Aswad Members, Gear & Sound

British reggae group

Genre

Reggae Dub Ragga Lovers rock Roots reggae uk reggae

Members

Select a Aswad band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

George Oban

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Crucial Dub Syndicate New Age Steppers African Head Charge Playgroup

No gear added

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Angus Gaye

Roles:

Drummer

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Donald Griffiths
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Jimmy Haynes

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Equals

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Tony Gad

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

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Brinsley Forde

Roles:

Singer

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Martin Augustine
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Clifton Morrison
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About

Aswad is a pioneering British reggae band formed in 1975 in Ladbroke Grove, West London. Known for their dynamic fusion of roots reggae, lovers rock, and dub, Aswad's lineup initially included Brinsley "Dan" Forde (vocals, guitar), Angus "Drummie Zeb" Gaye (drums, vocals), George "Ras Levi" Oban (bass), Donald "Benjamin" Griffiths (guitar), and Courtney Hemmings (keyboards). Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with Tony "Gad" Robinson later joining as a key member. Aswad gained acclaim for their ability to blend traditional reggae sounds with elements of soul, jazz, and funk, achieving both critical and commercial success with hits like "Don't Turn Around" and "Back to Africa."

How to Sound Like Aswad

Aswad's sound is characterized by its smooth, melodic reggae grooves and rich, soulful arrangements. Their music often features layered vocal harmonies and deep, resonant bass lines that provide a solid rhythmic foundation. The use of clean, rhythmic guitar riffs and warm keyboard tones adds a lush, textured quality to their tracks. To capture Aswad's sound, musicians might focus on creating a tight, cohesive rhythm section using analog synthesizers for warm, vintage tones and tube amps to deliver a full-bodied, rich sound. Percussion elements like congas or bongos, along with subtle dub-inspired effects such as delay and reverb, can enhance the atmospheric and immersive quality of their music, while maintaining the lively and uplifting essence of reggae.