Aston Barrett Jr.
Drums – Band Leader
Aston Jr. was born into musical greatness. His rhythm-based lineage begins with his maternal grandfather, Joe Higgs, “godfather” of the Trench Town sound, legendary singer, producer, and mentor. His famous father is Aston “Familyman” Barrett, co-founder of The Hippy Boys in the mid-60s and The Wailers band in the ‘70s, along with his iconic uncle, Carlton “Carly” Barrett, renowned drummer and driving force behind the vision and creativity of The Wailers sound.
Aston Jr. will tell you he was born to play music. The multi-talented young Barrett plays bass, drums, guitar, organ, and keyboards. Growing up watching his father create, record, and perform, it makes sense that Aston Jr.’s passion is the bass. He began at age three, and the first bass line he learned was “Positive Vibration,” played entirely on the E-string. Equally inspired by his uncle’s unique one-drop style, he invested time watching and studying Bob Marley & The Wailers videos. Aston Jr. has captured that complex feel, distinctive style, and clearly evolved into the singular next-generation Carly Barrett.
Aston Jr. has received rave reviews since he began playing drums with The Wailers in 2009. That praise comes after decades of playing and performing. An 8-years old Aston Jr. played bass for I-Three member Judy Mowatt at an all-girls high school. As a teen, he learned to play the Hammond B3 organ while in church. Because the B3 was a huge part of the Wailers sound, he appreciates the fact that this increased his Wailers skills. In 2004, he began playing bass in Julian Marley’s Uprising band. By 2006, Aston Jr. joined his father and Junior Marvin on stage for his very first Wailers show.
Aston Jr. gives credit to Aston Sr. for his talent and abilities. “I love playing with my father,” he says, “the best thing is we get to the true sound of the ‘roots’, which goes way beyond the depths of the bass.” He loves playing the drums because, as he claims, “it brings me closer to Uncle Carly, the best Reggae drummer ever.” Along with his brothers Kevin Barrett and John aka Floyd Barrett, Aston Jr. knows that they are here to keep their father’s history-making career moving forward.
The rhythm force duo created alongside the highly praised Familyman Barrett brings a mix of Roots-Rasta-Reggae and modern technology; the result is a new-generation Barrett sound. This is evidenced in the musical soundtrack they created for the documentary Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend, an early look at Marley’s life through the lens of Jamaican photographer and Marley paramour Esther Anderson.
As part owner of Bad Lions Studio located in South Florida, Aston Jr. produces, writes, creates, and records for himself and others. A student of jazz, funk, and freeform music, he fully appreciates The Wailers sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and he brings that old-school style to his creative projects. Whether it’s playing bass, drums, guitar, or organ, Aston Jr. has increased his visibility and reputation by recording or touring with such popular artists as Lauryn Hill, Stephen Marley, and Julian Marley. While touring with Ms. Hill in 2013, he recalls the excitement of sharing the stage with Lauryn Hill and NAS.
Aston Jr. will proudly tell you that the music The Wailers created then, and the music they are creating today “has no category…there is no old sound – there is no new – it’s just there.” The Wailers sound is the Barrett sound. The legacy continues.
Drums – Band Leader
Having been born in Surinam – a northern country of South America – and raised in The Netherlands, Mitchell Brunings had a plethora of musical influences from all over the world. Reggae, bossanova, samba, soul, rhytm and blues, calypso, country, salsa, merengue, Surinam’s own traditional music called Kaseko, and a host of other styles have lent their authority to Brunings’ raspy and soulful music style.
Both of Brunings’ grandfathers were singers and his father a musician. His mother, a fan of country music, would weave these influences into her favorites. With a musical family, Mitchell was exposed to these various melodic techniques from a young age daily. Mitchell admits that his main influences have always been reggae, soul and rhytm and blues. As a teenager, The Netherlands based musician spent time in clubs imbued with R&B notes and classic Motown. If he had to choose, reggae music would be his greatest love and driving force. Mitchell says, “The one drop, stepper rhytm, the heartbeat of reggae are hypnotizing to me. The consciousness of the lyrics in most reggae songs has always been of great inspiration to me.”
As an artist, Brunings hopes to represent pure reggae with clear and soulful influences and feels that he provides a combination between American singer-song writer Marvin Gaye and reggae legend Bob Marley and more contemporaries like John Legend and bands like Morgan Heritage. “This allows you to see different sides of my personality,” Mitchell exclaims.
He continued by saying, Ï want my music to be lyrically conscious and pleasant to listen to, yet at the same time may it stimulate the brain and drift you off into thought to merge with the melody.”
In August of 2013, Mitchell had the opportunity to participate in The Voice of Holland – the original which other countries, including America, now base their own competitions known as The Voice.
