Equalites /// Reggae - Roots - Rock - Dub - Ska - R&B 

Equalites
(EEK-ual-ights)

Edward, Cinamon, Boo, Phillipe, Michael, Dave

The Equalites are a six piece reggae - rock - roots - dub - ska - r&b band. Fronted by the strong, soulful vocals of lead guitarist David Boatwright and the sultry, haunting melodies of accompanying lead vocalist Cinamon Blair, the Equalites deliver a performance like no other anywhere within the reggae genre.

Many bands can be described as "original', and the Equalites truly are an original sound. The Equalites have taken reggae music into exciting new territory at once reminiscent of the classic Studio One recordings that also pushed the boundaries into advanced dub, afro beat, one drop, rockers, and bluebeat. Cross pollinating this mix is a sensibility of openness within the music. Their sound is not bound by structure for structure's sake. 2 guitars, drums, bass, and percussion along with three part harmonies enable the Equalites to go where few dare to tread.

Seeco Patterson, longtime percussionist with Bob Marley and the Wailers once described the Equalites sound as "dangerous reggae". An Equalites show can be described as an uplifting, positive, grooving, rocking experience with unlimited potential for dancing.

Musical influences of the Equalites range from Bob Marley and the Wailers, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Sam Cooke, Me'shell Ndegecello, The Grateful Dead, Fela Kuti, Buena Vista Social Club, dancehall, and lover's rock in addition to classic rhythm and blues from the 1950's and 60's.

Lead guitarist and vocalist David Boatwright fills many roles in the reggae guitarist realm. He may be dropping a heavy skank, picking a clean bubble along with the bass line or creating cascades of blues inflected leads that flow throughout. Michael Miller, bass guitarist, anchors the sound firmly to the bottom, moving it as necessary to support the musical action. Edward Redonnet, rhythm guitar, plays a solid skank and during dub sections creates washes of colors to decorate the canvas with. Phillipe Simon, drum kit, hits the rhythms dynamically and with precision, to allow for supple changes within the music and a solid, funky groove to dance to. Boo Pearson, percussion and vocal harmony, plays a plethora of instruments collected from all over the world that give crucial cultural relevance to the music. Often changing instruments 4-5 times during a song, Boo's percussion helps the music traverse a world of sounds. Cinamon Blair, vocals and percussion, delivers tremendous lead vocals for the band. Equally comfortable singing backup, she contributes unifying harmonies to the vocal mix and often stretches her leads into improvisations that leave the audience hanging on every word.

The Equalites, once heard, are not forgotten. They deliver a great evening of conscious original and cover music that moves people to dance, sweat, and sing along.

Equalites Through the Years

In The Beginning
Part 1