The Bad Brains, one of the most influential hardcore punk band, is headlining the Sanborn Stage of the Sunset Junction Fair. Regarded as the quintessence of the genre, they have nevertheless objected to be called hardcore, as they were first a jazz fusion ensemble known as Mind Power. They renamed themselves ‘Bad Brains; after the Ramones’ song and have included reggae in their punk sound, being followers of the Rastafari movement, a religious movement that began in Jamaica in the 30’s
Formed in Washington D.C. in 1977, they have broken up and reformed several times with different members, but the band’s current lineup is singer H.R., guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson, H.R.’s younger brother. Furthermore, they are releasing a new project and touring again.
Darryl Jenifer has recently been interviewed by the organizers of the Sunset Junction Fair, explaining his philosophy and perspective in life. He said he sees life as a ‘wonderful joyous event, music, records, tours, games, kicks, chicks, flicks, trips, dips, deli trays, wi-fi, jai alai’.
But when it comes to serious subject, like work, he declared that the most important thing is ‘to mind your business, put in work, practice patience, and love your fellow man and woman, and animal’, a nice and sage program!
Jenifer sees his band as ‘the original punky reggae party, the living roots rock rebels’ and ‘just some brothers from DC trying to be different’. They were indeed different and particularly noticeable as an African-American band playing intense punk rock.
It is probably surprising to hear the name of the soul and R&B singer Oran Juice Jones when he is asked whom he would like to collaborate with, but what do I know?
Jah, who is the second coming of Jesus Christ onto the Earth for Rastafarians, is often dropped in Jenifer’s answers, saying that ‘the Great Spirit inspired all of their efforts creations and collaborations’ and that Jah only knows what will happen during their Sunset Junction performance.
Over all, Darryl Jenifer has a peaceful message to send to the whole world as the Q&A finishes with this declaration: ‘Yeah, peace, love and happiness to all the living of the land, sea and space, to everything and everybody’
That’s awfully nice! They are playing around 9:30 pm on Saturday August 21st at the fair, let’s hope the public will get their positive message.