Junior Toots
A Little Bit of Love
Crown Of Fire
Street: 03.06
Junior Toots = Toots and The Maytals + Buju Banton
When you’re the son of Toots Hibbert (Toots and The Maytals), it’s guaranteed the reggae genetics will be passed along. Clayton Hibbert, a.k.a. Junior Toots, is a perfect example—although he has the reggae gene, he stepped out of his father’s shadow, creating his own style and energy, combining the sounds of roots reggae, hip-hop, ska, dancehall and R&B. For his fourth album, A Little Bit of Love, a Kickstarter Project was put together to raise funds for production. The goal was exceeded and the result is straightforward reggae. Tracks like “Call On Jah” and “Physically Spiritually” stay true to roots reggae and the message of Rastafari while “Puss and Dog” and “I Believe In You” have a hip-hop modern twist, showing Junior Toots’ diversity. The highlight, “Seek The Truth,” featuring Sol Atash, is so smooth, it's a shame the track clocks in at just under three minutes. –Courtney Blair

Anthony B and Junior Toots light The Independent, SF Ablaze!

‘Greeting’s in the name of his majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie, Jah Ras Tafari!’ Hearing that never really gets old, does it?

On a warm winter’s night on January 12, 2012, at San Francisco reggae hot spot, The Independent, Jah was definitely in the building.

Lighting up the night in no small fashion was Junior Toots, backed by the Fyah Squad Band, a traditional reggae 4-piece. True to their name, their riddems were locked tight, allowing Junior Toots to shine. 20 minutes into his set, we had seen three totally different looks from Toots, embodying ska, dancehall, and straight up roots reggae. Junior Toots commanded the stage, dancing and gyrating fiercely, truly connecting with the audience, as seen by the energetic call and response.

By the time he got to Physically Spiritually from his new album, ‘A Little Bit Of Love’, Toots was on fire, working every corner of the stage, his voice well warmed, yet raw, real. Junior Toots was joined on stage by Sol Atash, who sings back up on Seek The Truth in Farsi, which brought a different element to the show that was welcomed by all.

All in all, Junior Toots wowed and amazed the crowd and myself. We chanted for an encore, which unfortunately never came, but left us all wanting more, and I’m gonna get some.

The crowd filled in, chalice and spliff’s filled the air, and in true Anthony B style, he took to the stage, leaping furiously like some kind of Rasta drum major shaman, instantly whipping the packed house into a frenzy. His trademark staff flying in the air, towel in back pocket giving the crowd the gymnastic performance that is 100% Anthony B.

Out in support of his most recent album, ‘Rasta Love’, we were treated to his unique sound that transcends traditional dancehall, bordering on progressive reggae, his positive message was ever present. “With reggae music, it doesn’t matter your race, class or creed,” said the member of the Bobo Ashanti branch of the Rastafarian movement. “Rastafari spread the teachings of love and peace.” This was ever present as he swaggered into ‘Coming In Hot’. And later on we got a full dose of Anthony B’s signature power, energy and sheer madness as he ripped through a wild version ofNever Wanna Lose You. Several hits from Anthony’s massive catalog rounded out the night, all skillfully laid down by his world-class band.

By the end of the set, I was tired and sweaty from ritualistically dancing for most of the night. With Anthony B’s seeming endless releases and tireless tour schedule, he has been and will be an artist to watch for some time. The man is possessed, in a good way, and to my eyes, on a higher plain. Can’t wait to hear, and see what he comes up with next. 

Reggae fest draws hundreds

Junior Toots !neamp! the Fyah Squad entertains a crowd of hundreds who packed Mooheau Park on Sunday for the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair. -- JOHN BURNETT/Tribune-Herald

By JOHN BURNETT

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Hundreds flocked to Mooheau Park in downtown Hilo Sunday afternoon for the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair.

A sizable crowd danced and swayed to live reggae in the park's bandstand, while others relaxed on the grass or circulated to booths with everything from food and clothing to agricultural supplies and information about medical marijuana.

The free event happens yearly on or near the birthday of the late reggae superstar Bob Marley (Feb. 6). It was once known as "Bob Fest" and some people still use that name, although the event now focuses on more than just the reggae rhythms.

"What we're trying to do is to get the people, as they celebrate the birthday of the legend, to get their soil ready for planting," said entertainer and event organizer Sahra Indio. "In Hawaii, we start planting in February, so we give seeds away, shoots and roots and different soil amenities. We want to teach people to grow more food."

