Steppin' Forward The Banyans

• 1 Free Your Soul 03:32
• 2 Steppin' Forward 03:13
• 3 Let Grow 02:46
• 4 Nah Run 04:07
• 5 Big Rock 03:59
• 6 Solid as a Rock 03:58
• 7 Man Free 03:38
• 8 International Disorder 04:09
• 9 Prisoner Of Desire 04:26
• 10 Roots And Culture 03:35
• 11 Goodness 03:45
• 12 Same Love 03:26
• 13 Dreamer 03:13
• Total Runtime 47:47

Info for Steppin' Forward

It‘s not that there seems to be a lack of promising roots bands from France, but The Banyans stick out. Their six musicians have played more than 300 shows throughout Europe in the last five years, and now they present their debut album, called Steppin‘ Forward. The Banyans hail from Toulouse, and as the Airbus planes produced there, they seem to be ready to take off.

The Banyans‘ style recalls the classical heydays of roots reggae. Their sound is organ- and guitar-rich and bears resemblance with Burning Spear and The Gladiators. The bass lines are thick, heavy and earthy; outright tranquilizing. The guitar melody lines and, to a lesser extent, the jazzy brass section (provided by guest musicians) sport a slight, highly likeable French accent. Careful implementation of jazz, blues, and soul influences add additional flavor. With its thirteen tracks, Steppin‘ Forward stays at the lower end of what‘s common. Considering the overall quality of the album, it‘s still good value for money. The lyrics are as conscious and righteous as you would expect from a French roots band. And they are in English - without exception.

The opening track is called Free Your Soul, a soul-searching tune that does without eurocentrism and wins with its hypnotizing bass line and prominently featured brass section. The title track pleases with elaborate organ lines - and the brass section that this time consists of Didier Bolay (who worked for Tiken Jah Fakoly, most notably) and Guillaume “Stepper” Briard (who played with Sly & Robbie and Horace Andy). Let Grow promotes conscious livity. As does Big Rock with its deep, fast, booming bass.

Man Free, a musical cry for freedom, and International Disorder deal with political issues from a Rasta point of view. The lyrics on Steppin‘ Forward are as classical as the sounds. Prisoner of Desire talks about the personal realm of wise desire management as a prerequisite to happiness. Roots and Culture is one of my personal favorites on the album, with its warm organ sounds and jolly piano melodies that bring to mind a relaxed evening in a bar with live music. The guitars are more in the foreground in Goodness. Same Love, the second to last tune of the album, marks another peak.

With Steppin‘ Forward, The Banyans prove their excellent feeling for 60s and 70s roots reggae with harmonious vocals. The album is surprisingly well produced for a debut. Richness in details ensures long-lasting listening pleasure. Check it out! (Valentin Zill, Reggaeville)

Devi, vocals
Mael, keyboards, organ
Jay, guitar, vocals
Peter, bass
Clement Sticky, drums
Martin, saxophone, percussions, vocals
Irie Raffy, guitar, vocals

Recorded by Triboulet at Studio de la Trappe
Mixed by HP Barnet
Mastered by Alexis Bardinet at Globe audio

The Banyans
Having toured in France and mainland Europe for more than 5 years (hosting over 300 gigs!), the 6 musicians from the south west of France that form “The Banyans” have steadily been gathering an eager crowd.

Following the success of their first album « Steppin Forward », and their concerts more and more across Europe (over 300 concerts), including prestigious opening act, such as The Wailers, Groundation, Clinton Fearon, Alpha Blondy, the Banyans crew is now a must-band of the current reggae scene.

2014, a year full of great meetings, and experiences in working for The Banyans, which continue to grow and rise, like the tree that represents them. The beginning of the year has demonstrated since the group occurred in the first part of the inevitable Alborosie in the finest venues in France, including at the Zenith in Paris.

Meanwhile, to keep its strength and independence, the band gives rise to Khanty Label Records.

To concoct this and vibrancy of their show, the crew has been enriched with new talented musicians!

Currently, now seven members of Banyans, recorded their album in the famous Parisian studio „Davoust“, which hosted OTher between U2, the Rolling Stones, Alpha Blondy, Gainsbourg, Lenny Kravitz, the Skatalites or Ray Charles.

To complete this new album (release scheduled for 23 February 2015) and to tap into the roots of reggae, a trip to Jamaica is organized in November to bring us wonderful surprises and beautiful collaborations.

With many concerts planned and a second album that will transport the audience into her universe roots, 2015 will undoubtedly be the year of the Banyans!

This album contains no booklet.