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Home , Alborosie, Alpha Blondy, Al Campbell, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Big Youth

MAGAZINE #7 - April 2011

Cedella Spiderman from Jah Observer Eric Monty Morris Kayla G Ras Jumbo Ray Hurford Cecil Reuben INTERVIEW

SPECIAL LIVE IN Clinton Fearon in Muffins Festival 2011 Raggasonic at Paris Olympia 9 Mile Music Festival in Ris Orangis , and in Paris United Magazine #7 - April 2011 Want to read United Reggae as a paper magazine? Now you can... In addition to the latest United Reggae news, views and videos online each month you can now enjoy a free pdf version packed with most of United Reggae content from the last month. SUMMARY

3 - 12 1/ NEWS

2/ INTERVIEWS 14 • Ras Jumbo 19 • Spiderman from Jah Observer 26 • Ray Hurford 29 • Cecil Reuben 33 • Little Roy 38 • Kayla G 39 NEWS • Cedella Marley 43 • Eric Monty Morris

3/ REVIEWS 49 • Boss Reggae Sounds - Reggae Popcorn 1969-1971 50 • Skyfiya by The Uprising Roots Band 53 • Live Forever by and the Wailers

4/ ARTICLES 55 • Will Always Be Remembered 56 • Taj Weekes and Adowa at SXSW 2011 58 • Sheffield Puts The Stereo On

5/ PHOTOS 60 • Ragga Muffins Festival 2011 in Oakland 64 • and Friends, A Real Treat for South 66 • Miami’s 18 Annual 9 Mile Music Festival, A Huge Success!

SPECIAL LIVE IN FRANCE • Clinton Fearon • Raggasonic • The Original Wailers • Gentleman, Alborosie and Alpha Blondy

Cover photo by Angus Taylor

All the articles in this magazine were previously published online on http://unitedreggae.com. This magazine is free for download at http://unitedreggae.com/magazine/. Not for resale. United Reggae. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. News 4 5

