For better Days The Banyans

• 1 One More Time 04:08
• 2 Fearless 03:13
• 3 Better Days 03:59
• 4 Follow Your Light (Feat. Johnny Osbourne) 04:17
• 5 I Miss You 03:42
• 6 What's Going On (Feat. Maranto) 03:41
• 7 Like Before 04:20
• 8 Wasting Time 04:21
• 9 Mystic Joy (Part.1) 02:01
• 10 Mystic Joy (Part.2) 03:10
• 11 Judge I (Feat. Big Youth) 03:57
• 12 Spiritual Justice 03:42
• 13 Everything is Nice 04:31
• Total Runtime 49:02

Info for For better Days

In recent times France has proven to be fertile ground for Reggae music and thus it's not really surprising to see so many homegrown talent emerging on the scene. Anyone who has followed the Rototom's European Reggae Contest in the last years will have noticed that a staggering amount of aspiring French bands entered this contest. Also The Banyans from Toulouse participated in the 2013 edition of the European Reggae Contest and reached the French live final.

The Banyans, founded in 2008, have done a notable amount of shows in France, However, because their lyrics are in English they were also invited to do shows in several other countries in Europe including Belgium, Italy and Spain. In 2013 the band released their well received debut album entitled "Steppin’ Forward" in 2013. That album was clearly influenced by the godfathers of Jamaican Reggae roots (The Gladiators, Burning Spear, Bob Marley, etc) resonating not only with music lovers of this genre, but equally with those of Blues, Soul and Jazz. In 2014 The Banyans welcomed new musicians in their team, which enriched their compositions with new vocal harmonies and musical colors, both in studio and on stage.

And now there's the band's sophomore album, "For Better Days", out on the streets. This new album was recorded and mixed at the legendary studio Davout in Paris, famous for the high quality of its equipment, the skills of its engineers, and for the list of the international class artists who worked in this place. For the collaboration tunes featured on the album some of the members went to Jamaica to do recordings with veterans Johnny Osbourne and Big Youth plus versatile singer/songwriter and producer Maranto, the former lead vocalist of the C-Sharp band. Together with Maranto the Banyans recorded the great message tune "What Is Going On", one of the standout tracks of this album. Also the spiritual song "Follow Your Light" with Johnny Osbourne makes a truly serious impression, while "Judge I", done in combination with veteran deejay Big Youth, is a decent piece. Then the solo efforts... The Banyans deliver fresh original riddims and touch various themes in their songs. There's no real weak tune around, but in particular "Fearless", the title track "Better Days", "Spiritual Justice", the excellent "Wasting Time" and the beautiful "I Miss You" (not a love song!!) are worth hearing.

Don't expect a collection of tunes that blows you away, but one that is enjoyable to listen to from beginning to end.

Devi, vocal
Mael, keyboards, organ
Jay, guitar, vocals
Peter, bass
Clement Sticky, drums
Martin, saxophone, percussions, vocals
Irie Raffy, guitar, vocals

The Banyans
Having toured in France and mainland Europe for more than 5 years (hosting over 300 gigs!), the 6 musicians from the south west of France that form “The Banyans” have steadily been gathering an eager crowd.

Following the success of their first album « Steppin Forward », and their concerts more and more across Europe (over 300 concerts), including prestigious opening act, such as The Wailers, Groundation, Clinton Fearon, Alpha Blondy, the Banyans crew is now a must-band of the current reggae scene.

2014, a year full of great meetings, and experiences in working for The Banyans, which continue to grow and rise, like the tree that represents them. The beginning of the year has demonstrated since the group occurred in the first part of the inevitable Alborosie in the finest venues in France, including at the Zenith in Paris.

Meanwhile, to keep its strength and independence, the band gives rise to Khanty Label Records.

To concoct this and vibrancy of their show, the crew has been enriched with new talented musicians!

Currently, now seven members of Banyans, recorded their album in the famous Parisian studio „Davoust“, which hosted OTher between U2, the Rolling Stones, Alpha Blondy, Gainsbourg, Lenny Kravitz, the Skatalites or Ray Charles.

To complete this new album (release scheduled for 23 February 2015) and to tap into the roots of reggae, a trip to Jamaica is organized in November to bring us wonderful surprises and beautiful collaborations.

With many concerts planned and a second album that will transport the audience into her universe roots, 2015 will undoubtedly be the year of the Banyans!

This album contains no booklet.