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Sunday, September 27, 2009

'Bad Boys' band Inner Circle comes 'round with new album, 'State of Da World'


Riding to the reggae rhythms of their latest CD, the popular band Inner Circle is back and better than ever.

Known for the "Cops" TV show theme "Bad Boys," the two-time Grammy-winning band released "State of Da World," late last month on the Shanachie Entertainment label.

And in the tradition of roots reggae, the CD's 15 songs take on age-old issues such as poverty, and new-age ills such as racial profiling.

Joined by an all-star group of guests, including Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Jr. Reid, Gramps Heritage, Luciano, Steel Pulse's David Hinds, Mutabaruka, Lutan Fiyah and the American rock/reggae group Slightly Stoopid, Inner Circle draws on its classic reggae foundation to produce a solid collection of music.

The band started out in the late 1960s with the Lewis brothers (guitarist Roger and bassist Ian) as core members. As teens, the brothers even backed reggae legend Bob Marley on a Jamaica tour. Other early members included Ibo Cooper and Stephen (Cat) Core, who went on to found the reggae group Third World.

In 1977, exceptional vocalist Jacob (Killer) Miller joined the band and its popularity soared at home and abroad. Miller and Inner Circle were about to tour with Bob Marley and the Wailers when Miller died in a car crash in 1980 at age 27.

Today's band lineup features the Lewis brothers, early band member Bernard (Touter) Harvey (keyboards), Lancelot Hall (drums) and Jr. Jazz (vocals and guitar)

For information on Inner Circle and "State of Da World," visit http://shanachie.com.

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