Merger (band)

Merger were an English reggae band of Jamaican/Ghanaian descent that formed in 1977 and lasted until 1980. Their name "Merger" comes from the fact that they blended reggae music with their other musical influences.[1][2] Their debut album, Exiles Ina Babylon was released in the UK in 1977 at a time when many British reggae bands, such as Aswad and Steel Pulse, were popular.[3] Politically, the band's songs addressed issues of racial injustice in Britain and other countries, but they rejected the Marcus Garvey idea that all black people should return to Africa.[1]

Merger
Background information
OriginEngland
GenresReggae
Years active1977–1980
LabelsSun-star Muzik Co, Bellaphon, President, Makasound
Past membersBarry Ford, Winston Bennett, Michael Dan, Tony Osei, Michael Osei, Ivor Steadman

Reception
  • "The Jamaican/Ghanaian line up provided for a wide spectrum of reggae sounds. Merger's debut Exile In Babylon created a stir when released in 1977, critics deemed it too soft core, and felt it catered too much to the pop market." (Andrew Hamilton, Allmusic)[1]
  • "They integrated blues, soul, rock, funk and experimental influences in their musical efforts" (Teacher & Mr. T, Reggae Vibes)[2]
  • "Merger's reggae performance of "Soweto"... is a serious piece of polital pop, whose pretesting lyrics and skilful musicianship are more impressive than many of the fashion-rock bands" (Dr Ian Inglis, Popular Music And Television In Britain)[4]
  • "Led by the ever-so-soulful vocals of Barry Ford and the unusual deep voice of Michael Dan, with heavyweight compositions like "77" and "Understanding"" (Record Collector)[3]
  • "Merger created an experimental variation on the contemporary roots reggae formula and made many friends amongst those on the London gig circuit" (Dub Vendor)[5]
  • "At a time when the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, boned socialism in English, "Exiles in Babylon" celebrates the fusion ( "merger" in English) of influences: reggae, punk, blues, jazz" (Reggae France)[6]

Appearances

Merger appeared at the high-profile concert "The Picnic at Blackbushe" in 1978, alongside Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading.[7]

Members
  • Barry Ford (guitar, vocals)
  • Winston Bennett (guitar, vocals)
  • Michael Dan (keyboards)
  • Tony Osei (drums)
  • Michael Osei (keyboards)
  • Ivor Steadman (bass)

Discography

Albums
  • Exiles In A Babylon (Sun-star Muzik Co, 1977)
  • Armageddon Time (Bellaphon, 1980)
  • Prisoner of Your Love (President, 1996)[8]
  • Exiles In A Babylon (re-issue, Makasound, 2009)

Singles
  • "Seventy Seven" (CBS, 1979)
  • "Biko" (Barclay, 1980)
  • "Prisoner Of Your Love" / "You Are To Me" (Emergency, 1981)
  • "Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him" (with Tchaï) (WEA, 1982)

References
  1. Hamilton, Andrew. Merger at AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  2. Teacher & Mr. T (31 January 2009). "Exiles Ina Babylon". reggae-vibes.com. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  3. "Exiles in a Babylon". Record Collector. 1 April 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  4. Inglis, Dr Ian (1 December 2010). Popular Music And Television In Britain. Ashgate. ISBN 978-0754668640. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  5. "Merger - Exiles In A Babylon (Makasound) CD". Dub Vendor. 6 March 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  6. Jobart, Sébastien (26 January 2009). "Exiles in a Babylon" (in French). ReggaeFrance.com. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  7. "The "Picnic" at Blackbushe Aerodrome 1978". UK Rock Festivals. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  8. ASIN B00130O5NE, Prisoner Of Your Love - Winston Bennett & Merger (2016-02-03)
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