Earl 'Chinna' Smith

Few figures in the history of Jamaican music carry the gravitational weight of Earl “Chinna” Smith. Known as "Melchezidek" for his foundational role in the genre’s evolution, Smith’s distinctive "high-stepping" guitar style served as the backbone for the Soul Syndicate and the Aggrovators, defining the sound of the 1970s. From his prolific session work with Bob Marley and the Wailers to his leadership of the High Times ensemble, his fretwork is a thread that runs through the most essential chapters of reggae. On the Easy Star Records roster, Smith’s presence represents a bridge between the genre’s golden era and its modern permutations, lending an air of seasoned authority to every project he touches. In his latest collaboration on the single “Sent Us Away,” Smith joins forces with the Brooklyn-based collective SunDub and Hawaii’s Mike Love, further weaving his legacy into the label’s eclectic catalog. His contribution is a masterclass in restraint and pocket, providing the organic textures that have become a hallmark of the Easy Star aesthetic. By anchoring the soulful vibrations of SunDub and the intricate vocal layers of Mike Love with his signature rhythmic precision, Smith reinforces his status not just as a legendary sideman, but as a vital architect of the contemporary reggae landscape. His involvement serves as a testament to the label's commitment to honoring the roots while pushing the boundaries of the "Easy Star sound."