As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the children were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove, and various junior schools as Tan Tan children of immigrants from the Caribbean around West London in 1975. Vocalist Brinsley Forde had a brief career on television on the British children's television series "Here Come the Double Deckers" in 1970-71.
The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Drummie Zeb, and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear's 1979 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London.
They became one the U.K.'s top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as "Three Babylon" and "It's Not Our Wish", and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental "Warrior Charge".
The band gained a wider audience with the New Chapter album (1981). "Fire", the opening track gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown's "Promised Land."
Among Aswad's catalogue of hits is "Don't Turn Around", a pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner's hit "Typical Male", which was later covered by Ace of Base; and a reggae flavoured rendition of "Best of My Love", first popularised and written by The Eagles. Their next hit, Shine, was released in 1994. Another track was the upbeat 1998 remake of The Police's "Invisible Sun", performed with Sting.
The band also hold the distinction of having played with each one of the ex-Wailers.
Band members
* Martin Augustine aka "Tatta" - Lead guitar
* Brinsley Forde aka "Dan" (born 16 October 1952, Guyana) - Vocals, Rhythm guitar
* Drummie Zeb aka Angus Gaye (born 1959, London, United Kingdom) - Vocals, Drums
* Donald Griffiths (born 1954, Jamaica)
* Jimmy Haynes aka "Senyah" - Lead guitar, Acoustic guitar
* Clifton Morrison aka "Bigga" - Vocals, Keyboards, Melodica
* George Oban - Left in 1980 - Bass guitar
* Tony Gad - real name Dennis Anthony Robinson, born 11 November 1957, London. Joined in 1980 - Vocals, Bass guitar
Discography
* 1976: Aswad - Mango Records
* 1978: Hulet - Mango Records
* 1981: New Chapter - Columbia Records
* 1981: Showcase - Mango Records
* 1982: A New Chapter of Dub - Mango Records
* 1982: Not Satisfied - Columbia Records
* 1983: Live and Direct - Mango Records
* 1984: Rebel Souls - Mango Records
* 1986: To the Top - Simba
* 1988: Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio - Jah Shaka
* 1988: Distant Thunder - Mango Records
* 1988: Renaissance - 20 Crucial Tracks - Stylus
* 1989: Aswad: Crucial Tracks
* 1990: Next to You - Alex
* 1990: Too Wicked - Mango Records
* 1993: Firesticks - Alex
* 1994: Rise and Shine - Rhino Entertainment
* 1995: Rise and Shine Again! - Mesa
* 1995: Dub: The Next Frontier - Mesa
* 1997: Big Up - Atlantic Records
* 1999: Roots Revival - Ark 21
* 2002: Cool Summer Reggae
Smokey Blues
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got a date, with her i can't be late
I've really gotta reach there right on time
it's gettin kinda late now, i wonder if she'll wait?
in that
smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh
dancehall cock, where to begin?
dancehall cock, well now
so now I'm waitin, anticipating
is she gonna break, this heart of mine?
no need to worry, i see her coming to me
i'm gonna take it one step at a time
in this
smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh
dancehall cock tonight
smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh
dancehall cock tonight
sweet music's playing, our bodies swaying
i hold you close as we dance in time
you've got that certain something, it's getting to me
i always wanted you by my side
in this
smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh
dancehall cock tonight
smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh
dancehall cock tonight
(repeat chorus)
The lyrics of Aswad's song Smokey Blues depict a young man's excitement as he prepares to go on a date. The day is Saturday, and he has a special someone he can't afford to keep waiting. He is anxious about the time and wonders if she will wait for him. The atmosphere described is that of a dancehall party hall with smokey fumes and pulsating music, hence the name "Smokey Blues."
At the party, he sees his date approaching, and he's relieved she didn't leave him waiting. They dance together as the sweet sounds of music play in the background. He's captivated by her, and all he wants is to be with her at all times. The lyrics are filled with a joyful feeling, enthusiasm, and anticipation. Overall, the song has a romantic feel to it, celebrating young love during a night out.
Line by Line Meaning
it's Saturday, and now it's time to rave
It's the weekend and I'm looking forward to partying
I've got a date, with her i can't be late
I have a date with someone and I can't afford to be late
I've really gotta reach there right on time
It's important for me to get there at the right time
it's gettin kinda late now, i wonder if she'll wait?
It's getting late and I'm worried my date might leave if I don't hurry up
in that smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh dancehall cock, where to begin?
In this party environment, which is dark and hazy, it's hard to know where to start
so now I'm waitin, anticipating is she gonna break, this heart of mine?
I'm waiting for my date and hoping they won't break my heart
no need to worry, i see her coming to me i'm gonna take it one step at a time
I spot my date approaching and decide to take things slowly
sweet music's playing, our bodies swaying i hold you close as we dance in time
The music is great and we are dancing closely and in sync
you've got that certain something, it's getting to me i always wanted you by my side
My date is special and I've always wanted to be with them
in this smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh dancehall cock tonight
The party atmosphere is still going strong, with dim lighting and dance music
smokey smokey blues, wo-oh-oh-oh dancehall cock tonight
The party continues with this theme of a hazy environment and upbeat dancing
Contributed by Molly N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
WICKED TRUTH! JUST FOR YOU!