Culture
Photo by Diane 'Livonn' Adam
Formed in the rich tradition of harmony trios
in 1976, Culture quickly became a part of the vibrant,
politically charged Jamaican reggae scene of the day.
Originally known as the African Disciples, the line-up
consisted of Joseph Hill (lead vocals), Albert Walker
(backing vocals) and Kenneth Dayes (backing vocals). Hill
was the only member of the trio who had prior studio
experience – having worked at Coxsone Dodd’s legendary
Studio One as a percussionist with the Soul Defenders group
in the early 1970’s. It was also at Studio One that Hill
first recorded as a vocalist.
Shortly after Culture
came together, they began working with the ‘Mighty Two’ –
producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson. While at
Gibbs’ studio, the singers recorded a series of powerful
singles, many of which ended up on their successful debut
album ‘Two Sevens Clash’. This initial release was hugely
popular in both Jamaica and England. The lyrics
demonstrated Hill’s keen awareness of the connection between
Jamaica’s history and its current social climate. While the
songs may have been dealing with serious issues, at the same
time the group always recognized the value of a catchy beat
– a sensibility shared by U.K. punks at the time. At once
Culture became part of a wave of vocal groups (including the
Mighty Diamonds, Black Uhuru, the Meditations and countless
others) that ruled the reggae scene for a brief while in the
late 70’s.
After their success with
Gibbs, the group went on to make a string of albums for
producer Sonia Pottinger. Culture began working with some
of the premier musicians of the day including Robbie
Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Ansel Collins, Cedric Brooks and
the ever-present percussionist Sticky. Virgin Records
picked up the albums, and that added distribution enabled
Culture to gain an even larger following outside of
Jamaica. In recent months Virgin has begun re-issuing most
of its reggae catalog from the late 70’s, so once again
these early Culture albums are readily available.
In 1982 the three singers went
their own ways. Joseph Hill carried on using the Culture
name, and recorded the ‘Lion Rock’ album, which was released
in the United States by Heartbeat Records. For their part,
Walker and Dayes recorded a handful of songs on their own –
a few of which turned up on an album titled ‘Roots &
Culture’.
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In 1986 the original line-up
reformed to record two highly regarded albums – ‘Culture in
Culture’ and ‘Culture at Work’. These releases marked the
beginning of a very busy period for the group, including annual
albums and countless tours. The U.S. label Shanachie released a
steady stream of new and old Culture albums up to ’Wings Of A
Dove’ in 1992.
In 1993 Kenneth Dayes left
the group and was temporarily replaced by the singer from Dub
Mystic – who was their backing band at the time. With Dub
Mystic, Culture reached new heights that included the release of
two popular studio albums (‘One Stone’ and ‘Trust Me’) and a
live album (‘Cultural Livity’).
Today, Culture consists of
Hill, Walker and Telford Nelson. After a lengthy career on his
own, Nelson joined on harmony vocals in 1999. In concert the
group is currently backed by the DC based band ‘Forces of
Justice’. These accomplished musicians have been behind Culture
for many years, playing several well-received tours in Europe,
Africa and North America.
Culture continues to be in
demand in the studio as well. In 2000 the group recorded the
album ‘Payday’, which was followed by a much-praised dub album
mixed by the renowned engineer, Scientist. In the same year a
very cotemporary sounding album called ‘Humble African’ appeared
on VP Records. Since then RAS Records have issued a CD and DVD
set titled 'Live in Africa' - taken from a historic show the
group performed in South Africa in December of 2000. The DVD,
the group's first, offers proof of just how lively and intense a
Culture performance can be. More recenty, the US label Roots &
Culture have released a live album recorded in Jamaica - 'Live
in Negril'. In addition, the group have already recorded
material for a new studio album - so fans can look forward to
some fresh material later in 2003 (The 'World Peace' CD will be
out on Heartbeat Records on June 17, 2003).
While Culture has now been
around for 27 years, Joseph Hill and friends are showing no
signs of slowing down. Hill has lost none of his striking stage
presence and fiery energy over the years. The group has
sustained their lengthy career by being both true to their
cultural roots, and at the same time able to incorporate new
sounds and ideas into their mix. To their credit the group has
never been content to be a mere oldies act. Culture has proved
to be one of the few acts in reggae that can always be relied on
– both on record, and on stage. As reggae music goes, a Culture
concert is both a tribute to the past and a glimpse of the
future …. Not to mention a whole lot of fun!
-
2003, Jim Dooley
Culture Links:
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