Reggae Sundays: Carlos Jones+

The iron man of the Cleveland, Ohio, reggae scene is without question Carlos Jones. His journey follows the history of Cleveland reggae itself. In the late ’70s, he started out as a sideman (percussion/vocals) with the band I-tal, who was able to bring the music to the masses of local college kids with their unique, rock-influenced reggae sound. Their shows had a unifying atmosphere, packing clubs with ecstatic fans, hypnotized by the seductive and mystical rhythms and socially relevant messages.

Later, Jones began to come into his own as a songwriter and onstage presence in the group First Light. During their 14-year run, the group achieved a huge level of popularity with its powerful and eclectic brand of music, which mixed rock, funk, blues with reggae. By the mid-’90s, feeling the need to return to a more conscious, roots-reggae sound than First Light was known for, Carlos formed a stripped-down, mostly acoustic, four-piece combo which he named Strictly Roots, which would later be renamed, Peace Love Unity Syndicate, now more commonly known as The PLUS Band. After doing both projects for a number of years, Carlos decided to make the PLUS Band his full-time pursuit and First Light disbanded in May of 1998. Since then, he has been on a mission to carry the message of peace, love, unity, higher consciousness and the joy of the reggae vibration to all who will listen.