NATURAL FLAVAS is Vancouver’s premier original Reggae band. With their high energy mix of Roots, Rocksteady and Dancehall sounds and lush vocal harmonies, Natural Flavas (or Natty Flaves as we like to call it) have established themselves as the foremost purveyors of authentic Reggae music in Vancouver’s live music scene.
Though a new project, Natural Flavas represents the efforts of some very experienced musicians. Band Leader/ Singer/ Keyboardist Patrick “Dr.Watson” Quine has had the pleasure of playing bass for Reggae legend Alton Ellis several times as well as classic Dancehall artist Half Pint and a “who’s who” of artists from Canada’s large Caribbean community. Bassist/ Singer Greg “Greggae” Hathaway was the leader of legendary West Coast Reggae/World Fusion band Roots Roundup as well as local Reggae band Dubfreque and has shared the stage with The Wailers Band, Beenie Man, Culture, Israel Vibration, Jimmy Cliff and Linton Kwesi Johnson. Originally hailing from L.A.’s infamous Watts - Trombonist/ Singer Andrew Makeke’s career started in the early ‘90s with Salt Lake City Ska band Insatiable, and he has since shared the stage with everyone from The Wailing Souls to The Skatalites to The English Beat and many more. Keyboardist Allan Ollivierre met Dr. Watson through their work with Hip-Hop band The Front - the only non-rock band to ever win Vancouver’s legendary “Shindig” battle of the bands. Allan is also a regular feature around Vancouver’s Gospel music community and has played in and led several church bands in the Vancouver area. The heartbeat of the band, Jon Holisko is the band’s Drummer. Jon also plays in local Punk/Ska favorites The Easy Brothers.
The future looks bright for Natural Flavas, who are currently working towards the release of their first EP, so get used the name. As we say “No artificial additives - 100% Natural Flavas.” November 2009.