On this day and EVERY day, I seek to amplify the voice of Love, Unity and Justice, because the voice of hate, division and  discrimination has been too loud, for too long. I felt it was important to put this message out into the world immediately, instead of waiting for the release of the album we've been working on, which had to be delayed because of conditions brought about by the pandemic, Especially now as we are in the struggle against having our voting rights, for which Dr. King and so many others fought for so fervently, diminished and stripped away. The stakes could not be higher. We find ourselves in a place where truth, compassion, decency and honor seem to be in short supply, and people who have no shame or grasp on reality are willing to do whatever it takes to take control and hold power and dominance over our society. They simply don't care how it looks, or what lengths they have to go to, as long they get what they're after. It's going to take great effort and force of will to resist this tide of evil, and those who came before us are watching and hoping that we won't let everything they fought for, and some died for, just slip away. I just want to remind everyone that however things turn out; we, as a race of humans are going to have reach down deep inside to try and find the will and determination to NOT sink to the level of the worst of our nature, but work to raise our collective consciousness and do the things that will allow us to survive and create a better life and a brighter future. 
This is a dream I know I share with many, so I'm using my voice the best way I know how - to shine Light in this darkness.
The time is RIGHT NOW!!!

(song can be downloaded at https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1538243297)

A New Day

NOW Is The Time!

Carlos Jones has been sharing his musical inspiration with Cleveland and the surrounding area for over 40 years, earning him the unofficial designation of  “The Iron-man of Cleveland Reggae”. Born in Virginia, his earliest musical influence was the gospel music he heard in the church where his grandfather preached. In the mid-60s his family moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where he became fascinated by the Beatles and other popular music of the time. A few years later, after moving back to the states, his main musical interests were Soul, Jazz, Blues and Rock music, until he discovered Reggae in the mid 70s, which led him to seeing Bob Marley perform and then joining one of Cleveland's first local Reggae bands. He started out in 1978 as a side-man (percussion/vocals) with I-tal, one of Cleveland’s first homegrown Reggae groups, and then in 1984, split off from I-tal along with several other members to form the group, First Light.

Carlos developed as the front man/lead vocalist for First Light and honed his songwriting skills during its 14 year run as one of the top drawing bands in the area, playing shows at clubs, colleges and festivals all over the eastern half of the United States and in Canada. During that time, First Light released several recordings on vinyl, cassette and CD on the independent label, Thin Ice Records.

By 1994, a few years before First Light disbanded, Carlos’ next project was already underway. The Peace Love Unity Syndicate, which would later become known as Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band, was already playing shows in the area, and people were starting to take notice. His goal was to get back to the more spiritual and positive messages in Reggae music that had captured his heart from the start, back when Reggae was first gaining worldwide attention through artists like Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Toots & The Maytals, Culture, Third World and Burning Spear, all of whom he's had the pleasure of sharing the stage with over the years. 

Now with 27 years under his belt with the current group, Carlos continues to keep the Reggae fire burning with his steadfast allegiance to the positive vibration, lifting hearts and stirring souls every time he and his band take the stage. The PLUS Band has three full length releases to date: Roots With Culture (2004), Leave A Trail (2009) and their first live recording called "Live From Cleveland", which came out in 2016. A 4-song EP, Positive Vibrations, was released in 2011, and they have sporadically released several singles over the past few years. All are on Little Fish Records, an independent Cleveland label run by his manager, Larry Koval, who has been with Jones since 1998. The band is currently working on a new album to be titled "A New Day", which they hope to release this summer.

Now, at the age of 62, when asked about his plans for the future, he'll tell you, "I'm just grateful to see every new day, and to be given the opportunity to make each one the best I can. I'll just keep moving forward, and follow the path where it leads, you know? Promoting positivity , peace, love and understanding betweeen people is my life's purpose and I'm blessed to be able to do what I love. What more could I ask out of life?"

His official website is www.carlosjones.com

NOW Is The Time!

losplus