Bob Marley & The Wailers: Bob Marley (vocals, guitar); Junior Marvin, Al Anderson (guitar); Tyrone Downie (keyboards); Wire Lindo (organ, Clavinet); Aston "Familyman" Barrett (bass); Carlton Barrett (drums); Alvin "Seeco" Patterson (percussion).
I Threes: Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths (background vocals).
Producer: Chris Blackwell, Jack Nuber.
Reissue producers: Bill Levenson, Maxine Stowe.
Recorded live in Paris, France; Copenhagen, Denmark; London, England & Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Originally released on Island (11).
Remastered by Ted Jensen (2001, Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
Capturing Bob Marley and the Wailers at their creative peak, BABYLON BY BUS is a righteously grooving collection of recordings from the group's 1978 European tour. An excellent companion to 1975's JAH LIVE, BABYLON BY BUS includes energetic versions of several tracks from the classic 1977 album EXODUS as well as a sprinkling of earlier material. The album is a textbook study in reggae's sultry rhythmic power, and the Barrett Brothers (Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass and Carlton on drums) demonstrate throughout why they are regarded as one of the most influential rhythm sections of all time. Although the majority of Marley's material is intensely political, the music is so full of light, space and subtle dynamics that the worries of the world seem to be instantly replaced by an overwhelming urge to dance. Often audibly whipping the crowd into a joyful frenzy, Marley and company present a fine example of live music- making at it's purest and most soulful.