The Voice of Holland catapulted Brunings into the spotlight. Nearly winning the competition as the runner up, Mitchell’s YouTube videos continue to put him in the limelight,even bringing him in contact with the Marley family. In 2015 Mitchell played the leadrole in the Marley Musical at Baltimore’s Centre Stage theater.
It sold out before the end of its run, was the highest-grossing and best-attended show in the company’s history.
Continuing to grow and hone his craft, Mitchell now brings his voice and music to stages around the world.
Lead Vocals
Junior Jazz (Wendel Ferraro) was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies. In his early years, Ferraro was nicknamed Junior and developed a love for jazz music, which inspired him to add the name of his favorite genre to complete his moniker. He began his musical journey playing in his local church band, where he gained valuable experience and influence.
At the age of 13, Junior Jazz joined the school band and met Lennie Hibbert, a music school teacher who helped him refine his musical skills. In 1982, at the age of 17, he started working as a gigging musician at Seawind Beach Resort in Montego Bay under the leadership of Tony DaCosta, cousin of Glen DaCosta of the Wailers.
In 1988, Junior Jazz migrated to Miami but quickly moved to New York to pursue his music career. Upon his arrival, his connections led him to accompany visiting Jamaican artists such as Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Judy Mowatt, and the Mighty Diamonds. He also worked with several artists from the reggae, R&B circles, and multiple other genres recording and performing with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Diana King, Sister Carol, Maxi Priest, Easy Star All Star, Monty Alexander, and Jimmy Cliff.
While supporting Jamaica’s top recording artists, Junior Jazz formed his own reggae band and began performing as a soloist. In 1991, he recorded his interpretation of George Benson’s hit, ‘The Greatest Love of All,’ which was featured on a Japanese reggae compilation and became popular in the Far East.
From 1997 onwards, Junior Jazz’s career continued to flourish. He released his first solo album “My Turn” distributed by VP Records which included the single “Ease Up” featured on a Capitol Records compilation. The release earned him four nominations at the Tamika Reggae Awards and led to tours alongside artists such as Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks. He also performed regularly at multiple New York City clubs such as the renowned S.O.B.’s (Sound of Brazil) nightspot in NYC, performing multiple music genre-themed shows.
Following his time in New York, Jazz relocated to South Florida, where he continued to perform gigs in better weather. This eventually led him to become the frontman of the pop/reggae band Inner Circle for four years starting in 2008, recorded and toured before departing from the band in 2012. Between 2015 and 2017, he also served as the lead singer for Third World as he continued touring around the world.
Today, Junior Jazz is the singer/guitarist for Reggae Force and The Wailers.
Guitar – Vocals
Owen “ Dreadie “ Reid was born on July 8, 1958 in Beautiful St. Mary, Jamaica. As a young boy he had a deep passion for music and growing up, all types of music inspired him. At the age of eight his mother “Mama Price” gave him his first guitar on Christmas Day. This begun his journey with music and learning to play the guitar.
One day while meditating on Hellshire Beach in Kingston he met a gentlemen who said he had a guitar book and guitar that he did not want because he could not play. He told the man that he liked guitars and if he would be willing to give it to him. He returned later with the items. This was the start to his musical career.
In 1980 he headed out to Bob Marley’s Studio to audition as a singer at 56 Hope Road, in Kingston. At the time Bob Marley was out touring with the Wailers; unfortunately, this turned out to be his last mission with the group. He stayed on and learned his craft after meeting Aston “Family Man” Barrett. Family Man mentored and took on Owen “Dreadie” Reid as his last musical apprentice.
As Owen “Dreadie” Reid mentored with Family Man he was responsible for Ziggy and Stephan Marley’s after school musical practices, which Family Man left him in charge of. He had the opportunity to practice and later played bass tracks on Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers first album titled “Play the Game Right” track Aiding and Abetting. This was his first international recording.
In 1987 he toured with The Wailers as their rhythm guitarist. He continued to tour the world with The Wailers until 1991. He has had the opportunity to work with world renowned Artist such as Jimmy Cliff, The Abyssinians, and Ericka Badu. He received a participation Grammy on Damian “JR. Gong” Marley’s album “Half-Way Tree”, Stephen “Ragga” Marley “Mind Control” and also Damian “JR. Gong” Marley’s “Welcome to JamRock” album. Additionally, he worked with Aston “Family Man” Barrett and the Wailers on Alpha Blondie’s Worldwide Hit Selling album “Jerusalem”.
Currently, he is working with Julian “JuJu” Marley and The Uprising Band as Producer, Composer, and Bass player. He has worked on the albums “Lion in the Morning”, “Time and a Place” and “Awake”. He is also enjoying working with The Wailers Reunion Band as rhythm guitarist and assistant bass player to Aston “Family Man” Barrett. He is producing and composing his own work and has enjoyed collaborating with other talented up and coming artist.
