Aswad Members, Gear & Sound
British reggae group
Members
Select a Aswad band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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.
Discography
Aswad
1976
Hulet
1979
Live at Rockpalast - Cologne 1980
1980
Aswad Showcase
1981
New Chapter Of Dub
1982
Live & Direct
1983
Rebel Souls
1984
Distant Thunder
1988
Too Wicked
1990
Firesticks
1993
Rise and Shine
1994
Dub - The Next Frontier
1995
Rise And Shine Again!
1995
Big Up
1997
Roots Revival
1999
Cool Summer Reggae
2002
New Chapter
2002
Not Satisfied
2002
Aswad VS. The Rhythm Riders
2006
The Complete BBC Sessions
2008
Rise And Shine Again and Again (Deluxe Edition)
2017
Live In London
2024