Reggae/World Music. Mark Tyson & the BNX(the Blue Nile X-Press) travel from Jamaica to Africa, to America, with all stops in-between, bringing you some of the most unique Reggae/World Music on the market. Featuring Reggae legends Santa Davis & Ras Michael

12 MP3 Songs
WORLD: Reggae, JAZZ: Smooth Jazz



Details:
"Mark Tyson & the BNX combine Middle Eastern and reggae influences on Universal Citizen (3 Worlds Music) for a sound that lives up to the CD title. On this release he is joined by a stellar line-up of musicians including Santa Davis, Ras Michael, Jawge Hughes, Haile Maskel and Fabian Cooke, all names reggae fans should know well. Mark's distinctive guitar work and all-encompassing musical vision make for a musical approach that is uniquely his own." (THE BEAT)

Forever driven by a passion for music, Mark Tyson was in essence born into it. His 3 older brothers, father, grandfather, and great grandfather all played music. In his home many different instruments and styles of music were played developing in him an early ear for World Music sounds.

Born and raised in California, Mark grew up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood in Los Angeles. Being mixed with African American, Lebanese, and Danish, Mark experienced many different aspects of his rich heritage.

While most people were disco and funking it up in the 70's and 80's, Mark was discovering his true calling for melodious style. Reggae. "Throwing the comb away" after hearing a song by the Twinkle Brothers "Since I Throw the Comb Away", Tyson began growing his dreadlocks in 1981. After years of playing Jimi Hendrix licks, R&B/funk, and 70's Jazz/Rock fusion music Mark began to mix all of these influence's into his own unique musical style.

Mark's first Reggae group One Foundation was very well known throughout the 80's and in 1985 they began touring with Reggae legend Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus. During this time as Ras Michael's lead guitarist, Tyson traveled all over the nation. After the break up of One Foundation Mark continued to play with Ras Michael, and on the side started working on his first recording "Freedom Cry". After the completion of "Freedom Cry" Mark formed the Blue Nile X-Press which he has taken around the world to perform live and on television. All through this time Mark has worked with many groups and played every style from African, Latin/Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Jazz, Rock, R&B/Hip Hop, and the Blues.

"..unique musical stew of Reggae, World Music, and Jazz..."
Says Billboard Magazine.

" Based in Los Angeles the BNX have been wowing crowds live for some time".
Says THE BEAT magazine

THE BNX hit all the marks of Reggae, African, and World Music. With an array of vivid expression, the use of guitar, electric sitar, drums, horns and conscience lyrics put the listeners into melodic bliss. A cast of prolific performers always accompanies Tyson's superb performances.