Roger Rivas Organ Versions Vol.2 the most gifted in all of Reggae music across Plead My Cause by Junior X Takana Zion's Rasta Government the globe. This time around he comes armed Back in the summer of 2009 Roger Rivas, with big vibes and, as usual, a big group of The very promising and very well regarded keyboardist with bands such guest artists as well. Joining Ziggi on the new native of Guinea, Takana Zion, is back on May and The Bullets, released a free 5 track E.P for are Jamaican superstar Roots Princess 6 with his third album to date, ‘Rasta Govern- download titled ‘Organ Versions Volume1’. , UK veteran Tippa Irie, Omar ment’, for Soulbeats Records. Previously, the After receiving a lot of positive feedback from Perry (Reggae veteran and son of the leg- youthful Zion established himself and made this release he has decided to repeat this endary Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry) and finally Rock his name on the strength of a mighty pair of great deed with yet another 5 shots of classic ‘N Vibes delivers ‘This Year’, a long awaited releases, his debut set ‘Zion Prophet’ from boss reggae sounds. combination between its two biggest names, 2007 (which is probably one of the most dis- Ziggi and Maikal X. Also on board are Dutch cussed and popular debut from an Af- This time he got together with some collec- Hip-Hop talents, which may signal a direction rican born artist ever) and ‘Rappel A L’Ordre’ tor and DJ friends, such as Mark Morales from in the vibes of the album (or it may not). Un- from two years on. That work has placed his L.A and the Jurassic from Brazil surprisingly, The will get the very name mighty high because of that, fans across to help with the selection of the tracks and first taste of the new album as it is set to re- the globe are awaiting this new set. you can download Vol. 2 here for FREE now. lease regionally on April 15th (and is currently available for pre-order on Dutch iTunes) and A nice ‘wrinkle’ they’ll find on ‘Rasta Govern- Ziggi Recado New Album in the rest of the world on June 6th. ment’ is that the vast majority of the album has been recorded in English, which will open The Step By Step Chances are, if you’re a fan of wicked chanter the vibes of Takana Zion to an even wider Junior X, that you’ve been waiting quite some group of fans. The album was reportedly con- If you want to make a splash in Reggae mu- time for his debut album as he’s been on the structed in and perhaps because of sic the best thing you can do is ... Well, make scene and on the scene scoring hits for awhile that it should be to no surprise that its only good Reggae music. You can also find a very now. Well, following a strong 2010 which saw combination features Zion alongside none nice and interesting way to present that mu- him drop the massive ‘Cross Me Heart’ on the other than ! sic to the masses and should you do both of Box Guitar Riddim, X finally delivers his debut those well, then you shouldn't have very much album, courtesy of Revolutionary Entertain- Takana Zion’s ‘Rasta Government’ - In stores of a problem. Rumble Rock Recordz isn't go- ment, ‘Plead My Cause’. on May 6. ing to have "very much of a problem" at all. The latest creation of the Pennsylvania based Junior X is known for providing large social label, the Step By Step Riddim, is an absolute- commentaries and the album is stocked with ly gorgeous Roots composition and the pre- familiar such hits as the very clever opener, sentation? Apart from , the roster ‘The Pill’, ‘Surfer’ and the title track, perhaps of artists doing their respective bests on the still his biggest hit to date and newer tunes SbS is full up of very talented vocalists who which are not to be missed such as ‘Shoot The are only likely to be known by hardcore Reg- Prophet’. All in all, the album is very strong gae fans. Messenjah Selah, The Lambsbred, and a welcomed addition to the collection of Rock ‘N Vibes is set to release what is undeni- Arkaingelle, Zacheous Jackson, Zema and a any fan of modern . ably one of the most anticipated releases of most interesting group of others all appear 2011, the eponymous third studio album from on this sterling Roots set which may prove to You need not wait any longer for ‘Plead Dutch Caribbean superstar, Ziggi Recado. Fol- be one of the best of this still very young year. My Cause’. The album is currently available lowing his extremely well done and extremely on etailers across the globe through Zojak well regarded 2008 project, ‘In Transit’, Ziggi The Step By Step Riddim from Rumble Rock Worldwide and reportedly the physical album has really become one of the bigger names Recordz reaches stores on April 19. release is forthcoming as well. on the European scene and arguably one of News 6 7

