Aston Barrett

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Lore & Background

In 1971, Aston Barrett was recruited as part of the instrumental backing for The Wailers while they worked with Lee "Scratch" Perry. Alongside his brother Carlton on drums, Aston helped produce the band's third album, *Soul Revolution Part II* (1971). This period marked a pivotal shift in their musical direction, utilizing Perry's studio to craft a sound that would eventually catch the attention of Island Records. The rhythm section they formed became so essential that when the band signed with Chris Blackwell in 1972, Aston and Carlton were part of the core lineup sent back to Jamaica to record at Harry J's. Their work there created the foundational tracks for *Catch a Fire*, which was then overdubbed in London to appeal to rock audiences.

In Their Own Story

By late 1963, the band had already established its name changes from the Teenagers to the Wailing Rudeboys and finally the Wailers. However, it wasn't until May 1970 that Aston Barrett joined the fold. During this time, the group recorded with Leslie Kong, producing *The Best of The Wailers*, which was released in 1971 as their fourth album. Soon after, Aston and Carlton were recruited during sessions with Lee "Scratch" Perry. Their presence solidified the band's sound just before Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer departed in 1974 due to disagreements over treatment and royalties. Following their exit, Marley continued with a new lineup that explicitly included Aston Barrett on bass and Carlton Barrett on drums, alongside Junior Marvin, Al Anderson, and the I-Threes. This group recorded *Natty Dread* in 1974, followed by the breakthrough US success of *Rastaman Vibration* in 1976, where Aston's bass drove songs like "War".

Reader's Guide

Aston Barrett's role as bassist was central to the band's sound from his recruitment in 1970/1971 through the departure of founding members Tosh and Livingston. He remained a constant figure when Marley formed the new lineup that included the I-Threes (Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths) for albums like *Natty Dread* (1974) and *Exodus* (1977). The source notes that Aston and his brother Carlton provided the rhythm section for Bunny Wailer's 1976 solo debut *Blackheart Man*, as well as Peter Tosh's *Legalize It*. Even after the assassination attempt in December 1976 forced the group to move to London, Aston was part of the line-up that recorded *Exodus*, released in June 1977. His contributions ensured continuity through the band's transition from a trio to a larger ensemble featuring multiple guitarists and keyboard players.

Did You Know?

• Aston "Family Man" Barrett was recruited alongside his brother Carlton in 1971 to provide instrumental backing for The Wailers during their work with Lee "Scratch" Perry.
• The rhythm section of the Barretts anchored the band on *Soul Revolution Part II* (1971), an album produced by Perry before the Island Records signing.
• After Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left in 1974, Aston Barrett remained with Bob Marley to form the new lineup that recorded *Natty Dread* and later *Exodus*.
• Aston and Carlton Barrett formed the rhythm section for both Peter Tosh's debut solo album *Legalize It* (1976) and Bunny Wailer's debut *Blackheart Man* (1976).
• The source does not confirm Aston Barrett's current status or if he is still living, only that he was active through the recording of *Exodus* in 1977.