The Overtakers - Jamaican Roots Music CD

The Overtakers are Ruben Brooks (guitar, vocals), Ruth Brooks (maracas, vocals) and LeRoy Williams (Rhumba Box, vocals). They come to you live and direct straight up from Jamaica. Born in 1950, Ruben Brooks grew up in Kingston, Jamaica with the legends of reggae. He drew inspiration from the same situation that inspired popular Reggae Music recorded in the 1960s and 70s - Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Lee Scratch Perry, each of whom Ruben knew personally in his youth. They encouraged him on his path toward a musical career.

Their instrumentation is mento. Mento is a style of Jamaican folk music that predates and has greatly influenced ska and reggae music. Mento typically features acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitar, banjo, hand drums, and the rhumba box - a large mbira in the shape of a box that can be sat on while played. The rhumba box carries the bass part of the music.

Ruben's songs are all original. With Ruth Brooks' rhythm and distinct harmonies along with Leroy Williams' rich and percussive bass tones and vocals, The Overtakers music is distinctive, authentic and moving.

1- I Don't Want To Cry mp3
2- Our Family In Jamaica mp3
3- First Plane In Jamaica mp3
4- I Know mp3
5- David And Lazarus mp3
6- Lonely Man mp3
7- Mackarel and Banana mp3
8- Mr. DJ mp3
9- Oliver Twist mp3
10- Roamer mp3
11- Midnight Bus mp3

Released 2006