Merger were an English reggae band of Jamaican/Ghanaian descent that formed in 1977 and lasted until 1980. Their name "Merger" comes from the fact that they blended reggae music with their other musical influences.[1][2] Their debut album, Exiles Ina Babylon was released in the UK in 1977 at a time when many British reggae bands, such as Aswad and Steel Pulse, were popular.[3] Politically, the band's songs addressed issues of racial injustice in Britain and other countries, but they rejected the Marcus Garvey idea that all black people should return to Africa.[1]
Merger | |
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Background information | |
Origin | England |
Genres | Reggae |
Years active | 1977–1980 |
Labels | Sun-star Muzik Co, Bellaphon, President, Makasound |
Past members | Barry Ford, Winston Bennett, Michael Dan, Tony Osei, Michael Osei, Ivor Steadman |
Reception
- "The Jamaican/Ghanaian line up provided for a wide spectrum of reggae sounds. Merger's debut Exile In Babylon created a stir when released in 1977, critics deemed it too soft core, and felt it catered too much to the pop market." (Andrew Hamilton, Allmusic)[1]
- "They integrated blues, soul, rock, funk and experimental influences in their musical efforts" (Teacher & Mr. T, Reggae Vibes)[2]
- "Merger's reggae performance of "Soweto"... is a serious piece of polital pop, whose pretesting lyrics and skilful musicianship are more impressive than many of the fashion-rock bands" (Dr Ian Inglis, Popular Music And Television In Britain)[4]
- "Led by the ever-so-soulful vocals of Barry Ford and the unusual deep voice of Michael Dan, with heavyweight compositions like "77" and "Understanding"" (Record Collector)[3]
- "Merger created an experimental variation on the contemporary roots reggae formula and made many friends amongst those on the London gig circuit" (Dub Vendor)[5]
- "At a time when the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, boned socialism in English, "Exiles in Babylon" celebrates the fusion ( "merger" in English) of influences: reggae, punk, blues, jazz" (Reggae France)[6]
Appearances
Merger appeared at the high-profile concert "The Picnic at Blackbushe" in 1978, alongside Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading.[7]
Members
- Barry Ford (guitar, vocals)
- Winston Bennett (guitar, vocals)
- Michael Dan (keyboards)
- Tony Osei (drums)
- Michael Osei (keyboards)
- Ivor Steadman (bass)
Discography
Albums
- Exiles In A Babylon (Sun-star Muzik Co, 1977)
- Armageddon Time (Bellaphon, 1980)
- Prisoner of Your Love (President, 1996)[8]
- Exiles In A Babylon (re-issue, Makasound, 2009)
Singles
References
External links
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