Do the revolution

A black-and-white photo shows three clean-cut, teenage boys in striped suits huddled around a microphone. With smiles on their faces, it appears they're belting out a popular R&B tune. A glance at the photo's caption forces a double take; it's actually a glimpse of three future reggae icons. The photo shows Robert Nesta Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer years before they would become Bob Marley and the Wailers and start a musical revolution in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica.

Island Revolution: Jamaican Rhythms from Ska to Reggae, a special exhibit at the Experience Music Project (EMP) covers the evolution of this popular form of music. From traditional calypso to Marley's famous anthems against oppression, Island Revolution encompasses 25 years of the nation's political climate and the musicians and record producers that influenced the progression of reggae.

Handmade African-style drums painted with Bible verses, a copy of Jimmy Cliff's first hit single and a scrap of paper with the lyrics for "Turn Your Lights Down Low" scribbled by Marley himself are just a few samples of the rare items that have been unearthed in Jamaica by Dave Rosencrans, curator of Island Revolution.

Rosencrans took several trips to Jamaica over the course of three years, gathering artifacts for the exhibit. According to Rosencrans, items related to Marley were easy to obtain thanks to the Bob Marley Foundation. Artifacts from the early days of ska, a music style preceding reggae, were not as easy to find, however.

During the late 1950s in Kingston, the upbeat tunes of ska were played in the street by natives using what sound system equipment was available.

"The music was very anti-establishment at this time, which is why they were targets for police," said Rosencrans.

With Jamaica still under British rule, it was common practice for police to destroy musical equipment linked to ska. During his visits, Rosencrans managed to find mixing consoles, speakers and other equipment that escaped the violence.

Years of civil unrest followed Jamaica's independence from Great Britain in 1962. According to Rosencrans, racial and class divides led to a tumultuous period of violence that remained prevalent throughout the '70s. As the upbeat tempo of ska changed to the slower, romantic form of reggae, so did the music's theme and purpose.

"It not only was a music of protest, but served as a newspaper for the black underclass," said Rosencrans.

The EMP's interactive Museum Exhibit Guide listening system offers visitors an in-depth look into each of the artifacts on display. Soul Rebel, a featured 18-minute documentary on Marley's early career accompanies the exhibit in the museum's JBL Theater.

According to Rosencrans, a common misconception about reggae music is that "it all sounds the same." Pictures that have immortalized Marley generally show him toking on a huge spliff, associating reggae with marijuana use.

"In terms of imagery related to reggae music, that perception carried by the public is what we've been handed," said Rosencrans. Instead of focusing on drug use, the exhibit focuses on the connection between reggae and the political and social struggles of the Jamaican people.

"I designed it this way so that it would be impossible for people to not notice this connection," said Rosencrans.

Island Revolution is on display through Jan. 6, 2002. Access to the exhibit is included with a general admission ticket. The EMP is open Sunday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Call (206) EMP-LIVE for general information.