spunkybean.com - Hidden in Plain Sight: Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band (Jun 30)

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Hidden in Plain Sight: Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band (Jun 30)

Written by Myndi Weinraub

Monday, 30 June 2008 11:00

We're trying something new on spunkybean, and it's called Hidden in Plain Sight. We're giving our writers an opportunity to share some of their personal favorites that may not be known to a nationwide audience, but that they think deserve some more recognition and heck, even a little shameless publicity! Myndi's up first, with a two for one of sorts; a legendary Cleveland band and another current area favorite who share a lead singer.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s on the North Coast (that's what we cool kids called Cleveland, Ohio), there was no better local band to go see than First Light. This group of musicians made revolutionary sounds, fusing together rock and reggae and engaging audiences of all ages and persuasions. Their live shows were always an event, always a party. Anyone who has ever experienced one will tell you that.

The band thrived on the local and regional scene for many years, and had a devoted following, but broke up in 1998 when founder and lead singer Carlos Jones decided he needed to make a change and, having come close to major label success, but never quite getting there, many of the other band members were burnt out. All went on to other projects; Jones, a charismatic and talented frontman, formed the PLUS Band and is considered the king of Cleveland's Reggae scene, which has actually flourished since the 70s, strange as that may sound to the uninitiated.

Recently, First Light played a 10 year reunion concert in the Flats in Cleveland, and I was lucky enough to attend. The band's signature blend of everything from rock and soul to funk, jazz and reggae is still unique and songs that I hadn't heard in 15 years came back within seconds of hearing the first notes. I promise that if you give either First Light disc a spin or check out the more roots reggae oriented PLUS Band, even if the only reggae you've ever heard is Bob Marley's Legend, you'll really enjoy it.

Having moved away from the area 12 years ago, I wasn't familiar with PLUS Band until I went onto Carlos's website. They play the kind of chilled out roots reggae that makes you want to dance while spreading the messages of peace and love that we all aspire to on our best days. I'm sharing this with you, spunkyreaders, because I want to encourage you to check this music out! If you go to the website, you can listen to downloads and buy CDs, as well as check out the 2008 schedule to see if Carlos and PLUS Band will be coming to a venue or festival near you anytime soon. If you're in the midwest, you're close enough to check them out. You won't be disappointed.

In case you don't want to leave spunkybean, here's a couple of videos you can watch right here: PLUS Band's "Leave a Trail" and the First Light favorite "Running". Peace!