Bambu Station from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands headlined the show. Another big name who played yesterday's event is Junior Toots, whose father, Toots Hibbert, is the frontman for the seminal Jamaican reggae band Toots and the Maytals.

"I'm lovin' it," Junior Toots said backstage after his performance. "I've never been to Hawaii, so I wanted to come out to see what this place is like and spread the message of love. It's been a great experience, so far, and the Hawaiian people are great."

Singer Irae Divine made her second appearance at the event, and describes it as "a blessing."

"I've waited all year for this," she said.

Puna musician Jack Miller made a pilgrimage to Jamaica in the 1970s and played with numerous reggae stars including Sly & Robbie, The Mighty Diamonds and members of Third World and The Wailers.

"That they can bring this quality of musicians for a free show, that's just amazing," he said. "These are some of the top touring reggae bands that are out there right now.

"I think this annual event really brings people together here for music and awareness, first of all, that we're an agricultural community, and of the concept of sustainability."

Miles Mitchell of Keaukaha, who was hanging out with friends by the Mooheau bus station, called it "a beautiful event."

"It's a lot of fun; these guys are rockin' here," he said.

Jessica, a Pahoa woman who declined to give her last name, carried her toddler daughter in a papoose pack. She said she attends yearly and described this year's event as "the best yet."

The Big Island chapter of Americans for Safe Access, a group dedicated to safe and legal access to medical marijuana, had an information booth. Andrea Tischler, the organization's co-chair, said a "parade of people" visited ASA's booth, many concerned about bills before the state Legislature.

"A lot of people are concerned about chronic pain being eliminated from the list of conditions that doctors can recommend medical cannabis for," she said. "We're getting a lot of interest. I'm sure it's gonna be a fight, but we're up for it."

The Water Man provided free liquid refreshment to thirsty festivalgoers.

"We're having fun out here giving water to the people and enjoying the reggae," said Kevin Abate, the company's president.

Indio said she was delighted by the mostly sunny afternoon, as well as the turnout.

"When you see the cars parked across the street, that's when you know that it's successful," she said, and added the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair is in its fourth year.

"You plant seeds and they grow," she said. "In year number four we were able to bring over Bambu Station, who brought me to the U.S. Virgin Islands to perform at a Rastafarian agricultural fair, and it was there that one of the elder Rastas asked me to put on an agricultural fair in Hawaii."

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

There’s a lot of pressure on the son of Toots Hibbert. I mean, Toots & the Maytals are one of the biggest names in all of reggae, up there with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Junior Toots (aka Clayton Hibbert), then, has a lot to live up to on his new album A Little Bit of Love.

On the opening track “Ready to Come Over,” you’ll notice right away that Junior’s voice has a smooth croon very similar to his father’s.  His real vocal abilities, however, come through as the album continues, most notably on “Puss and Dog,” where the gritty, grunting vocalization comes into full swing and really gives the song its energy. The feeling is replicated again in “If Africa Is Free Not Free.” Toots’ sincerity is echoed in his voice, and once again carries the tune.

Following is a live performance of “Puss and Dog”:

(On a humorous note, notice how after 40 years American audiences still have no real, set ideas of how to dance to reggae)

Overall, the content of the lyrics can often be understood through a quick glance at the song title. The rather direct lyrics seldom drag down the tracks, although “I Believe in You” is a little too cliché. What really matters, to me at least, is that Junior Toots is sincere is in his delivery and that he does it well. This proves to be no real trouble for Junior―whether high-energy singing or smooth crooning, his voice conveys nothing but sincerity.

What is more questionable, however, is the ability of the backing band. While every musician is talented, there are only four at the core―drums, bass, guitar and keyboards―with no horns. The keyboards act to replicate the horn section, but it’s much too electronic for my tastes, and feels rather reserved compared to the vocal line. If there was at least a trombone and trumpet, with possibly a tenor saxophone thrown in for good measure, then Junior would really have a solid group to work with. The energy of this augmented instrumentation, combined with Junior Toots’ already-magnificent voice, could really draw a crowd. And with the talent Toots possesses already, he definitely deserves it.

California resident and Jamaican born singer Junior Toots, son of renowned reggae artist Toots Hibbert of the Toots & The Maytals, is readying his fourth album 'A Little Bit of Love', a conscious set that incorporates roots reggae, ska and dancehall. Production is shared by veteran producers Fabian Cooke, Aston Barrett and Junior Toots’ brother Hopeton Hibbert.

