Reggae Watch - Big Mountain

As a reggae band, Big Mountain became very successful in introducing reggae music in the American mainstream  in 1991. The band's popularity became even greater as they were chosen to feature the official soundtrack of the movie  “Reality Bites” later that year. The cover of Peter Frampton's “Baby, I Love Your Way” jump-started their career as it reached the Top Ten Billboard and UK Singles Chart in 1994. The band's repertoire may often be mistakenly credited to UB40 - a popular British reggae band, or the legendary reggae icon – Bob Marley, Big Mountain is set apart from other reggae artists with its great vocal, guitar licks, and pure Jamaican talent. Rainbow Warriors – the band's original name, was formed in San Diego, California. The members who pioneered the band lineup were Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney – vocals, Jerome Cruz – rhythm guitars, and drummers Lance Rhodes and Gregory Blakney. Tony Chin and Santa Davis – great reggae artists, later joined the band. Although there were many changes in the band's name (from Rainbow Warriors to Shiloh and finally to Big Mountain), the band's guitarists, and the band's style (from pure reggae to R&Bish pop reggae), there are still a lot of people who remains faithful to the band. Even today, Big Mountain's songs are still played on the airwaves.

Quino, at a young age, was a Latin American music enthusiast. His love for reggae  started when he saw Bob Marley perform in a television show. He grew up along with reggae influences in San Diego, California and later joined a reggae band Shiloh in 1986. The change of the band name to Big Mountain was inspired by a mountain peak in Arizona.  The constant change in the band lineup made it difficult for the band to mature professionally, and musically. After going through a number of guitarists, the band settled for Tony Chin – a Jamaican artist with unquestionable reggae roots. He was also a member of popular reggae bands – Soul Syndicate and Peter Tosh Band.

Making it on the Billboard's pop charts after their first album release “Wake Up”, was quite a success for the unknown band. In 1993, the growing reception of the band took place in Reggae Sunsplash USA tour when they performed with their new lineup. The most popular song of the band - “Baby, I Love Your Way”, turned the tides for the band as they were facing financial problems prior to the completion of their second repertoire. With the help of the film producer Ron Fair, the band made the deal of covering Peter Frampton's hit song in a reggae version. Unexpectedly, the song became an international sensation that allowed them to finish their second album “Unity” later that year.

The album “Unity” had much to offer their fans but the band was worried about their identity. Somehow, the album showcased a reggae vibe but the sound was more of pop. With the involvement of Santa Davis – a veteran drummer who played with various reggae artists like Wailing Sounds, Jimmy Cliff, and Bob Marley, the band redefined itself in a whole new level. Along with that is the birth of the new album “Resistance”  which was focused on the band's reggae influences.  It also showcased songs that involves public awareness. Big Mountain continued to release albums with the help of new members – Michael Hyde – keyboardist, and William Shively – bass player.

The band came up with several albums – Free Up (1997), Things To Come (1999), Dance Party (2001), New Day (2002), Cool Breeze (2003), Reggae Remakes: Covers in Paradise (2003), and Versions Undercover (2008). Although they weren't so successful in topping the charts after the big hit from the first album, the message they want to share about love, peace, and harmony already spread around the world.

From an unknown reggae band to a popular reggae icon we know today, Big Mountain continues to spread the hip vibe of reggae  music around the world. Last May 2011, the band just performed in the Reggae Fest in Indonesia. The interview with Quino was a confirmation that the band is still very active in the music scene.

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Tags: big mountain, Reggae