In the early 1980's, Inner Visions arose from the ashes of
what had been the reggae band- Prophecy. During the early
years the line-up was always changing, but centered around
the core group of Philip "Grasshopper" Pickering on Electric
Guitar and Vocals, his brother Alvin "Jupiter" Pickering on
Bass Guitar and Harmonies, and Ras Paul "Osisi" Samms playing
Percussion and Vocals. In 1987, the band released their first
recording- a 12" vinyl single with "Ital" Anthony on Drums
and Marcia Roper on Keyboards that included the song "Fire
And Ice". This began to generate some interest in the band
around the local region. The now-infamous cassette, "Reggae
Music" was released in 1990. The line-up now included George
"Papa Smurf" Small on Keyboards and "Cookie" Chinnery
on Drums. The reggae world pricked up its ears and took
notice. Not only were they opening for premier reggae acts
as they passed through St. Thomas' Lionel Roberts Stadium
and Reichold Center, but were also being interviewed in
publications such as REGGAE REPORT. Thet also landed gigs in
Atlanta, Miami, New York and New Jersey.
However, this version of the group lost its focus
and disbanded.The core group - Osisi, Grasshopper and Jupiter
soldiered on with guest musicians and drum programs.
In 1995, Inner Visions released their first full length C.D.,
LOVE ONE ANOTHER to rave reviews and much airplay on
Caribbean radio stations. "I Cry" and "Snow Queen" were very
popular. In 1999, the band's single SHALA-LA/TONIGHT reached #1
in a few Caribbean markets and the Top 5 in most others.
The excitement this generated within the band was the driving force
behind their 2000 full-length release SPIRITUAL DANCER.
Roots riddim tracks like "Whip Them", "Pack Up Yo' Bundle",
"Everybody Talks(About Love)" and the title track (a tribute to
Brother Bob Marley) were on reggae listeners lips south of Key West
but, except for a few sympathetic northern DJ's who had received
copies of the C.D., there was still very little state-side airplay.
The group now included the amazing keyboard and vocal talents of
Spikie Guiste and the drumming of Kibo Challenger.
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Love One Another:
all songs © 1995
Blue Bitch Music ASCAP
Recorded at T.A.R.S. Studios,St. Thomas,V.I.
A.W.G. Records Produced by Inner Visions
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The band continued touring the West Indies, knowing their big break was just around
the corner.
It finally came in 2001, in the guise of RADIANT ENTERPRISES.
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Patty Watts, head of Radiant Enterprises in Massachusetts,
loved the band's music as well as the message it conveyed.
Patty was instrumental in the band's popularity throughout
the Northeastern U.S. In 2002, she booked them to be one of
the bands on the MARLEY FESTIVAL TOUR" where the response was
incredible! Radiant was also responsible for landing the
band a slot at the MONTEREY BAY REGGAE FEST.
Since moving on to FASTLANE INTERNATIONAL, the band has scored
big at the SIERRA NEVADA REGGAE FEST and toured Europe! However,
none of this touring success would have been possible if not
for the MUSIC!
The band returned to the studio in early 2003 to record
their 3rd full-length C.D., STREET CORNER MUSICIANS.
For the first time, the band included Grasshopper's two sons-
Akiba (Mr. Snooze) helping Spikie out on Keyboards, and Aswad
(Hollywood), replacing Kibo on Drums. Criss-crossing the U.S.
that summer on the strength of "Just A Matter of Time" and the
title track, Inner Visions secret was out. "Ain't It The Truth"
was a favorite of fans and music critics alike.
The 2004 U.S tour was well received, with the band returning to many
of the clubs and festivals by popular demand! But the highlight of
the tour was playing at the Monterey Bay Reggae Festival
where the crowd went wild for this "unknown" reggae band.
Upon returning to the islands for the Winter season, their local
fans (as well as the "snow birds") at FRED'S DISCO were
treated to a bevy of new songs and a highly polished sound. The
band continued writing, rehearsing, and performing until - in the
Spring of 2005 - they were ready to return (with keyboardist
Spikie Guiste) to Digitech Studios in Puerto Rico to record their
4th C.D. FRONTLINE .
Released in July 2005, it is their
most powerful album to date! The urgency for social justice in
"Blasphemers", "MLK", "Too Late" (a shout-out to Virgin Islanders),
"Push" and the title track crackle with a "New Roots" sound. Roots
Rockers like "So Nice"
(with sweet falsetto vocals by Jupiter) and "Can You Feel It"
(which includes a first - a chant from Akiba) have you groovin'
like never before. "Heartbreaker",
"Rebel (a tribute to Steel Pulse), "Saturday Evening" and "Mama"
make this one of the most well-rounded reggae albums to
be released in years!
The 2005 and 2006 tours became known as the FRONTLINE TOURS
I & II with 2006 including a stop at SIERRA NEVADA. The 2007
tour took them to Europe for the first time, bringing European
fans to their feet!
IN 2008 - in appreciation of their fans throughout the world -
Inner Visions released their first "official" live recording,
(ArawakRoots has been providing obscure "unofficial" live recordings
for the archivists and "IV heads" for a bit) - FINALLY CAPTURED
LIVE!. Not only does it include some of the greatest tracks Inner
Visions has recorded over the years, but 3 new songs - "True Hearts",
"Mr. DJ", and "Burn Down Babylon". A must for new listeners and old
fans alike!
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Reggae Music
That's right! Sample's from the long-lost, out-of-print cassette. Enjoy!
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1987 12" Vinyl Single
You didn't think we'd leave out the rarest Inner Visions tracks of all?!
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Exclusive live C.D's!
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