O'BESSA
Formerly of Toots and the Maytals
What happens when you take the multiple Grammy Award winning former band members of the world renowned Reggae group Toots and the Maytals….the group that helped create the energizing and dynamic music genre known as “Reggae” ; some of the core studio musicians who were known as the Beverley’s All-Stars….creating a catalogue of music that lives on today; and three of the most talented vocalists and musicians who made their mark creating and performing with some of the top groups in Jamaica and Miami…..you get OBessa!
Band members include:
Paul Douglas - Drummer/Percussionist/Vocalist/Bandleader;
Jackie Jackson – Bass Player/Co-Bandleader;
Andy Bassford (replacing former guitarist Radcliffe “Dougie” Bryan whose contribution to the Toots and the Maytals legacy is deeply appreciated);
Carl Harvey – Lead Guitarist/Vocalist;
Charles Farquharson – Keyboards; Rojjah Mendez – Vocalist;
Yishka Greaves – Saxophonist/Vocalist;
Gershi Greaves – Keyboards/Vocals.
As studio musicians, the core members including Jackie Jackson, Paul Douglas and Rad Bryan were responsible for hits such as The Wailers “Thank You Lord” and “Small Axe”; Desmond Dekker ‘s - “Israelites”; Alton Ellis’ “Girl I’ve Got A Date”; and Paul Simon’s “Mother and Child Reunion”.
As former members of Toots and the Maytals, Jackie Jackson, Paul Douglas, Rad Bryan, Carl Harvey and Charles Farquharson were the musicians who provided the groove and pulse behind hits such as “54-46”; “Sweet and Dandy”; “Pressure Drop” and the iconic version of John Denver’s “Country Roads.” Over the years, the group earned 6 Grammy nominations for Best Reggae Album, winning 2 Grammys for “True Love” in 2005 and “Got To Be Tough” in 2021. They have toured the world with a host of artists such as The Who; The Rolling Stones; The Eagles; Linda Ronstadt and The Dave Matthews Band, to name a few, building a huge and loyal fan base that is eagerly awaiting their return to the stage!
Listen to the first single from their debut EP - "Freedom Street" below.
They are looking forward to getting back on the road to deliver the fan favourites from the extensive Toots and the Maytals catalogue, as well as new music from OBessa.
Get ready world for…. OBessa!