Keith Richards and the Wingless Angels

Original Wingless Angels release 1997

In 1997 perhaps the most interesting album directly associated with Keith Richards since the mid-70's was released. Wingless Angels was recorded in Jamaica by Richards with vocalist Justin Hinds and a group of fellow rasta from the Ocho Rios area. Richards has spent much time in Jamaica since the early 70's, and early on discovered the magic of the Nyabinghi style of reggae - an especially spiritual, rootsy sound dominated by hand played drums and vocals. (Perhaps the most well known of the Nyabinghi school being Count Ossie.) The Wingless Angels album was the wonderful result of many jam sessions at Richards' house over many years. Long out of print, it's about to be exhumed. Here is the entire album to check out:

Wingless Angels II release 2010

Around 2004 Richards again decided to do some recording with his friends with Hinds once again leading the way. Unfortunately Hinds passed away in 2005, but they were able to get enough finished for what is now Wingless Angels II. It will be available digitally on August 1 from the usual suspects along with the first Wingless Angels. A physical version will be available on September 23 as a double disc with both albums. Visit WinglessAngels.com for more info including a free track download. Here is a taster: