Introducing InI Oneness and the UK Players (2/2)

(1/2), (2/2).

In 1998 Ras Iyah in Oneness with the Shanti-Ites' released an album entitled Rasta Soul-Jah. It showcases Ras Iyah 's vocals to the full, with the unmistakable sound of The Shanti-Ites providing musical backing. Ras Iyah is working with InI Oneness alongside The UK Players and anyone fortunate enough to make it to a gig will be lucky enough to hear some of the sweetest vocals this side of Jamaica. Sammy Dread (MC) As well as being a member of Iration Steppas, Sammy Dread is a regular DJ with InI Oneness and hosts a weekly radio show on Peoples FM in Leeds. His irrepressible ragamuffin vibe has been invaluable in creating the vibe at many a gig, and a lucky audience may even be treated to a rendition of Sammys signature tune Vibes and Inspiration.

The UK Players The UK Players are a hard steppin' five piece roots reggae dub band originating from the West Country. The members met in 1996 at a weekly reggae session held in Salisbury, where the seeds were sown to form a band. They rehearsed 2-3 times a week and cut their teeth live on the local pub circuit, quickly developing their sound and crowd. The band recorded their debut single Further at Jah Works Studio.

Produced by Rej Forte, with I Natural on lead vocals. The release led to a tour of the UK and so began a lengthy liaison with InI Oneness. The band have supported such artists as Jah Shaka, Aba Shanti, Iration Steppa, Cary Clail, Dub Warriors and Rhythm-Ites. Over the years and 100's of gigs later they have developed their own unique sound and are well versatile at adapting/interpreting rhythms to suit a vocalists needs, as their work with InI Oneness, Wayne McArthur, Tony Roots and Barry Isaacs shows. They can also hold an audience tight with their dub instrumentals. Their debut album Take Heed featuring InI Oneness was released in the summer 2000. Once again produced and mixed by Rej Forte. Well worth checking out. Definitely one of the most hardworking and exciting new bands in the reggae world right now.

Jamie J - Drums Aka the human click-track. One of the hardest hitting drummers in the business. Jamie became hooked on reggae at an early age after hearing the Natty Dread LP by Bob Marley. Since then he's never looked back. There's no other band I would rather play for and no other music I would rather play, this is for life. Jah Roots - Binghi/Percussion Roots is a versatile percussionist who often does session work for other bands, this has seen him gig the infamous Woodstock reunion among others! He got his trademark Nyabinghi drum by personally going to the hills of Jamaica to get it.

A foundation member of The UK Players, watch Jah Roots play live and feel the heartbeat come home to roost. Matty Marvel - Keyboards Matty got an audition through his (over) enthusiastic love of reggae music. Before joining The UK Players he'd never been in a band, let alone played a keyboard! Now he's one of the most accomplished, as well as one of the youngest musicians on the reggae circuit.

The Crucial Choppa - Guitar Chops has got a BA(hons) degree in music, no doubt this helps to explain his capacity for coming up with killer riffs and lush solo's! Great names have commented on Choppa's technique. His ear for melody engages the most hardened critics to soften their opinion. Steve EZ - Bass Steve has been playing bass for well over 10 years and has been involved with a number of reggae bands including Freedom Fighter, RDF and Freedom Aka. His style is hard, heavy and driving.

Steve has this to say; We've got really good chemistry between us in this band and we all know and love reggae music. On stage we don't warm up as we go through the set, we lock in right from the start and set fire to the place!....

History and Highlights 2nd November 1997- debut 7" single Further released. · A large UK tour by the band ensures good exposure of the single John Peel (Radio 1), Joey Jay (Kiss FM) and a host of other stations play-list it, sound systems (especially Aba Shanti) give it good rotation. 1998 gig highlights include: Bob Marley birthday celebration at Newcastle University. HIM birthday celebration at Lands End. The first ever northern reggae week-ender. The festival circuit Inc. Guidlford 98, Megadog and Blandford. They sealed the year with a tour of major UK cities.

Dec 98 - Jan 99 the band enter Seventh Sense Studio to record material for the debut album Take Heed.

1999 gig highlights include: tour of France (Feb). UK (Mar/Apr). AFA benefit in Bristol. First gig in London at S.O.A.S. (sold out!). Colne Int. R&B festival (3 gigs at 3 different venues in 1 day!). The festival circuit Inc. Glastonbury (DJ set), Northern Green Gathering and Guildford 99. The band step from 99 into the year 2000 playing live at Talking Heads, Southampton. Jan/Feb 2000 complete finishing touches to Take Heed. 3rd July 2000 debut album Take Heed is released. · 2000 gig highlights include: Album promo tour of the UK (Mar/Apr). Edinburgh Bongo Club (ram out!).

The festival circuit Inc. Newcastle Green Fair. Glastonbury (lots of DJ sets!). The Big Green Gathering, Brighton Essential Music Festival and Brockwell Park (Brixton). Colne Int. R&B.

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