Veteran roots-reggae group, The Wailing Souls, released their 19th studio album on April 20. Island Girl is the title of the 13-song set.Produced by American Nathan Kipp (who also played bass and keyboards), Island Girl hears the ‘Souls’ working with a number of musicians from the United States West Coast such as guitarist Aaron Rosenberg and drummer/percussionist Joey Muraoka.
According to founding member, Lloyd “Bread” McDonald, he and longtime musical partner Winston “Pipe” Matthews keep the classic sound on their latest project.
“The songs dictate the feel of this album which is basically our style of music; messages of peace, love, unity, justice, conscious, clean lyrics delivered with soulful, sweet melodies,” he said.
The Wailing Souls
The album’s first single is its title track which was released on iTunes on February 20. Island Girls is the Wailing Souls’ first studio album since 2003’s Souvenir From Jamaica.
Both in their late 60’s, McDonald and Matthews formed the Wailing Souls in Trench Town in 1964 along with George “Buddy” Haye. Initially, they recorded for various producers, including Clement “Coxson” Dodd and Lloyd ‘Matador’ Daley.
Their classic period was in the mid and late 1970’s when Garth Dennis joined the group, and they recorded at Channel One studio with The Revolutionaries band.
McDonald and Matthews have comprised the Souls for over 20 years. They mainly tour the US West Coast, with spot dates in Europe and Brazil.
— By Howard Campbell
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