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Al Anderson, The Original Wailer, and Band Perform Acoustic Versions of Memorable Hits of The Wailers on Sugarshak Music Channel

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Listen to "Song of the Divine" and "Si Tu Me Lo Das," and look out for "Mirror of Heaven." Experience the upgrade of a musician, who continues to shape the landscape of the world of reggae music.

Al Anderson, an original member of Bob Marley and The Wailers, transformed a sweltering SugarShack session into a masterclass of seasoned artistry. "It was humid," he recounted. "It rained throughout the day. This wasn't just any humidity but the kind that actively waged war against his instrument. As the Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology confirms, such intense humidity can warp wood and compromise sound. Al confirmed the struggle: "I was kinda stressing out because I wasn't getting what I wanted out of the guitar."

There, on that humble stage, in his effortless cool, Al delivered his one of few acoustic shows. An eight-song set, a blend of timeless classics and fresh originals, filled the air. "We did eight songs," Al explained, "Six songs of the legend catalog of Bob Marley and the Wailers and two original songs." From the uplifting "Three Little Birds" and the poignant "Redemption Song" to the rebellious "Legalize It" (by Peter Tosh) and the rhythmic "Rootsman Skanking" (by Bunny Wailer), the setlist was a journey through reggae's heart. Interwoven were the band's originals, "Song of the Divine," co-written by Al and Chet Samuel, and "Empress Omega," penned by Chet, each a testament to their own evolving sound.

But this was more than just a performance. It was a living history lesson, a bridge between reggae's golden age and its present evolution. Al Anderson,  who stood shoulder to shoulder with Bob Marley and worked with reggae legends Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, carried their spirit within him. "Whenever I get an opportunity to play our music," he share, "I put 1,000% into it because I always feel like they're listening." This connection to the past and present fuels his passion. "I feel an energy because we are playing the material that we created together."

Bob did not enjoy imitation. "I remember he said, write your own songs and don’t let anybody imitate me," Al recalled. This ethos drives the band's new music, a fusion of familiar rhythms and fresh perspectives.

The upcoming EP, Mirror of Heaven, is in the process of completion. “This is the spirit of innovation. It encompasses all the vibes that have gone down and some," Al explained. A collection of songs in English and Spanish, it's a gift to reggae listeners. "We wanted to give something back to everyone who loves the music”, he said.

Listen to "Song of the Divine" and "Si Tu Me Lo Das," and look out for "Mirror of Heaven." Experience the upgrade of a musician, who continues to shape the landscape of the world of reggae music.

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