Like the legendary reggae acts that preceded them, Caribbean Pulse successfully made its presence heavily known in Jamaica before ever attempting to secure an American record deal. In the tradition of Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Peter Tosh, Caribbean Pulse is roots reggae at its best, with four core members, a seven member backing band, and a production team featuring reggae heavyweight, Fabian Cooke, whose credits include the likes of Bob Marley and Third World. With their conscious style of spiritual Rasta vibes, complete with collaborations with fellow reggae musicians such as Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Tony Rebel and Carlton "Santa" Davis," Caribbean Pulse is bringing back good music.
On lead vocals, Ezzy Judah writes most of the group's lyrics, which were inspired by his strong Rastafarian faith. On rhythm guitar is William Smith, the group's founder, born in the Caribbean, in Belize, as was his brother, Jason "BassyJay" Smith, who serves as the group's bassist, and is also part of the production team. The vocally prolific LaNiece McKay adds a second set of vocals to blend with Ezzy's island-born voice.
Hailing from the first family of reggae, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley merged spiritually and musically with Caribbean Pulse for the track "Jah Is My Rock," recording his vocals at Bob Marley's home, the iconic Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.
Setting off the group's rhythm, other players on the group's self-titled debut album include Carlton "Santa" Davis (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh), keyboardist Michael Hyde (Wailing Souls), with lead guitar courtesy of Steve Verhault (Barrington Levy, Big Mountain). Further contributions on the album come from Mike Daigeau (Stevie Wonder) on trombone, Gary Herbig on sax (Rod Stewart) and Michael McGuffey on trumpet (Pointer Sisters).
Judah describes the group's spiritual torcher, "Jah Is My Rock," by saying it's an affirmation song. He says, "I don't care which god you serve, or from what window you see Him, or which door. We are all puppets of the most high. So wherever he wants you, he will put you there."
Caribbean Pulse began receiving critical acclaim in Jamaica, and the group's name began gracing the pages of the Jamaica Observer, as the band's tracks started receiving heavy chart action there, becoming a mainstay on Jamaican radio. When Caribbean Pulse began receiving airplay in the States, despite not having an album available in America, the group decided the demand was there for an American release.
Coming strong with tracks like 'Mr. Man," "Dry Your Eyes" with Tony Rebel, and "Woman," which were produced by the Jamaican-born Fabian Cooke, who produced the single "Hakuna Matata" from the Lion King, stateside fans will surely know what has been discovered on the lovely island of Jamaica, that it's time to feel Irie again, starting with Caribbean Pulse.
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