Stephen 'Cat' Coore (left), Richard Daley (centre) and William 'Bunny Rugs' Clarke of Third World. - File

At 35 years old, reggae rocking Third World is heading into middle age. They are, however, keeping 'up to the time' by infusing some of their classics with the energy of some of Jamaican music's outstanding younger voices, as well as producing new material.

So, 96 Degrees in The Shade has been redone with Stephen and Damian Marley, while Luga Man and Donahue Jarrett are among the others with whom Third World is collaborating on the new album.

You Make Me So Happy

Third World's guitarist Stephen 'Cat' Coore also told The Gleaner that they have redone Alton Ellis' You Make Me So Happy, the band recording respects to their musical elder before he died. There is also Good Hearted People, slated for the 13 to 14-track set due early next year.

"I am happy with the feel of what we have done," Coore said about the album in the works, even as he paid homage to the 'Worlians' who have been a part of the band at various stages, among them 'Carrot' Jarrett, Colin Leslie, Ibo Cooper, Devon Green and Willie Stewart.

"We have been to the top and we have been to the bottom and right now we are in the middle," Coore said about Third World. "It is a matter of a changing recording world. Record companies are virtually non-existent. It is all about the Internet, selling your music online."

Live performances

He also pointed out that while live performances are what carry in an income now, "the live circuit is so competitive, especially in Europe".

Third World has long been known for their outstanding stage presence, their Explanitation concert series an annual highlight which recently made a return after a hiatus. Coore said that they were happy many young people turned out for last year's instalment at King's House and put it down to the standards.

"They know the band is good and they know the quality of our friends," Coore said.

This year's Explanitation is slated for December 28 at King's House.