By Keith Walsh
Al’s Peace features musicians who have worked together since the early 90s. In various configurations Al Keith, Eric Endo, Mark London Sims, Mark Tyson and Perry Ostrin have joined Dave Wakeling, Eek A Mouse, Wozani, Joe Higgs, Michael Rose and others to bring reggae, ska, and other chill tunes to venues worldwide. In part two of my interview with Al Keith, we’re featuring a new video of the song “One Day,” captured at Highlands Jam.
Popular Culture Beat: Particularly now when a dialogue of change is constantly repressed and threatened and the status quo is more resistant to change than ever, what can non artists do? Artists have their songs, their words, their images. What can all of us do to bring about a world that is fairer?
Al Keith: Well, freedom of speech is not free anymore. One must be careful when talking with someone who is not a part of your circle of trust nowadays. You may think you’re talking with someone cool but that person could be totally off the track, period. The right wing is just as dangerous as the left.
The non artist can be just as important as the artist. They have a voice that needs to be heard also. Anyone who has a voice should know it needs to be heard more than ever. For those who don’t speak up on justice or injustice, they’re missing the message that needs to be heard. Our country needs every positive voice, even the negative ones. At least we need to know where they are so we can avoid them at all cost.
But we must pay attention to the non artist because quite a few do not have that artistic mind set, for instance, Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas. A very dangerous man who does not stand alone. I’m sure there are secret groups that have private meetings about what does and does not go on in our country and out. These are people that have major influence around the financial world.
The non artist can be just as important as the artist. They have a voice that needs to be heard also. Anyone who has a voice should know it needs to be heard more than ever.
Al Keith of Al’s Peace
Those who have the image of helping are the ones who get it. I think of the people who have TOO much money and are ridiculous and care less for those who are beyond poverty. They should be ashamed and called and put on blast for what they don’t care about the strugglers see everyday, if they even go that far into the ‘city’ where they ignore it anyway. All they and we should share. I’m in a band that gives ALL proceeds to the homeless. Since 2016 I have been with The Tribe Benefit band and though we are doing our best, it is only a drop in the bucket because so many don’t care at all.
So word sound and power can make positive things happen but we’re talking about the entire effin’ Planet.
Popular Culture Beat: Eric Endo told me there are three songs in the session. What are the other two, and when will they be released?
Al Keith: Yes we did three songs, ‘Esperanza,’ ‘Flower,’ and ‘One Day’ which can be seen at Highlands Jam on You Tube. They are available to watch, listen and smile.
Popular Culture Beat: Who are the complete members of Al’s Peace, and how does it vary depending on the venue?
Al Keith: Al’s Peace is made up of brothers and sisters who have known each for decades. Eric Endo, guitar, we began playing together in the early ’90’s along with Mark London Sims, on bass. Mark Tyson, guitar, came along in the early 2000. All three of them are very prominent in the Reggae scene. And then my ‘perky’ partner, Perry Ostrin, drums and percussion. We met in the late ’90’s and I brought him into the fold. And then there is yours truly, Al Keith, vocal and percussion.
We all have played around the world and USA with different legendary artists, such as Joe Higgs, Michael Rose, Dave Wakeling, Eek A Mouse, Wozani and quite a few others.
Popular Culture Beat: What is Highlands Jam, and who is team who captured these performances so beautifully?
Al Keith: The Highlands Jam may be small, but mighty. They care deeply for their artists and always do their best to present their performances in the highest quality.
These are the people behind the scenes:
John Pratt, Founder and Owner – John is a composer and recording artist with decades of experience in the industry.
Lucas Fehring, Recording & Mix Engineer – Lucas is a Grammy Winning Engineer and has worked on hundreds of records and soundtracks, He is currently a freelance engineer in LA and works in everything from small home studios to scoring stages,
Jaynee Thorne, Video Editor – Jaynee is the video editor for Highlands Jam and has decades of experience in post production.
I actually met all three when I joined The Tribe Benefit band in 2016. and we became friends. Jaynee and John are singers in the band, while Lucas helps run the sounds. It is an honor to play music with them also. All three are badass in their field without a doubt. “
Al’s Peace You Tube
Al’s Peace On Spotify
Highlands Jam Dot Com
Highlands Jam You Tube
Al Keith Interview At Popular Culture Beat, Part 1.
The Tribe Band On Facebook
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