Richmond - Monday Night in Richmond means reggae music at Martini Kitchen for many; day one of the work week for some, the end of a long weekend for others, loose and lighthearted for most.  Fixtures on the Richmond music reggae scene take turns lighting up the stage at this lounge, and on this night, Antero brought the fyah.

It’s more than roots and rock, it’s a fusion of reggae rhythms that is both soulful and energetic.  Antero played “African Nation,” “One Decision,” and crowd pleasers “Everyone” and “How I Live My Life” from their album Do Something.  In addition to their own songs, Antero regularly covers tunes in tribute to reggae greats Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, and Dennis Brown.

Lead vocalist/guitarist Wylie Jones took a moment to speak with Magazine33 on the night of the show.  He explained the significance of the band name translating to "walk with grace”, dubbed after American Indian Chief Antero of the Ute Indians.  He said the band is influenced by many that came before them, both culturally and musically.  Beyond the roots, rock, reggae influences like Steel Pulse and Culture, W. Jones said Antero also draws inspiration from groups outside of their genre, citing Led Zepplin and Metallica as such on occasion.  He said the band is working on a new album and plans to start recording soon.  In addition, he addressed rumors pointing to the end for Antero.  He confirmed longtime bassist Sam Krivanec would be taking a temporary leave of absence but added, "The band is still going strong.  Antero will be back.”

When it comes to the Antero sound, it seems the idea of "the more the merrier" still rings as true today as it did  when the group first got started.  Krivanec, accompanied by drummer Mike Sheroshick and percussionist Jacob Larson, originally formed as the Richmond Dub Collective.  With the addition of frontman W. Jones in 2003 (who took a brief hiatus only to return in 2007), they became the founding members of Antero.  Their organic attitude in making music gave rise to a talented casting that includes Gordon Jones (sax), Joshua Dowell (vocals, percussion), Chris “Peanut” Whitley (lead keys), and Tim Reardon (keys).

Magazine33 got a chance to catch up with the formidable Mr. Gordon Jones, who plays saxophone for acts that span across several genres.  He said when playing saxophone for reggae, it requires a certain understanding of what's going on around you.  “Being a horn player, you get to make note selections, and you get to make choices that aren’t so demanding like in be-bop or some funk genres, more heavily technical genres.  Not that it’s not technical, it’s just that you have to have patience.”   

G. Jones also said he and fellow bandmate Peanut, both who have supported various national and international acts over the years, have had much to do with making Reggae Monday happen.  The weekly performances at Martini Kitchen have been going on for almost a year now, and he considers it a success.  G. Jones, like many other local musicians, has high hopes for the city’s music scene, all of them seeming to be in step with the idea that Richmond is a hotbed of talent that just keeps going higher and getting hotter with every show. 

Antero continues to feed the fire by inviting guest artists on stage time and time again.  On this particular evening, renowned guitarist Ras Mel of Ras Puma (another Reggae Monday act) added to the melodic mix.  Local emcee, Pay the Price (Rel), stepped up for "Father", and WAAP Radio DJs added a little something here and there throughout the night.  The positive vibration factor amplified not only the sound, but also the experience.  Despite the ins and outs of the music, one thing can be agreed upon, it’s dance music.  Just try to listen to reggae and not move.  Even if you wanted to sit still, before too long your body will take over, and in my case, carry you all the way down front.

And last, but certainly not least, aside from the political references, what’s reggae music without one love?  The crowd truly enjoyed themselves and each other, as they got down to the good sound on the scene.  There's more than just Mondays for Antero, so head on down to the dance hall, or wherever the music is coming from, start moving to the (off) beat - and get your booty pon the dance floor.

[Update: Chris Skibbe will be filling in as relief bass player for the group.  Antero is scheduled to perform at Martini Kitchen on April 4.]

By Correspondent: Sarah Freiseis

As a writer and researcher with a Fashion Industry background, Sarah Freiseis enjoys utilizing her various networks in collaborative efforts in related fields.  After living full-time in New York City, she began dividing her time as a freelancer between several cities along the east coast.  Sarah currently works from Richmond, Virginia, where she writes copy in art, media, marketing, and pro­­­­motional support positions for local businesses and actively covers local issues and events for various media outlets.  She has traveled extensively throughout Europe for both professional and personal purposes and speaks fluent German.  In adding Magazine33 to her repertoire, she is excited to merge her love of music and the local Richmond scene with her writing.­­­­­­

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