THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 12, 1995 TAG: 9511090160
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: JOHN HARPER
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
When Joseph Hill sings, people listen.
Hill, one of reggae's most powerful and unique voices, brings his rocking reggae band Culture to Port O' Call on Friday.
The vocal trio of Hill, Albert Walker and Kenneth Dayes emerged from the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, in 1977 with the powerful debut album ``Two Sevens Clash.''
Considered by many purists as one of the finest reggae records ever made, the album is full of songs of hope and joy. Hill is a follower of the Rastafarian religion, a complex mix of old African mystical religions, Christianity and a healthy dose of black nationalism.
His deep faith is unwavering and keeps the band focused after 18 years on the road. Culture plays about 200 dates a year, including 50 or so appearances in the United States.
The live shows, with Hill's uniquely cool voice, and the harmony singing of Walker and Dayes, demand attention. The muscular band of Keith Senior on keyboards, Jocelyn McKenzie on drums, bassist Robert Taylor and lead guitarist Dja Te Richards gives many of the group's songs a dancehall feel, with no loss of the group's spiritual visions.
Some of Culture's songs recall the golden days of American soul music - Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Booker T. and the MGs - of the late '60s to mid '70s.
The band draws songs from its deep catalog of 20 albums, released on a variety of labels. ``Two Sevens Clash'' was recently re-released in the United States after years out of print.
Don't miss this band. Its musical messages, harmonies, and discipline make each concert an uplifting, spiritual experience. MEMO: John Harper covers Outer Banks entertainment for The Carolina Coast.
Send comments and questions to him at P.O. Box 10, Nags Head, N.C.
27959. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The vocal trio known as Culture emerged from the parish of St.
Catherine, Jamaica, in 1977.
by CNB