By Melina Paris, Music Columnist
Elan Atias of the Wailers recently performed a special acoustic set while hanging at the Queen Mary’s Observation Bar. The jam was the third concert of Local Band Hangout, a live music series.
Atias is best known for performing with The Wailers on and off from 1997 to 2010; he was lead their singer 1997 to 1999. His voice sounds astonishingly like Bob Marley’s. However, he has been influenced by a wide variety of artists, from Fela Kuti inspired African rhythms and 1980s new wave bands such as Depeche Mode, to The Beatles and rhythm and blues artists such as Otis Reading.
He has been busy with several new releases including a reggae style cover of Chris Isaacs’ Wicked Game. He has also just released a single on a side project with Coldcut x On-U Sound’s album in the United Kingdom with a stream of Divide and Rule. And, his single, Sit Upon My Throne on has his own label, 1 Lion Records, is due in April.
His material always delivers a positive message that is often inspired from everyday life occurrences.
“I try to write very simple so that even a baby can understand, but still deep and cryptic to compel thought and so [the audience] can relate it to their own lives,” Atias said.
One example of how he’s done that is through his encounter with Dr. Roots (Larry Singer), had come to some of the Wailers’ shows in Colorado.
“He had the idea to incorporate traditional Jewish prayers and life experiences that related to the meaning of the prayers with English lyrics,” Atias said. “His love of reggae was enormous and our connection made the perfect sense.”
Atias looks forward to lots of work, more releases, shows and inspiration. Doing what he loves and sharing it with the world is what is most fulfilling to him, especially when it comes to helping people get through hard times.
Long Beach’s own folk jazz duo Queen Califia also graced the stage of the Local Band Hangout.
“It is exciting to see music fans fill the Observation Bar each month to support these local artists in a venue that has hosted so many celebrated performers.” said Steve Sheldon, Queen Mary’s director of events and entertainment.
Tickets are $10 and the admission ticket value can be used in the Observation Bar and at Queen Mary restaurants during the concerts.
Details: www.queenmary.com; http://elanmusic.com