The “iron-man” of the reggae scene in Cleveland, Ohio is without question, Carlos Jones.
Carlos’ journey is a history of Cleveland reggae itself. He started out as a sideman (percussion/vocals) with the band, I-Tal in the late 70’s, then went on to be the front man for the rock/reggae group, First Light for 14 years. Now Carlos fronts the Peace Love Unity Syndicate, aka The PLUS Band, focusing on rootsier sounds and uplifting positive messages.
In April of 2004, the band’s first full length CD, Roots With Culture was released after much anticipation and it did not disappoint. Described in The Beat magazine as “a powerful, 14-track collection of slinky grooves and thundering bass lines, Roots With Culture delivers a message of peace and harmony, with Jones’ heartfelt vocals leading the way, all wrapped in a production that can stand up to the best of them.” “It will undoubtedly, over time, become a staple in most reggae collections.” (Chuck Foster - Reggae Update, The Beat Magazine – Vol. 24, no.1, June 2005)
Since their humble beginnings in 1998, Carlos, and his Peace, Love, Unity Syndicate (the PLUS Band) have matured as songwriters, musicians and performers, giving energetic and uplifting performances for an ever-expanding following, which spans generations.
They have been voted “best of” in their category every year in the Scene and Free Times Music Awards, including being voted Best Live Act (overall) in Cleveland at the 2004 Scene Music Awards. And in 2007 The group was awarded permanent "All Star" status in the Free Times Music Awards, thus basically “retiring their number”. The PLUS Band maintains a hectic pace of gigging out at clubs, private events and festivals - playing 3-4 shows nearly every week. As a result, the band's soulful rhythms and heartfelt message have made it one of Cleveland's top draws for more than a decade.
The band just released its second full length CD, Leave A Trail this year, and some of Carlos’ music is also featured on the soundtrack of a film which recently premiered at The Sundance Film Festival called North Starr. When asked about his plans for the future, he’ll simply tell you, “The future is right now. I just want to keep on playing this music from my heart for as long as I’m able to, and keep the positive vibration flowing for all those who can dig it, ya know? As long as I can continue to do what I love, what more could I want out of life?”
The PLUS band’s official website is www.carlosjones.com
city
Cleveland
state/country
OH, US
time
May 1969 - present
employer
Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band
position
leader
description
Positive Vibrations
time
Jun 1994 - present
Website
www.carlosjones.com
Band Members
Carlos, Peter, Will, Cholly, Dan, Bob, Roy, Curt
Influences
Bob Marley & The Wailers, Culture, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Third World, Count Ossie, Skatalites, Ras Michael, Israel Vibration, Burning Spear, Fela Kuti, Santana, Osibisa, Mandrill, Tito Puente, Gil Scott-Heron
Other Artists
Bob Marley, James Brown, Santana, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Third World, Ziggy Marley, Culture, Skatalites, Gil Scott-Heron, Beatles, Genesis, Aswad, Steel Pulse, Parliament Funkadelic, Jah Works, John Brown's Body, Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus, Damien Marley, Julian Marley, Judy Mowattt, Rita Marley, Abbysinians, Israel Vibration, Ozomatli, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, Osibisa, Mandrill, Tito Puente, Gil Scott-Heron
