Portland reggae artist Aaron Nigel Smith recently released a new live album: Aaron Nigel Smith & 1 World Chorus — Live in LA. The 1 World Chorus is a nonprofit organization started by Smith that serves youth in the United States, Kenya and Jamaica. On Smith’s new live album, 25 kids from the Los Angeles wing of the choir lend their voices. And in more ways than one, it’s really the perfect time for Smith to offer up this recording of a live show at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California. It will be a while before we can go to live shows again. And because, as Smith says in the intro to the last track, “Reggae music is the music of love. It’s the music of compassion. It’s the music of upliftment and empowerment of ourselves and our community.”
Smith covers his own work from his 20-year career like Natty Dreadlocks; a mellow jam version of Pete Seeger’s protest song “If I Had a Hammer”; and several Bob Marley classics, including a sweet rendition of “Three Little Birds.” So if (when) you hit a distance-learning meltdown, play this album for your kids and keep repeating the words of Bob Marley: “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be all right.”
Check out the video for “Everyone Loves to Dance,” one of the songs on the album.
- Family Amenities Abound in This Portland Area City - January 28, 2025
- This New Food Cart Pod has Rooftop Seating - September 24, 2024
- Portland’s Best Pizza is In Beaverton - August 20, 2024