Sons Of Jah

Sons Of Jah were a vocal trio formed in Trenchtown, Jamaica, in 1976, led by the enigmatic Trevor Bow (born Kingston, Jamaica, and sadly, died in Kingston, 1993). Throughout his career Bow has been assisted by a variety of vocalists, including Derrick Donaldson, Bunny MacKenzie, Deego Reuben and Howard Haughton. The group’s debut release, ‘Tell Them Jah Son’, surfaced in the UK through the inauguration of Michael Campbell and King Sounds’ Grove Music collective. Bow’s long-standing friendship with Bob Marley And The Wailers resulted in recording sessions at Tuff Gong Studios, ably assisted by the drum and bass duo of Carlton ‘Carly’ Barrett and Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett. By 1978 Bow had set up his own Natty Congo label, releasing Bankrupt Morality alongside the singles ‘Psalm 72’, which proved a big hit on night-time radio, and ‘Israel Woman’. His Natty Congo label was intended solely for Sons Of Jah releases, although he released some Errol Dunkley material. Although the group were known for performing in the militant roots style, Bow’s passion for rocksteady resulted in the recording of a sadly overlooked medley of Techniques songs. Although based in Ladbroke Grove, London, the Sons always recorded in Jamaica as they felt British musicians were unable to reproduce convincingly the Trenchtown sound. Following Bob Marley’s death in 1981, Bow made a cameo appearance as a cavalryman alongside Aswad and King Sounds in the video for the posthumous release of ‘Buffalo Soldier’. In 1982 the Sons recorded ‘Breaking Down The Barriers’, which demonstrated the group’s crystal-clear harmonies; the rhythm was also used for Ranking Dread’s phenomenal ‘Shut Mi Mouth’, regarded as the DJ’s classic. The Sons built a loyal following and the release of ‘Johnny Too Late’ and ‘Marshall Rock’ maintained the band’s profile in 1983. Following the success of the singles, it was not until 1985 that news of the band’s demise surfaced. Undeterred by the events, Bow performed as the Son Of Jah, returning to Tuff Gong to record ‘Living Intact’, ‘Hard Times Love’, ‘Wise Man Says’ and ‘Love Is A Treasure’, compiled on Writings On The Wall. Sadly Trevor Bow was brutally murdered in Kingston on April 24th 1993.