Julian Marley and the Uprising Spread a Little Love at CMJ

Julian Marley's long dreadlocks shook back and forth as he moved to the beat and said, "Music is the only way we can truly communicate. Speaking for myself ... music is the spirit that drives us." He smiled knowingly and reached his right hand out as if to touch the audience at Brooklyn Bowl's CMJ show on Wednesday. Then, the Uprising Band kicked into heavy bass and reggae beat mode and 'Boom Draw' from the new album 'Awake' drew everyone into the wonderful world of Marley.

It's difficult not to notice how much Julian Marley looks, sounds and moves like his father, Bob Marley. The same thin frame, the hair, the ecstatic dancing with outstretched arms and dreadlocks swinging, the enigmatic smile and most of all a real love of music and what it can do to bring people together closely resemble his dad. But, Julian is not Bob, and that's a good thing. While Julian Marley does cover a number of his father's songs, including 'Rastaman Vibration,' 'Stir It Up' and a show-stopping version of 'Exodus,' it is his own songs that really stand out. He has a real voice that breaks through by sheer force of talent, attitude and passion.

The trademark Marley mahogany Gibson Les Paul guitar strapped to his torso, Julian stared out at the crowd with great intensity and with a wave of his arm said, "Babylon gonna chew you up and spit you out" as he tore into 'Sharp Aza Razor,' a song about doing what is right before it's too late. It's a message that has permeated the Marley family musical history since the beginning: embrace life, fight for what is right. And, it's pretty impossible to argue the point when a crowd of 500 is singing in unison, dancing to the reggae and smiling at the simplicity of it all. Joined by brother Stephen Marley for a crowd pleasing 'Could You Be Loved,' it became clear that the Marley family has finally come full circle. Julian may not be Bob, but the message of embracing life and love through great music lives on.