Carlos Jones has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years throughout the
eastern half of the United States, first as a member of the roots reggae group
"I-Tal", and then with the legendary "First Light." As the
front man for First Light, the reggae influence was evident in much of the group's
music, but over time, they developed a sound unique to themselves. As one of the
primary songwriters, Carlos has written and performed over 100 songs with the
group, and released 1 vinyl album, 2 cassettes, and 2 CD's that sold in excess
of 50,000 units on the group's own label - "Thin Ice Records."
Feeling the need to get back to his musical roots, Carlos formed the Peace-Love-Unity-Syndicate
(aka the PLUS Band) as a side project, while First Light was still playing together.
After First Light disbanded, the PLUS Band has become the primary vehicle for
Carlos' immense songwriting talents. Focusing on the need to create positive
vibrations through his music, Carlos' message of Peace, Love, and Unity is one
that stirs feelings in audiences of all ages and races. Blending many of the
traditional percussion instruments with electronic keyboarding gives the music
a unique hybrid style of roots reggae. Of course, tying it all together is his
warm, sensual voice with a sound that emanates directly from the soul. When
you hear the voice, you know that his is a man that loves what he is doing.
On the current CD release, Roots With Culture, Carlos, who has been
recognized as a pioneer of the American Reggae sound, delivers a wonderful blend
of roots-based reggae music, seasoned with all the spices that make up the cauldron
of American music…and that cauldron bubbles, boils, and percolates - creating
a sensual delight! "Roots With Culture" explores the origins and evolution
of this new musical sound from Jones' autobiographical perspective.
