- File The new Third World.
Andrew Clunis, Freelance Writer
THE new look Third World is building bridges to connect with today's generation, with energetic drummer Tony Ruption working dynamics with the sticks; Rupert Bent Jr. sporting a rocker image and Herbie Harris cool under his omnipresent sun shades.
Ruption was on the north coast hotel circuit; keyboardist Herbie Harris was of Kotch fame and guitarist/keyboardist Rupert Bent Jr. had done a year-and-a-half stint with the band having worked on the Reggae Ambassador album.
The new members contrast with veterans Richie Daley whose beret and specs have transcended time, 'Cat' Coore whose bandana headties continue to be spectacular, but not hip in these times and Bunny Rugs whose 'rude boy' image isn't as contemporary as it used to be.
But together, members of the two generations blend to form the new Third World, a band that has done 26 years on the road and is showing no signs of slowing down.
With the new members drafted into the band, the fresh hip look and contemporary sounds are winning a whole generation of fans.
Since band leader Ibo Cooper and drummer Willie Stewart left., the younger musicians who replaced them have been bridging the gap and connecting with the contemporary market. And the band has been working on its second album since the personnel changes.
The first effort Generation Coming is doing fairly well , but founding member 'Cat' Coore said it could have been better if a major company was behind it.
"After Generation Coming with the single Reggae Party, people didn't know what to expect from the new group. So we are working on another album now although many people are just beginning to know this album," he said.
Despite their steady progress so far, life without the founding members has not been easy.
"At first there was some skepticism as to what would happen when Ibo and Willie left. To survive without Ibo in particular was a little difficult at first. The percussionist was a charming performer, a frontline man, the band's spokesman.
"He was charismatic and had a very strong personality. I can't say that there will ever be a replacement for Ibo because of what he meant to Third World," said Coore.
When Cooper left the band, there was some animosity between those who wished to continue and those who left. The scenario was played out in court and the members who wanted to continue were given the rights to.
"But we are quite close now. The court made the ruling that because two people wanted to leave, it shouldn't prevent others from continuing. Those guys will always mean a lot to Third World," he said
The band is expected to play in Ethiopia for New Year's Eve.
