Zachary Moats-Keys, Synth, Melodica, Vocals/
Walker Pillow-Guitar, Vocals/
Brian Moore-Bass Guitar/
Scott Davis-Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Influences
Our collective focus is roots reggae and simple, uplifting lyrics: Burning Spear, Jacob Miller, Culture, Ken Boothe,The Congos, Israel Vibration, The Gladiators, Alpha Blondy, of course Bob Marley.
We also pay homage to the great musicians who supported these legendary artists: The Wailers, Inner Circle, The Roots Radics, The Burning Band, The Solar System, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Leoroy "HorseMouth" Wallace, Augustus Pablo, Count Ossie, Sly and Robbie.
We all listen to the great "dub" recordings made by Lee Perry, King Tubby, The Mad Professor, etc.
We've been heavily influenced by the reggae sound from the Virgin Islands: Midnite, Dezarie, all the artists on the I-Grade label, Bambu Station.
We draw huge inspiration from artists we've been blessed to know and support: Tuff Lion, Niyorah, Iba, Dub Conscious, John Brown's Body, SOJA.
We grew up listening to The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Miles Davis, the great jazz instrumentalists, the greats of Motown, Stevie Wonder; these artists continue to influence our sound.
Sounds Like
"Jahovia" Live @ The Camel in Richmond, VA -featuring Jared Pool of The Whiskey Rebellion on mandolin.
"Ohia" Live @ Emilio's in Richmond, VA 3/09. Thanks to Guitar Jamie for both RVA vids.
The Prisoners are a roots reggae and dub quartet from Hampton Roads, Virginia. Members include Walker Pillow (Guitar and Vocals), Zach Moats (Keys and Vocals), Scott Davis (Drums and Vocals) and Brian Moore (Bass). The Prisoners combine years of playing experience with university level jazz and classical training. Formal training, a unique approach to songwriting, and a wide variety of influences, combine to expand the concept of reggae music.
Playing an upbeat and danceable style of reggae with vocal harmonies and group improvisation, the music and energy of the Prisoners’ live performances has generated a fast-growing and enthusiastic following everywhere they have played. The Prisoners formed in 2006, playing a year-long stretch of successful shows in Virginia and North Carolina. After a hiatus to pursue solo projects the band reformed and reorganized in 2008.
In 2008, the band performed live on 89.5 WHRV-FM's "Out of the Box" and played to a crowd of 600+ at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News, Virginia. In January 2009, the Prisoners were featured on Revolutionary Radio in Williamsburg, VA. The Prisoners play regularly throughout Hampton Roads, VA and are seeking venues to play along the east coast.
Members of the Prisoners have worked with cutting edge vocalists: Niyorah, Iba, Danny I, Abja, Mada Nile, Tuff Lion and Black Culture and have shared the stage with reggae greats: Culture, Israel Vibration, Mikey Dread, Midnite, Bambu Station, SOJA, John Brown’s Body, Eek a Mouse, Richie Spice, and Dubconscious.
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We had a great interview w/ 'Elliott Yamin' (RVA) of "American Idol' last month ... You can check out our entire interview at: www.richmondmusicforum.com
We had a great interview w/ 'Bruce Hornsby' at 'The National' (RVA) this month ... You can check out our entire interview at: www.richmondmusicforum.com
We just had a great interview w/ 'ZOSO' - Led Zeppelin Tribute Band at 'The National' (RVA) on 10/16/09 ... You can check out our entire audio interview at: www.richmondmusicforum.com
I'm so glad my parents told Johnny (my hubby) and I about you! Your performance at the Yorktown Pub, that we just got home from, was AWESOME! Totally enjoyed every minute and look forward to the Hampton Bay Days gig coming up! Walker, many thanks to you for hooking us up with the CD's! It truly was a pleasure meeting everyone and we appreciated the warm welcome. See ya soon and take good care! ~Cindy
Thanks for another wonderful performance last night @ HOSS'S DELI!! The crowd may have been small, but you guys blessed us once again!! And by the way, thanks Walker for assisting my friend in retrieving his keys!! LOL!!
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