TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS When the soundtrack for the groundbreaking Jamaican film Harder They Come was released in 1972, it proved instrumental in expanding the audience for reggae music beyond the island and a small loyal fan base in the U.K. A compilation of tracks by different artists, Harder They Come included "Pressure Drop," from a group simply known as The Maytals, which included singer Frederic “Toots” Hibbert. The Maytals’ Funky Kingston, released the following year, received worldwide distribution and cemented the group’s reputation as one of the most exciting acts to come from Jamaica, along with Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. With their distinctively soulful blend of ska, rocksteady, and gospel-influenced three-part harmonies, Toots & The Maytals have become one of ska and reggae’s primary emissaries, carrying the torch for 5 decades to international appeal. Their shows are always tight, passionate and uplifting. It’ll be a treat for us all to have the legendary Toots & The Maytals on stage at High Sierra this year. |
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