JoJoe and Crowded Bus Band

Veteran reggae man JoJoe tags his latest CD, Magnum Opus, saying that only time will tell if it’s his greatest work. But one thing is certain, among the 16 songs on this, his second full-length release, are several gems that reggae lovers will relish for a lifetime, not only for their lyrics but also the pulsating rhythm that drives them.
“The intention was to provide the people with a message,” he says in a recent sit down, “because that’s the root of reggae, to help soothe the suffering and provide them with some guidance.” “But it’s easier for them to fully appreciate the message if it’s accompanied by a beat they can enjoy.”
In one of his favorite picks on the CD, “Don’t Sell Out,” Jo Joe takes direct aim at those who are willing to compromise principles to get theirs in a society that’s becoming increasingly self-centered. “I think it’s important for us to think about other people who share the same space with us.” That why he ays he named his band Crowded Bus, as a symbolic reference to commuters of all colors and cultures sharing space, going toward individual destinations.
This CD is special for a long list of reasons. High up there is a collaboration with a true pioneer of reggae, Montrealer Rudy Mills on an old classic, “Long Story.” Mills, who is now known as Radi, penned several danceable and catchy hits back in the late 1980s and 70s in Jamaica. JoJoe says: “I feel really good doing this song because it’s something I grew up listening to and loving.” JoJoe also collaborated with the McGill Vocal Ensemble on a rousing crossover gem, “Just Another Day.” And hooked with a young and up and coming Montreal sensation, Young Jedi, for another crossover piece, Sin City.
It’s well over 25 years since JoJoe came on the local reggae scene, when he started rapping with some of the local sound systems. Music has been in his blood since he was a teenager and first witnessed the hype caused by noted juggler Prince Attorney from the Ranking Trevor Sound System back in Jamaica. In 1987 he joined with friends to form his first band, Kish I, which went on to become an institution on the local reggae circuit. Along the way, he also put together another performing group Reggae Delight. In 2004 he formed Crowded Bus and released his first full length CD, selftitled, Jo Joe. Several songs from that album attracted international attention, including “Things Me Used To Do? It was featured in the movie Revival Blues by a local filmmaker, which made it to the Cannes Film Festival. Another song, “All of Them” was featured in a special European-released compilation by Nuit D’Afrique.
Over the years, Jo Joe has fashioned a unique style and rhythm that has made him popular with artistes of all genres. He has added his voice and beat to works by world beat and calypso music man Martin Albino and soul singer Angel. After a quarter century as a mainstay on the Montreal reggae scene he has seen the ups-and-downs of reggae in Montreal, but he remains optimistic. “Reggae is survival music,” he says. “Therapy for mind, body and soul and we’ll need it.”
JoJoe is a constant performer whether live or on dubtracks. On live performances he is accompanied by his 5-10 piece band Crowded Bus.JoJoe Video Live with Crowded Bus Band – “Take Me As I Am”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldgwxPFchRQ
JoJoe Track – “O.A.U.” from album Magnum Opus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdxkiYQcCU
JoJoe Track – “Don’t Sell Out” from album Magnum Opus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wuxowy_GbQ
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