“I was born in Freetown, I’m a free born man...” ...So say the lyrics of ‘Swimming The Atlantic’ a song written to express the sentiments that inspire the music of Freetown; a London based band dedicated to mixing authentic Jamaican rhythms with a distinctly English lyrical style to create a sound that is instantly familiar, and yet strikingly fresh. Steve Harris -the bands singer and rhythm guitarist- is also the main lyricist, Tony Gethin plays bass, and Jamaican-born drummer Jah Bunny keeps the time to perfection. Whether they are playing Traditional Ska, cool Rocksteady, or skanking Reggae, Freetown set audiences alight with their cooking performances. For over seven years they have been spreading the vibes around Europe and the UK, playing their original compositions as well as thrilling crowds with versions of tunes that they know and love. Freetown have also worked as backing band for some of of the biggest names in the Ska pantheon, including the legendary Rico Rodriguez, the great Mr.Owen Gray, and the ‘Godfather Of Ska’ himself; Laurel Aitken, with whom they have toured extensively. Personal veiw points A live album is due for release at the time of writing, featuring Freetown backing Laurel and Rico at a recent London show. They can also be heard on two tracks in the studio, backing Laurel and Rico on the Island Records compilation ‘Ska Island’. Their own album ‘Painless’ (Beatville Records: BVR 1008) was recorded at Ariwa Sounds by the Mad Professor, and is an excellent debut album. It features many of Freetown's original compositions and is guested by the incredible Rico Rodriguez. Other guest musicians include keyboard supremo Nick Bandy on Hammond organ, the subtle sax and flute work of Colin Humphries, and the tremendous trumpet of Matt Duizend. The added feminine touch of Nana on backing vocals is a welcome bonus. The Anglo-Jamaican tunes of Freetown combined with the distinctive sound of Ariwa studios make this album a musical pleasure. As well as continuing to develop their own sound, playing gigs both in their own right and as backing band for Laurel, Freetown have recently recorded with Owen Gray and Derrick Morgan; watch this space for details. Sir Marcus Downbeat The Players Steve Harris was very young when he was born, and consequently remembers little of it. He also doesn’t remember much about it, but his mother assures him that he was born in Chatham, Kent, at a very early age. He was educated at school, and knows nothing of Algebra. Having spent a great deal of his valuable time bumming around the continent, and busking and teaching in South America, he suddenly realised that his true path was to play music and get married: the two most incompatible things known to mankind. Having seemingly overcome these great hurdles, Steve is now content to spend most of his time swimming sidestroke across the river Thames whilst dreaming of swimming the Atlantic. Tony Gethin comes from Bristol, where he played in many bands before moving to the capital. He began his musical association with Jah Bunny when they both played in London reggae band, Lions Den (since disbanded). Tony plays lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and sings backing vocals with FREETOWN. Jah Bunny not only plays drums with FREETOWN, but also percussion and backing vocals. His impeccable musical pedigree can be traced back to his boyhood, which was largely spent at Studio One, in Kingston, Jamaica, where he used to watch The Skatalites play. Since coming to England, he has worked with many of the finest reggae bands and artists in history. Among them are; Matumbi, Cimarons, Frankie Paul, Sugar Minott, and Lynton Kwesi Johnson. In 1977, Jah Bunny won the Best Reggae Drummer Award, the first ever reggae award, from Black Echoes, a British newspaper. He has worked extensively in television and film, and appeared in Paul McCartney’s video for Ebony and Ivory. He also recorded with McCartney on Reggaebility, and Flowers in the Dirt.