Odel

The rhythmic journey began early for Odel Johnson , who started playing traditional Jamaican hand-drums for his family at the youthful age of seven. Odel's prodigious persistence on the kette drum in conjunction with his singing, poetry and story-telling in school lead an Elder (that most people in Tabernacle knew as Mass Grampa) to gift the young drummie with a handmade snare drum. From then on, there was no stopping him on the musical mission to "freementality." After a short stint as a cadet which exposed him to military style drumming, Odel left the Caribbean and immigrated to New York city. There, he began singing with DreadLove Connection and periodically venturing north to Canada.
It was 1987, and punk music was still simmering on the bowery in the Big Apple; Odel met bass player Damon Tillman of the acclaimed band Krakdown and became a part of the thriving punk scene at CBGB's. Though initially it may seem an odd combination, roots Reggae met with punk, and it was good. Like Mikey Dread, whose Reggae-tinged production shaped the Clash album Sandinista, the added element of foundation rhythms brought together the best of both worlds. As his work and skills preceded him, when on a visit to Toronto Odel met Tony Barrett, a talented guitar player and producer. Together they started a band Umojah. Once again, it was Odel's incredible talent that caught the attention of Messenjah. Arguably one of the best Reggae bands ever to come out of Toronto, this would be the young drummer's next project. Along with Charles Sinclair on bass and Orville Malcolm ..boards, the rhythm section would raise the bar for Canadian Reggae recordings.
At the young age of just 24 Odel would receive his first Juno for playing on, singing touring and helping to write Messenjah's award-winning album Catch The Vibe. As well as recording and touring with the Reggae Cowboys, Odel continued on the journey to freementality by emigrating to Los Angeles to join Fully Fullwood, the famous bass player best-known for his brilliant work with Peter Tosh. Together, they toured extensively and globally with Joe Higgs, Dennis Brown, Micheal Rose, the Mighty Diamonds, Andrew Tosh, Mikey Dread and Scientist to name but a few. The proximity to such talent served as musical inspiration, and Odel started to record songs for his album Mind and Body Sold .
On his return to Toronto Odel founded Obelisk Entertainment in 2004. The company started with a blast, or rather a splash, actually a DubSplash. Toronto's first dub music festival hit the Bambu and was a great success, bringing together the sounds of Mikey Dread and Scientist, and showcasing Odel's formidable talent as a singer for the first time in Toronto. Now, in conjunction with Ohm Grown Records , Obelisk is presenting the finished, ten-song strong Mind & Body Sold. With strong contributions from Fullwood, Scientist, Tony Chin, Tony Barrett and more, Odel's album showcases his roots, highlights his talent both as a drummer and singer and offers the listener much more than a typical Reggae release.
Though fully, richly and rhythmically foundation Reggae, Mind & Body Sold contains musical tributes to Odel's punk mentors, also reveals his exposure to the cadences of South America, and the pop/R'n'B sounds so prevalent on most radio today. The cohesion of this expansive and explorative album is astounding considering the wide-reaching nature of its music. Odel's work emanates pure roots vibrations and is an undeniably tight live off-the-floor experience. But this is only a stop on Odel's journey to Freementality, and there are many more musical rivers to cross. Though it may prove difficult to top his debut, Odel has much more to say, play and do. So keep yours eyes, ears and mind open and get ready to be blown away by one of Canadian Reggae's best-kept secrets.
One love ... Rastafari
FREEMENTALITY Live at the Mod Club, TorontoMANTOS SANTOS Live at the Mod Club, Toronto