm re-attachment surgeries and therapy which followed, Aswah emerged with a new sense of purpose leading him into a full-time music career. Spiritually guided and unencumbered by traditional definitions of success ("Material possessions won't save you, only bring aggression, enslave you", he sings in 'Save You From Yourself', Aswah's message is man's healing from violence, drugs, hatred and jealousy. The music is his medium.
From a musical standpoint, 'Save You From Yourself' mixes roots reggae with rock steady rhythms nicely. The title track, 'Fools & Rebels', causes the listener to reflect on how many of us fight with one another, when what we really need is tolerance and love for one another. The drums and horns give this song an up-to-date sound while remaining true to a roots and culture message. Aswah's versatility is evident on, 'This Train', an upbeat dancehall style track. It is refreshing to hear a spiritual teaching in this style of music. The echo of the train horn calls all of us to get on board God's plan for salvation and freedom. Aswah's voice is mesmerizing in all tracks, causing us to feel the lyrics deeply.
Like many emerging artists, Aswah sits patiently on scores of unpublished work, confident that when the time is right, Jah will make it happen. With the release of 'Fools & Rebels', it appears the time is right.
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