Bass
Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Andres Lopez is a multi-talented musician, producer, and educator. With a wealth of experience understudying some of Jamaica’s finest musicians, Andres’ musical style has been heavily influenced by this exposure, shaping him into the performer and producer he is today.
At the age of seventeen, Andres became the first band leader at Charlemont High School, refining his craft further at the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts, where he studied piano and played with the jazz quartet ‘Wide Grin.’ Through gigs with the quartet and performances at the likes of the Jazz and Blues Festival and Rebel Salute, Andres has continued to hone his skills.
Andres’ impressive career has seen him perform alongside an array of world-renowned musicians, including Chavelle Franklin, Etana, and Richie Spice, and he’s played at a range of international events and festivals. In 2013, Andres released his first CD, ‘Unbelievable,’ which has achieved chart-topping success on Reverb Nation’s instrumental charts.
As an accomplished music teacher and coach, Andres has led his students to victory in the Jamaica school band competition while continuing to produce music for film, short documentaries, commercials, and jingles. He’s co-produced some of the top riddims, including the Rock weh, Get wet riddim, and Cold Weather riddim, and played on tracks for a range of artists, including Beenie Man, Anthony B, and Alborosie.
Andres’ latest release, ‘Electromerge,’ is available on all music outlets and showcases his skills as a producer, engineer, and mixer. He’s also created his very own music app, I-PEZ PRODUCTION, which features all original music and is available on the Google Play store. Currently serving as the keyboardist for The Wailers, Andres’ career shows no signs of slowing down.
Keyboards
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Tamara discovered her love for singing at the age of nine when she joined her local church choir. After more than two decades on her musical journey, she has evolved into an accomplished singer/songwriter and vocal coach. Tamara Barnes, also known as Teena Tamara, possesses a vivacious and energetic sound that transcends musical genres. With her distinctively raspy tenor and an exceptional ability to engage her audience, she has quickly become one of the most exciting talents on the local and international music scene.
Teena’s talent has earned her numerous accolades over the years. She won Best Vocalist of the Year for the Mega Jamz Gospel Awards. She was also named Best Soloist in the Youth for Christ competition for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993 and won the Teen Star Search Competition in 1993 as the best performer and overall winner. In 1994, she was honored with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s national award for Best Soloist in the high school category.
In 2008, Tamara launched her solo career and has been making waves in the industry ever since. Her first singles, “I’m Good” and “In The Valley,” have received rave reviews and rotation in the US, Canada, Africa, UK, and throughout the Caribbean. Both singles reached number one on the charts in both Anguilla and St. Martin. She has headlined major music events, including Genesis, Recharge, and the Barbados Gospel Festival, among others. She has also shared the stage with celebrated gospel artists, including Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Trinity 5:7, Mary Mary, Toby Mac, Alvin Slaughter, and CeCe Winans.
Tamara has received formal theatrical training with the renowned late playwright and director Trevor Nair, which landed her roles in short films and featured voice-overs and jingles in a number of TV commercials for major companies.
Teena’s unique voice, described by music watchers as a cross between Mary J’ Blige and Alicia Keys, her positive attitude, and high energy have given her the opportunity to work alongside major music icons. Throughout the years, she has provided vocal arrangements in the studio and stage appearances for artists such as Carlene Davis, Judy Mowatt, Papa San, Junior Tucker, The I Three, Marcia Griffiths, Toots Hibbert, Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, the dynamic duo Sly & Robbie, George Nooks, Gentleman, a German reggae artiste, Wayne Stoddart, Kymani Marley, and Julian Marley.
In recent years, Teena has continued to hone her craft and expand her repertoire. She worked with Jimmy Cliff, recording background vocals on his Grammy Award-winning album “Rebirth.” She toured with him and appeared on the David Letterman and The Jimmy Fallon Show.
She has worked with some of Jamaica’s finest producers such as Barbwiya Music, Dean Frazer, Devon Sparks, Thomas (Tommy) Cowan, Danny Brownie, Paul Barclay, Mikey Bennett, Richie Folks, and Aston Barrett Jr.
In 2020, Teena was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the music industry, winning a Sterling award as background vocalist of the year in Jamaica.
Today, Teena is a vocalist with The Wailers and worked on the Grammy-nominated 2021 album One World. She is set to appear on their upcoming 2023 album produced by Emilio Estefan.
Vocals
FOH/Sound engineer is Christian Cowlin, a Wailers Band veteran who has traveled the world with The Wailers for more than 20 years and who is responsible for the band’s live sound.
FOH / Sound Engineer
Bio coming soon!
Vibes Man
Monitor Engineer
Stage Manager