“When I say conscious music, I mean my lyrics are aware of the needs of everyone; the need to be connected to nature and to other cultures besides your own. I hope my music encourages people to put away their egos and make intentions to heal, to love, and to care. Conscious means to come together,” states Junior Toots in a press release.

'A Little Bit of Love' was carried out partly as a Kickstarter project, where Junior Toots aimed for raising $2,800 to master and physically produce the album. The project obviously went fine and he managed to exceed his goal with almost $1,000. And 'A Little Bit of Love' will officially be released in March but is already available in some stores.

Junior Toots :: A Little Bit of Love :: Crown of Fire Records
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

It's a shame that "A Little Bit of Love" isn't available in stores today - after all it is Valentine's Day. I doubt Junior Toots will stay up nights worrying about it though - after all the "love" he's professing is the universal love for all mankind, born from the blessings Jah provide. He's already blessed Junior with excellent reggae genetics, being that he's the son of reggae legend Toots Hibbert, who you may know best from Toots and the Maytals. Then again you may NOT know, which is as good a reason for you to be reading this review as any.

Junior's story deviates from his father's a bit. While both of them were born in Jamaica, the younger Toots has been living in the United States since the 1980's, first in Connecticut but ultimately in California. You will find Toots' roots definitely lend to the reggae format, while his accent has definitely gained a touch of Americanization given he came here at such a young age. There will no doubt be debate about whether or not this is for the best - for some ears he may be easier to understand than more traditional Jamaican artists, while some listeners may feel he's a pretender to a culture he was long ago uprooted and made apart from.

As for me, myself, I and I, there's no doubt to me that Junior's heritage more than makes up for his distance from Jamaica when you listen to him croon his tune. "Physically Spiritually" is classic rasta roots reggae at its finest, singing about how all of mankind shares a common brotherhood. "We have got to be strong like the mountains/and blow like the breeze/keep a steadfast meditation/and keep your mind at ease/forget about when they said nothing good would ever happen." Preach on dread. "Puss and Dog" is a more jamming affair, one which for reasons I can't fathom reminds me of No Doubt - although there can be no doubt Toots is teaching:

"Once upon a time, not so long ago
Birds and bees, the flowers and the trees
The bees and the wasps, they used to go to school
But after the first semester, they would start to act a fool
He think he knows it all, just because he learned to sting
He never realized the knowledge, and fullness of the thing
"

Toots is full of lessons and love throughout the 14 tracks of this album. Some songs are incredibly self-explanatory before listening - you don't have to ponder what "If Africa Is Not Free" about for long. The same goes for the spiritual cry of "Call On Jah," the heritage pride of "Ethiopian From Birth" or the wisdom manifested on "Seek the Truth" featuring Sol Atash. In fact if I could make one criticism of Junior Toots, as much as I enjoyed "A Little Bit of Love," is that it's not couched in the layers of metaphor I've often come to aspect from the reggae greats. At times Toots seems to be too straightforward, whereas if you had to delve into the depths of his meaning, discerning his point would be more rewarding.

With a strong musical backing of production from Fabian Cooke, Aston Barrett and Toots' own brother Hopeton Hibbert, "A Little Bit of Love" rises above like a puff of friendly herbal smoke drifting in the island breeze. Toots professes in his bio that moving to the United States changed him into an entirely different person, but it seems to me after hearing his CD that Toots evolved as he needed to while not losing his reggae roots one bit.

Music Vibes: 7.5 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 5.5 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 6.5 of 10

Originally posted: February 14th, 2012
source: www.RapReviews.com

SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FEST: Roots, Culture and Reggae!

............On Saturday the 7th Street Showcase kicked off the Village Stage, bringing out Jr. Toots (the son of legendary Toots Hibbert from Maytals fame), Irae Divine, Guyana-born Arkaingelle, Puerto Rico's Malika Madremama, Empress Isheba, Binghi Ghost, and Itaweh, all backed by NorCal's finest Reggae band, the 7th Street Band. This showcase mashed it up!!...........

............Next up, Toots and the Maytals brought forward more classic Roots Rocksteady music.   Opening was his daughter,Leba Hibbert, whose soulfull voice emulates the rich soulful tone of herfather.  Leba has been the foundation ofToots and the Maytals backing vocals for many years. Another shining moment inthe set was when his son, Berkeley based “Junior Toots”, performed “54-46” onstage together, father and son.  What aclassic combination!!  “Junior” has thesame style and grace of his father, and when you see him live it will give youchills as he has the same rough cut edge on his voice that “Toots” has.  The love continues in the new generation! A true family affair!

