The Original Wailers Live at Asheville Music Hall
by Johanna Hagarty
An eclectic mix of the old and the new, The Original Wailers represent some members of the true Wailers as well as a new breed of youngsters who have been indoctrinated into the message of “One Love.” Undeniably, the magic lives on as The Original Wailers bring their crowd-pleasing sound to Asheville Music Hall on Thursday, July 19.
As Bob Marley and the Wailers began recording the album Natty Dread, among the songs was one that needed the perfect guitar part to elevate it from pleasant ballad to legendary classic. That song was “No Woman, No Cry” and that guitar part was filled by Al Anderson. Anderson then became the lead guitarist for Bob Marley and The Wailers, recording and performing for the biggest reggae band in the world.
More than 35 years later, Anderson helms the ship that is The Original Wailers, still performing the nuggets — songs made famous by Bob Marley and The Wailers from that golden age of reggae — while complementing them with new songs performed by a crop of young musicians destined to keep the fires of roots-rock reggae stoked.
Joining Anderson in The Original Wailers are singer/songwriter Desi Hyson, Steve Samuels on bass, and Erica Newell on backup vocals.
The Original Wailers live in concert at 9 p.m. Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door for this 21+ show. Asheville Music Hall is located at 31 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Phone (828) 255-7777 or visit www.ashevillemusichall.com for more details.
