Meet the members of the P.L.U.S. Band
Carlos Jones
Guitar, vocals
Carlos has been entertaining audiences for over 35 years throughout the eastern half of the United States, first as a member of the roots reggae group “I-Tal”, and then with the legendary “First Light”, before finally pursuing a solo career with his current group – the Peace, Love, Unity Syndicate (aka “The P.L.U.S. Band”). Choosing to focus on bringing a positive message with his music, Carlos has continued to win a diverse group of new fans everywhere he plays.
With headline performances at Cleveland ROCKSNYEVE, Jamaica's 'JamRock 2010', Idaho's 'Marley in the Mountain Fest', Wade Oval, Painesville Party in the Park, Warren Amphitheatre, Springfield Amphitheatre, and the Midwest Reggae Festival to name but a few, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band will be rockin' the house with their unique brand of high energy "put yer dancin' shoes on" reggae.
Cholly 'O
Bass Guitar
Cholly ‘O has been a bass player of blues, jazz, and reggae for a long time, allowing him the ability to mesmerize audiences with his smooth command of his bass. Due to his involvement with reggae artists Istan Black & the Sweets, he discovered that his talents would prove favorable in the workings of the P.L.U.S. Band. When it comes to hard hitting bass-lines that can be found only in reggae music, Cholly ‘O delivers a sound that can be described as crisp and hypnotically-alluring.
Ghani Harris
Guitar, vocals
Manning the electric guitar for P.L.U.S., Ghani has the ability to blend into the groove with subtle, rhythmic riffs, or to create searing lead solo’s taking a song into the stratosphere. He also contributes vocally, even singing lead on a few songs. Ghani has played with a variety of groups over the years and has backed up touring international acts, and has also toured overseas. He’s found a home now in the PLUS Band and fits like a glove.
Peter Platten
Keyboard, vocals
Keyboard wizard extraordinaire, Peter Platten, known in the group’s circle as “Jah Scientist”, provides the “color” to the group’s sound by often playing multiple keyboard parts simultaneously. He can provide subtle atmospherics that float in and out of the groove, or deliver hard, funky licks that cut right to the bone. Classically trained and jazz-oriented, Peter adds a depth that pulls the listener into music.
Curt Johnson
Percussion
Curt brings a degree of versatility to the P.L.U.S. Band. He plays a variety of percussion instruments including congas, tambourine, maracas, and timbales, all while adding the melodic and soulful harmony parts to the vocal blend. He also fills in on drums when the music calls for added rhythm and energy.
Roy Isaacs
Percussion
Roy spent part of his childhood in India, where he was classically trained on Tabla, a traditional drum. He also lived for two years in Nepal, and spent some time in Columbia, South America, as well. During his travels, he studied the music of the regions before finally returning to Cleveland with a wealth of knowledge and new instruments to add to the band’s rich textural sound. Roy makes his presence known when hitting the skins, and even takes an occasional turn on the mic with some conscious lyrics.
Max Eger
Drums
Max has proven to be tremendously versatile, filling in on both drums and guitar at a level that is truly professional. On drums, he brings a contemporary energy and edge with his playing, driving the songs along at a comfortable rhythm; On guitar, he is able to double-up on the bass line with his rhythmic picking, and is equally comfortable providing sharp leads on certain songs. Max is a long-time student of the reggae genre, so his playing is rooted in a deep understanding of how the music is structured.
George Gordon
Tambourine
George, now well into his 70’s, is the group’s connection to Jamaican music and culture. He was a member of I-Tal/Cleveland, one of the first U.S. based reggae groups, and was a mentor to Carlos in the beginning of his career. Born in Jamaica, George knows many of the Jamaican reggae pioneers. His presence on stage is a joy to behold, as he plays the tambourine and moves those feet with such precision!