Reggae Got Soul, and so does Junior Toots.

For those who have been watching this talent evolve, this is a testament to musical maturity. As an artists his skills as a writer, singer, and performer have only improved over time.

Reggae Got Soul is proof that Junior Toots is honing his skills, but he is yet to reach his full potential, a listener’s joy that is sure to come. Tracks such as “Up Ye Mighty Race,” “Jah is the King of Host,” and “Jah bless the World,” stay true to reggae and the message of Rastafari, while on songs such as “Make A Move,” and “Look How You’re Round” he adds some R&B and Reggaeton flavors that demonstrate his diversity of influence.

This album well demonstrates that Junior Toots will not allow himself to be boxed into one genre or style of music. Junior Toots may be the son of reggae living legend Toots Hibbert but this album shows that he is on his own musical journey and not riding any coat tails.

For more information on Junior Toots, lease be sure to ckeck his website at www.juniortoots.com.

 

NOV. 1, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

            Acclaimed singer/songwriter Clayton “Jr. Toots,” Hibbert,  son of reggae legend Frederick “Toots” Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals, is proud to announce his fall tour in support of his latest CD, “Reggae Got Soul.”  Jr. Toots’ northern California tour, with Irae Divine & The 7th St. Band, kicks off at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, on Thursday, Nov. 4.  His dates include:

Nov. 4th -  9 p.m, Moe's Alley in Santa Cruz, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz - (831) 479-1854.

Nov. 13th - Pier 23 on the Embarcadero,  San Francisco, (415) 362-5125.

Nov. 19th - Caspar Inn, 14957 Caspar Rd., Caspar, CA, (707) 964-5565.

Jr. Toots’ Nov. 13 performance is a fundraiser for drummer/vocalist Wadi Gad, who is currently facing deportation form the U.S. Gad produced the track “Keep Jah by Your Side” on “Reggae Got Soul.”

For Information, go to:

www.JuniorToots.com

 

ARTIST: Junior Toots                                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TITLE: Reggae Got Soul
LABEL: Crown of Fire Records
GENRE: Reggae

CONTACT: Royal Management

(707) 234-7307

 

JUNIOR TOOTS RELEASES NEXT GENERATION REGGAE CD “REGGAE GOT SOUL”

Next generation reggae artist Junior Toots releases his innovative CD “Reggae Got Soul” available for purchase on the band's site www.JuniorToots.com and www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com.  This 2010 release on Crown of Fire Records is Junior Toots' third album continuing the reggae dynasty that extends to his father Toots Hibbert from the reggae legends Toots and the Maytals.

Junior Toots not only extends the legacy of reggae innovation, but his music is much more true to Rastafari and has an updated political relevancy for the 21^st century.  Yes, this album has some of the most interesting sonic combinations of music, mixing traditional horn arrangements and rhythms with a more modern twist.  Junior Toots is not afraid to try unusual sounds, vocals, and instrumentations to communicate the message of love and peace in his music.  The free use of samples, vocal effects, drum machines, loops and techno-inspired beats makes radical use of the reggae sound in the best traditions of Lee “Scratch” Perry and Bill Laswell's sonic dub.  This is not the reggae you may be used to listening too, but it is with a sound more DJ-like electronic quality that is a familiar yet unique sonic journey.  Several of the tracks also feature the Reggaeton sound which is a combination of reggae, hip hop and latin styles popular in many Carribean dance halls.

On the track “Herbsman,” Junior Toots sings “Officer, officer/ why don't you ease off the pressure... herbsman, herbsman/you better give up your connection/ herbsman, herbsman/ there will be no negotiation...”  This is just a sample of his more politically inspired songs in the spirit of Burning Spear, Third World and Bob Marley.  The title track to “Reggae Got Soul” is a not-so-faithful cover of the original Toots and the Maytal's tune with a new twist on its sonic boundaries.  You may know the lyrics and the song, but you have never heard it this way before, when you find yourself singing along. 

With an inspired live show, you don't want to miss Junior Toots' next performance in support of his latest release “Reggae Got Soul” on the Crown of Fire label.  Check out Junior Toots' website for the latest tour information, downloads and other fan items at www.JuniorToots.com or at his MySpace page. 

For management and booking contact Royal Management at (707) 234-7307 or email management@juniortoots.com.