Thursday, April 20, 2006  

Active Legacy
Stephen Marley has "Got Music" for the newest generation
Washington Post Express, April 20, 2006; page 47

Stephen Marley, the second son of Bob and Rita, was a member of the Melody Makers along with older brother Ziggy and sisters Cedella, and Sharon. While he's produced records for his brothers Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian, the 34-year-old Stephen -- who can sound a lot like his Pops -- has never released a solo album. His debut, "Got Music?" was supposed to come out last year, but it was put on hold -- no, not because of the terrible title but so he and Damian could finish the smash "Welcome to Jamrock" CD.

Now scheduled for a September release, Marley decided to change the record's name to "Mind Control" because, "Where I am today is different from where I was last year in terms of my vibe, my mood," Marley said. "Last year I was in a 'Got Music?' vibe -- just music. This year I'm in a more militant vibe." Marley's adding a few new songs and remixing others to make the roots-reggae album "more raw."

He and Ky-Mani are doing a brief tour to work out some new songs and arrangements from their forthcoming CDs and they'll dip into Dad's catalog, too. But with Damian having the family's biggest hit since the Melody Maker's "Tomorrow People" in 1989, some sibling rivalry must take place, right? "No, no," laughs Marley. "Maybe if we were all the same age we'd have that kind of sibling rivalry. But we're all a good age apart so that you respect the wisdom of your peers, of your older brothers." CHRISTOPHER PORTER

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