The Equalites are a reggae – rock – roots – dub – ska – r&b band. Fronted by the strong, soulful vocals of lead guitarist David Boatwright, the Equalites deliver a performance like no other anywhere within the reggae genre.
Many bands can be described as “original’, and the Equalites truly are an original sound. The Equalites have taken reggae music into exciting new territory at once reminiscent of the classic Studio One recordings that also pushed the boundaries into advanced dub, afro beat, one drop, rockers, and bluebeat. Cross pollinating this mix is a sensibility of openness within the music. Their sound is not bound by structure for structure’s sake. 2 guitars, drums, bass, and percussion along with three part harmonies enable the Equalites to go where few dare to tread.
Seeco Patterson, longtime percussionist with Bob Marley and the Wailers once described the Equalites sound as “dangerous reggae”. An Equalites show can be described as an uplifting, positive, grooving, rocking experience with unlimited potential for dancing.
Musical influences of the Equalites range from Bob Marley and the Wailers, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Sam Cooke, The Grateful Dead, Fela Kuti, dancehall, and lover’s rock in addition to classic rhythm and blues from the 1950’s and 60’s. Their sound has been described as “Roots Radics meets The Rolling Stone.”
The Equalites, once heard, are not forgotten. They deliver a great evening of conscious original and cover music that moves people to dance, sweat, and sing along.