ISTAN BLACK AND THE SWEETS profile picture

ISTAN BLACK AND THE SWEETS

Cleveland's Roots Dub Reggae

About Me

Group BioIstan BlackISTAN BLACKSinger and songwriter Istan Black began his reggae-recording career in Jamaica in 1973 under his birth name, Hugo Blackwood. Within that time of over 30 years, Istan Black has received valuable assistance from some of the most respected producers and musicians in the reggae music industry. And yes (as you may have heard), as a distant cousin to the Late Great Bob Marley, the relation can be heard within the music of Istan Black.In 1973, Sir Lord Comic of Dynamic Sound, invited him into the studio to record his first single “Pick Your Choice.” He then went on to record “Reggae Music” for the legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry on the Upsetters Label. In 1980, renowned reggae guitarist, Earl “Chinna” Smith, encouraged him to get together with the group Time Unlimited, which consisted of three artists, Hugo Blackwood, Orville Smith, and Donovan Joseph. The group went on to record with reggae’s most famous drum and bass due, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, the single “Living Inna Jam Down,” written by Hugo Blackwood and produced by Sly and Robbie on the Taxi Label. After a year with Time Unlimited, the group separated and then began the solo career of Istan Black as the first artist to record on the New Name Label with Caster Brown of England. “Garvey Inspiration” and “I Love You” are two high-spirited songs also recorded by Istan Black and released on the High Times Label.In 1997, Istan Black moved to the United States and took up residence in Cleveland Ohio. Realizing his own talents and wanting to enhance upon them, Istan Black formed the group Istan Black & The Sweets by adding the “sweet” and inspiring sounds of vocalists Stacey Eutazia, Ceco Selinas, and former group member Seleka Loury. The combination proved magnificent and can be heard and enjoyed on their first full-length CD Fatal Struggle. Squidly Cole, drummer for Ziggy Marley & The Melodymakers, produced this life inspiring CD, which intensifies the electrifying sound that accompanies the smooth vocal arrangements. Among the list of titles to the CD, “Our Satisfaction”, “Don’t Let De System Fool Yu”, and the title track “Fatal Struggle”, deliver an impact to this solid message of a struggle and imminent redemption.I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4

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Member Since: 2/6/2006
Band Website: prosperitymusic.com
Band Members: On Bass: As a bass player of rhythm & blues, jazz and reggae, long time “bassie” and founding member of the KLEVA Band, Cholly ‘O is a welcome addition to the movements of Istan Black & the Sweets. When it comes to holding the hard hitting bass-lines that can be found in reggae music, Cholly ‘O delivers a bass sound that can only be described as “on-point, crisp and hypnotically alluring.” This profound and intense bassie can also be found grovin' to the movements of Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S BandOn Guitar: Brian Marsh has been skankin’ rock, reggae, jazz and blues on his guitar since 1983. With a love for music more than anything, Brian is also impressive on bass and harmonica. With a recent move to the Cleveland area, he was magnetically drawn to the reggae power of Istan Black & the Sweets and is now pleased to be a part of the group’s continuous energetic reggae party!On Keyboard: Keyboard specialist, Peter Platten, is endowed with an overwhelming ability to add color to the groups sound by often playing multiple keyboard parts simultaneously. Also a long time member of the P.L.U.S. Band, he can provide subtle atmospherics that float in and out of the groove, or deliver hard, funky licks that cut right to the bone. Classically trained and jazz and reggae oriented, Peter adds a depth that pulls the listener inside the music.On Drums: Will Douglas has played in three of the most popular Cleveland bands in the last ten years; The P.L.U.S. Band (still a current member), The Janglers and Oroboros, honing his chops on music influenced by bands like the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers. All the while he was harboring a deep desire to find out what was behind the “one drop”, the basic rhythm that drives reggae music. Considered a master of World Beat rhythms, he adds a very solid, precise yet dynamic foundation to the group’s intense sound, providing a much-loved anchor that holds the ship steady.Percussion: Beginning his drumming as a kid banging on pots and pans, Tommy Fox, since the age of fourteen, has released several records and played drums throughout Ohio with bands like the legendary rockers The Mice, the Revelers, and his own previous reggae outfit, Riddim Fish. With a real passion for reggae music, Tommy can be found spinning reggae tunes for 89.3 WCSB Cleveland State University. It was here that Tommy joined musical forces with Istan Black & The Sweets and his expertise at the percussion adds more and more sweetness to the awesome flow of the group.
Influences: JAMAICA . AFRICA , CLEVELAND, ALL REGGAE MUSIC
Sounds Like: BEING FED PSYCHEDELIC REGGAE TRUTH SERUM WHILE BOUNCING IN A HAPPY TRANCE.
Record Label: LITTLE FISH
Type of Label: Indie