Errol Moore brings Jamaica to the ATL

“In the past, reggae always passed through Atlanta. Now this is homegrown,” says reggae musician and Atlanta resident Errol Moore. Moore has been playing, producing and writing with the biggest names in reggae since his career began. An original guitarist for the New York-based group Monyaka, he has toured the world with bands such as the Toots & the Maytals, Peter Tosh, Maxi Priest and Steel Pulse. He has also worked on the production side, twiddling knobs for Shaggy and Barrington Levy, among others.

“Almost anywhere reggae music is played, I’ve seen it,” says Moore.

Despite his global travels, Moore and Bad Newz Entertainment, an Atlanta-based reggae and hip-hop label, are turning their focus homeward, hoping to create a more noticeable reggae scene in Atlanta. Bad Newz is developing more local acts in the genre, and Moore is planning to perform at venues like Decatur’s Club ATL. In addition, he recently released his first solo album, It’s Time, on Bad Newz.

“The record is based on my development over the years — listening and educating myself. I cross-pollinate many genres,” Moore says of his new material. The record brings his diverse background to life, incorporating rap and sampled beats into his otherwise chilled-out, skanky reggae rhythms. The fluid mixing of genres gives the album a progressive feel.

Time will tell if a city known for its hip-hop scene will embrace Moore’s softer, Jamaican-born grooves.