With worldwide music sales continuing to decline, the tour is still a viable revenue earner for Jamaican artistes. Today, the Jamaica Observer revives its Road Warrior feature, which looks at what constitutes a tour (proper venues, booking agents, number of dates, etc) and what it means for an artiste’s career.

ROOTS singer Junior Reid says he broke new ground on his recent tour of the United States west coast and Pacific Northwest.

Reid, who was accompanied by four of his sons, credits a change in booking agent for the successful trek which saw him performing in California, Las Vegas, Oregon and Washington state.

“Wi work wid a new booking agent who tek us to a more corporate market. Wi play some clubs in California I neva know ’bout,” Reid told Splash. “Mi appreciate dat ’cause some booking agent tek yuh to the same venues every year.”

The tour started January 21 at the Belly Up club in San Diego, California. It ended February 6 at the Wow Hall in Eugene, Oregon.

Reid’s sons, Jawadah (aka Wada Blood), Yung Jr, Juju Blood and Big Mo, also performed on the dates. They were backed by the Natural Vibes Band, a six-piece group from Hawaii based in southern California.

“We got good reception all over, especially in California. The people love the roots music,” said Juju Blood.

Junior Reid’s new album, Junior Reid the Living Legend and Juju Blood’s debut set, The Young Veteran, are scheduled for release in April.

— Howard Campbell