      
|
| A B Y S S I N I A N S Donald Manning, Bernard Collins and Linford Manning have come together through the powers of the Most High to become one of the most influential reggae singing groups of all time - The Abyssinians. With Amazing harmonies, heavenly melodies and intelligent lyrics, roots rasta consciousness has become synonymous with the Abyssinians's name. Each song that has graciously materialized is a spiritual and insightful message. Invoking solutions to our inward troubles and aid in the search for truth and solvetion. In 1969 Donald Manning and Bernard Collins drafted the blueprint of a song that would launch them into the canon of reggae greats. With the addition of Linford Manning, the trio was complete. Founding member Donald Manning set the name in stone. The Abyssinians first release, a song they had been nurturing was recorded and went to become one of roots reggae's most heralded songs. An anthem in its own right "Satta Massagana". The song quickly gained momentum and traveled from the radio waves to the churches of Jamaica. A string of hits followed including "Yimmasagan" & "Declaration of Rights." Their early albums comprised on various labels have become a must for collectors from Jamaica and throughout the rest of the world. These sacred sounds can be heard on sound systems all over the US, Europe, Africa, Japan, and beyond; "roots reggae", the form of reggae most popular in the later 1970s, denotes both a back-to-basics approach to the music and a down-to-earth pholosophy that stresses humility, devotion, and an activist approach to the suffering of the common man. No artists typified this movement more than the Abyssinians, and no song came to represent it more than "Satta Massagana", the title song to their debut album. This instant classic was produced in 1969 by legandary Studio One helmsman Coxsone Dodd. Based on an earlier recording. "Happy Land", its sound was so revolutionary and ahead of its time that Dodd shelved it, forcing the Abyssinians to finally release it on their own Clinch label in 1971. Partly sung in the ancient Amharic language of Ethiopia it quickly became a sensation, spawing numerous covers and dubs, and quenched the thirst of the burgeoning movement of Rastafari. The trio stood out with their eloquently-knit harmonies, slowing down the beat and switching to darker, minor deys the Abyssinians's style, together with their devout faith in the mystical revelation of Rastafari, created the blueprint for present day collaborations of roots reggae musicians cropping up from a diverse ethnicity, culture, and faith. The Abyssinians quickly followed up their smash with several singles in a similar vein, but further releases were not manifested until 1976. The original group parted for a time only to return with the acclaimed REUNION album in 1998 from that time the Abyssinians have brought their music forth unto the masses of the people with long overdue Live performances. With the hypnotic riddins and lyrics of these true heartical rastamen, the Abyssinians smash down the barriers of separation and help cement the foundation of Roots music for the forthcoming generations. The wealth of music produced by this universal trio is the musical milk and honey. The sustenance for serious roots reggae lovers. We are truly fortunate and blessed to have them sing and chant along the shores of Oceanside. |
||
|
|