Rarely has an ensemble exploded on the scene with the dynamic presence and unique vocal stylings of the Equal Rites Band. The band's sound dubbed as "Afro-Caribbean", is underscored by a driving fusion of funk,reggae, and jazz. The group is led by Lon E. Plynton, veteran performer/songwriter and founder of the Mystic Jammers, a legendary band in the New England area'a "world music" scene. Plynton's guitar riffs are as funky as anything by James Brown yet they can soar with the lyricism and beauty of Santana. Working hand in glove with Plynton, is a vocalist and lyricist Keli Garrett, best known for her work as a professional actress and playwrite. Garrett's and Plynton's voices combinee to create a distinct sound that is theirs alone. On steel drum, is the "Professor" of the Pan, the great Mackie Burnett. As a lauded instuctor for Brown University and Smith College, Burnette gives much of his time bequeathing unto future generations his vast knowledge of the instrument from his homeland, Trinidad. Burnett stays busy touring and recording with his own steel drum ensemble, Panorama. At the Keys, is Willie Myette, a young rising talent of the east coast jazz scene. The Willie Myette Trio performs extensively throughout the New England area and beyond featuring the wonderful songstress, Tish Adams. Myette's playing is ferociously funky, intuitive, and ever expanding. Respected by his peers as a great session player and a master crafter of the electric bass, Mibbit Threats is a man who trained at the feet of some of the greatest Classic Funk bassists ever-Including Larry Graham. True to his name, Threats' grooves are menacingly funky and daringly innovative. John Booth is identified by many as the Jimi Hendrix of our era. He is explosive, powerful, frantic, though precise. Here we have represented some of his best acoustic work. Matt Niebels is fast making a name for himself on the scene as a drummer of dexterous skills. Matt performs anywhere and in any style. Playing with local Favs Sunshine Smokey, and Spogga, Niebel's skills for Equal Rites are heightened by the band's cross breed of sounds and ever changing rhythms.

 

Equal Rites: Lucia (Lion's Eye Productions) Rising up as an offshoot of local reggae celebs the Mystic Jammers, Equal Rites delves deeply into a highly percussive groove-adelic sound, part Afro-dance, part Caribbean hipsway. Led by singer/guitarist Lon Plynton of the Jammers and supported by singer Keli Garrett, drummer Matt Niebels, bassist Mibbit Threats, keyboardist Willie Myette, and percussionist Mackie Burnett, Equal Rites burns brightest and heats up most when they get their ensemble thing revving at full tilt. On "Lucia" or "When I Dream" the band conjures up the tropical nights of Trinidad when rum swizzles and an ocean breeze are the only things that'll cool off the performance of a great groove band. Plynton doesn't shy from mimicking a few guitar heroes, namely Carlos Santana on the stinging "Running Back" and Chic's Nile Rodgers on the boogie-oogie of "What Does It Matter." A couple of acoustic numbers -- "On the Street" and "What Else" -- feature some nice guitar work on the part of guest John Booth, and they provide a nice breather from the ensemble's jazzy pushes, a vital effort from a gritty, versatile, and worthwhile local outfit.

Equal Rites is a group based out of the New England area led by Lon E. Plynton who has been around and payed his dues. They refer to their style as "Afro-Caribbean". It has some reggae influences but it is also ripe with the calypso sound mostly due to the steel drum playing of Mackie Burnett. Some parts are over the top but before you get the wrong impression one can not help but admire the musicianship that is portrayed. The songs themselves are quite original . Be sure to hear the track "On The Street". A group to watch for.

Lucia

Rhythm and Blues - Other - Jazz - World Beat

This song is about a baby I helped deliver. Lucia, open your eyes Lucia, look at the sky In this world you've been called Yes in love you will fall Lucia, Lucia. Lucia, open your eyes Lucia, look at this guy In my arms fall asleep on me new life is so heavenly Lucia, Lucia. Lucia, open your eyes Lucia, I realize Newborn love pour your grace on me Newborn life fall asleep on me Newborn Love pour your grace on me Got to live for destiny Lucia, Lucia.

Running Back

Rhythm and Blues - Jazz - Latin - World Beat

I'll come running right back to you When the night is turning blue And you feel it too, and you know it's true, I'll come running right back to you. I'll come running right back to you When the gigs is done and through Yes I'll see it though then I'm long overdue I'll come running right back to you. I'll come running right back to you Can't control what I say or do And you know it's true and you feel it too I'll come running right back to you I'll come running right back to you Cause many days are really few And I enjoy the view when there's just us two I'll come running right back to you If you think you feel like I do If you think that you really care The hopes and the tears and the dreams the future is not what it seems So close your eyes I will be there Close your eyes I will be, right there.

 

What Else

Easy Listening - Rock - Folk - World Beat

If you see me laughing while hurting, what else can I do? How did it feel when I first kissed you? What else can I do? If you see me trying while dying,oh what else can I do? And how did it feel when I first lost you? What else can I do? Ha, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha- Ha, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha-you've got me laughing- If you see me dreaming while scheming oh what else can I do And how did it feel when I first loved you, what else can I do? If you see me Lying while crying oh what else can I do? And how did it feel when I ran from you, What else can I do? Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha- Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,you,ve got me laughing....

When I Dream

Reggae-Ska - Rhythm and Blues - Jazz - Funk

I get Up and walk away oh dear lord I thank you for this day Last night some dreams kept haunting me and you were there, how real it seemed. moments pass like seconds in a day and still these dreams I just can't shake away. When you dream, how do you feel? I swear that when I dream I think my dreams are real. Moments pass like seconds in a day, and still these dreams I just can't shake away Nightmares keep on following me I just can't tell whats reality,oh- Last night I dreamt that you were here and then I reached for you and you disappeared When you dream, how do you feel I swear that when I dream I think my dreams are real.

Por Amor

Pop - Jazz - Latin - World Beat

Por amor eu confesso Por voce venho esperando Pelo sol acender o fogo Das nossas almas Por amor e verdade A parte da minha felicidade Que perdi no mundo Ha tempos atras Querida, confesso Que ja te vi em meu sonho Algum lugar tao perto de Meu coracao Por amor eu confesso Por voce venho esperando Pra estrelas guiarem o caminho De volta para mim It's time that you knew That every word that I write I feel it's true And I waiting For you to come back to me For love it's true I'm here and I'm waiting for you For the sun to light the fire In our souls For love I must confess It's the key to my happiness That I lost in a world A long time ago Sweet love I know it seems I've seen you when I'm lost in my dreams In a place so very close To my heart For love it's true I'm here and I'm waiting for you For the stars to light the path That brings you back to me.

On the Street

Reggae-Ska - Pop - Rock - Folk

Yes we're out on the street Ain't got nothing to eat Ain't got noplace to go There's only miles of road Ain't no right thing to do Just gonna walk in my shoes And It's so long, so long from home And it's so long, so long from home And I'm feeling free- Yes we're out on the steet Ain't got noplace to sleep Just gonna lay on this bench Just jump over the fence Ain't no suit and tie Plastic bag will keep me dry And it's so long, so long from home And it's so long, so long from home And I'm feeling free No ones bothering me I and Irie Yes we're out on the street and I get hit with the beat I'm getting out of this night Just like I got out of the fights Since I just can't win Look for someone to take me in And It's so long, so long to home And it's so long, so long to home And I'm feeling free.

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