“It’s difficult in a  way because many people don’t know that we have stopped backing,” is Axx of Jahpostles’s bassist Devon Bradshaw’s response to his band making the change from backing band to recording act.  “We have explained that we are no longer a backing band, and we are trying to take our music to another level.”  Bradshaw’s words came just one month after the release of Jahpostle’s debut CD, Give Thanks and Praise, a 14-track set that heralded a new dawn in the 22 year old career of the Portland, Jamaica based four-piece band.  For most of those years, Jahpostles made a name for itself as one of the leading bands on the competition live show circuit, thought most fans readily identify them as "“Garnet Silk's’ band."

It’s been just over two years since Silk’s tragic passing and, by choice, Jahpostles has stayed away from doing live shows.  Most of the band members’ time has been spent recording their debut set, their first full-scale venture inside the recording studio.  And it sounds good!

Give Thanks and Praise has two noticeable positive aspects: it steers clear from the recycled rhythms that mar so many contemporary reggae albums and there are no cover versions, a credit to musicians who built their reputations on the music of the ‘70s when being original meant something.  “We wanted our own sound, but we didn’t necessarily get that because we used a lot of (outside) musicians,” said Bradshaw, 33.  “We wanted an all-Jahpostles album just like it was with Bob and the Wailers; that didn’t happen, but we are satisfied with it considering it is our first go.”

“Riddim Twins” Sly and Robbie were among some of the well known names joining Bradshaw, drummer Cecil Hardy and dual vocalists Selassie Thomas and Sharon Miles on Give Thanks and Praise, an album showcasing a hybrid of message music and Lovers Rock.  Several of the songs were written by Thomas and the late guitarist Anthony Bradshaw, Devon’s older brother, who died in 1992.  The older Bradshaw started the band in the  Portland hills in 1977, leading them onto the hotel circuit, especially in Ocho Rios.  In between, the brothers played in Burning Spear’s band for six years, after meeting the Reggae legend through a mutual friend.  “He was looking for musicians and we hooked up; simple as that.”

Between 1983 and 1989, the Bradshaw brothers toured the world with Spear until, says Devon, monotony set in: “When we started out (with Spear) it was nice because we were young and we had the energy,” he noted.  “But after a while, it was the same thing; the same clubs, the same people.  It just wasn’t nice anymore,” That’s when the brothers decided to go all the way with Jahpostles, and settled for a brief period in Miami.

“Wi got some equipment and decided fi come fresh again.  Anybody wha’ come through Miami – (Charlie) Chaplin, Coco Tea, Lady Saw, John Holt – jus’ call them we back them,” Bradshaw boasted.  Jahpostles’ big break, however, came closer to home in 1993, a year after the passing of Anthony Bradshaw. It was the Acropolis nightclub in Ocho Rios during a gig that the band was approached by balladeer Sanchez and a wiry Rastafarian named Garnet Silk to be their backing band.  “Them tell wi seh them want wi back them,” Bradshaw recalled.  He remembers that the chemistry with Silk was immediate. “He had something about him that draw yuh to him like a magnet.” But that was then, this is now.  Give Thanks and Praise was launched amidst much fanfare, but Bradshaw says there are those who cannot envision Jahpostles as anything but a backing unit.

Michael Clark-Wilson, producer of Give Thanks and Praise and a member of the Jahpostles’ management team, says that is understandable considering the band’s track record.  “What we are trying to show now is that we are no longer a backing band but a group,” he said.  “And we are going to reveal that through our music, which is Roots and Culture.”

The days when backing bands made the successful transition from stage to recording studio have been considered long gone, since the  heyday of groups such as Zap Pow in the ‘70s and more recently Chalice.  But, just as the blood rushed through their veins when he and his brother first started out with Burning Spear, Devon Bradshaw believes Give Thanks and Praise will bring a resurgence of that feeling: “Wi love backing artistes, but this is what wi want and what wi put wi energy in,” he said.  “It gi wi a lot of independence.”

Interestingly, Axx of Jahpostles’ debut gig as a performing group came in April, fittingly, at Silk’s birthday show in the last singer’s home parish of Manchester.  They couldn’t’ have asked for a more appropriate introduction.

Howard Campbell   Reggae Report, Vol 5, #3

Since Give Thanks and Praise was released, Axx of Jahpostles has toured North America and Europe in support.   A follow up album is planned for release in June 2003.

“Jahpostles move to the forefront  with new album: …Two years after the passing of Garnet Silk, the band that helped make the singer’s live shows such memorable events, is returning to the entertainment scene, only this time they will not be in the background”

Daily Observer/Entertainment – Howard Campbell

“…Jahpostles, one of the most popular backing bands to have emerged in Jamaica now has a great history for which to Give Thanks and Praise.  Renamed Axx of Jahpostles, the Devon Bradshaw led team celebrated the milestone with an official launch of their debut fourteen track album “Give Thanks and Praise” at the Acropolis night club in Ocho Rios…the band gave a spirited, inspirational and message filled performance… delivered …in an exceptionally fine style.  The screams were deafening… the musicians entertained …with consummate professionalism.”

Marshalee White / North Coast Times

Describing the debut performance at Acropolis as “a fantastic one,”  he added “This is a welcome addition to the reggae industry.  I am personally delighted at the development of the band…”

Desmond Young/President/Jamaica Federation of Musicians

“In a delightful set of approximately 40 minutes they gave an excellent performance in which they fully showcased their talent and skills.  The music was tight, the harmonies right as they presented tunes like “Ghettos End,” “All Kinda Fight,” “Man with the Hammer,” and Babylon Glass House.” Jamaican DJ Franco joined the band in one song and the crowd loved it! 

Website, Maastricht, The Netherlands

 “ It’s worth mentioning again because of the quality of the music, songs and vocals.  .. Selassie’s voice, slightly reminiscent of a young John Holt, is captivating and the disc (Give Thanks and Praise), recorded in Jamaica at Tuff Gong, Grove and Mixing Lab, showcases excellent originals like “Country Life,” “Babylon Glass House” and “We a Nuh Loafter,” with a tight, professional sound.”

The Beat, Vol., 16, #5/6

“But together all these musicians ensure Jahpostles debutise with a creditable opening set, one promising regular touring home and abroad.”

John Masouri