The JFX Dubstore Is Now Records gems. The A side of and . Why The most interesting ‘Our Favourite Beres South Florida's Legends Easter Fete Open this release is Easy Come, Easy this was never issued is un- Hammond Songs’ is set to release by VP Re- Go by the Pioneers, which has known, but needless to say cords on April 26th. The Firm and No Limit Promotions present been previously available on this duos partnership proved JFX Dubstore is a new web- Legends Easter Fete on Easter Sunday, April their ‘Let Your Yeah Be Yeah disappointingly fleeting site from French Dub label Several Treats from Jahdan Blakkamoore 24, 2011 at the Miramar Regional Park in Mi- (Anthology)’ from 2002. Jarring Effects based in Lyon, ramar, Florida. Showtime 2-10 PM. Due out on the 11th of April France which in their own and presented on the much- words is “Created by dubbers This is a day for fun, music, food & culture missed Doctor Bird imprint for dubbers and dub fans”. bringing together the best of Jamaica’s old the single is now available to The site features single track and new in one venue. Hosting 4 events pre-order at the Trojan Store, dubplates in top quality WAV within the same venue, creates something with pressing strictly limited and AIF, not MP3, that are for every age group. For the youngsters, a to just 400 copies. available nowhere else on in- Kids Romping Zone with unlimited games, ternet from French producers rides and face painting. such as OBF and Pilah, Root Our Favourite Beres Ham- Massacre, AntiBypass (Dub mond Songs For the teens is Swagg Jamz Fete presented Addict) and Fabasstone, Nat- by 99 Jamz with music, dancing, games & Karaoke. ural High, Twelve, Led Piperz, One of Reggae's most leg- Roots’n Future Hi-Fi aka Jahdan Blakkamoore - one of ’s fin- The song was recorded in a endary crooners, the great d.Dino and Aku-Fen (High est reggae singers - dropped his sophomore For the dancehall fans, the Bamboo Lawn number of versions during , is honoured Tone / Dub Invaders) and album ‘Babylon Nightmare’ in December last Day Fete, with Rory of Stone Love, Renais- the late Spring of 1968, but by the venerable Penthouse Uzul (Kaly Live Dub), with new year, to wide critical acclaim. The album in- sance, HMV Soundz, Sound Sweetness & Ec- the trio and producer were Records and a large collec- plates and mixes appearing cluded the sweet single All Comes Back to centrix Sound. not entirely happy with the tive of his peers and admirers weekly. alike on the forthcoming 'Our One. session. They did however re- The legends performing are Third World, Bar- visit the song a month or so Favourite Beres Hammond The aim of all this is for the Now production crews Lustre Kings and Li- rington Levy, John Holt, , Frankie later reworking it until con- Songs'. This big double-disc productions to be played at onDub International are releasing a remix Paul, backed by Ruff Stuff Band, & fident they’d go it right and project is set to have full on Sound Systems or used in EP of All Comes Back to One, which includes the Dragonaires and Merritone. finally it was issued in the Au- and straight forward covers of remixes to which at the mo- versions with influences from , drum tumn of that year. The song some of Hammond's biggest ment they are running com- & bass, one drop and nu-soul. proved a big hit in Jamaica hits to date from, likewise, petition for people to remix and provided the platform for some of the biggest names of this Brother Joe Pilgrim acca- The remix duties are handled by Nate Mars, further assaults on the Jamai- all kinds Reggae has to offer. pella from Tribulations. Just Potential Badboy, , Nick Fantastic can and overseas charts and send them your own remix and Ticklah. The funky and soulful version most notably saw them have Earlier this year, one of the before May 15th 2011, and BoBos Remix is available as free download. their best-selling hit Long Dancehall's most inventive the 2 favourite ones will be Check it here. Shot Kick De Bucket which stars, , tackled published on JFX dubstore. 'Tempted To Touch' as the peaked at #21 in the UK the If that wasn’t enough, DJ Theory has just following year. very first single from this proj- ect and Busy is joined by a put out the refreshing Quick Money for free Trojan Give Us Two More download, a tune full of reggae, hip-hop On the B side of the single stellar cast which features the Beverley's Records Gems likes of , , and soul. It uses a sample from Amadou & is an unissued Rock Steady Mariam’s Sabali – also used by Nas & Da- version of Don Covay’s R&B Alaine, , Nadine This months strictly limited Sutherland, mian Marley for the mellow Patience – and smash, Mercy, Mercy record comes with a lethal soca version courtesy of deluxe Trojan 7” brings to- as a duet by and even Beres Hammond, gether two more Beverley’s himself. So Shifty. News 8 9

The new EP from is set to reach -sor on the label, figures to take full advan- digital stores across the globe on May 3, with tage of the wide scale of abilities from the the album, ‘Time’, coming later this year. gifted vocalist.

The Return of To help in that Danny I and I Grade tap a most interesting trio of collaborators - The up and If you missed out the Carnival season in Trini- coming Dushane. The mighty wordsmith, dad this year, a chunk of the biggest hits of its Sabbattical Ahdah (who appears on the very interesting ‘Sometimish Rastaman’) and one greatest star for 2011 is now available as cer- First Ever Rockers Rockers Rockers Fes- tified Soca Supernova, Machel Montano, re- of the most popular artists from out of the VI, leases his new album for the season (and his veteran singer Ras Army. tival 35th to date!), the fittingly titled ‘The Return’. Montano was largely absent from the 2010 Danny I’s ‘To Your Majesty’ is in stores on The First ever Rockers Rockers Rockers Festi- season, preferring to let the light shine on April 12. val is taking place in France from 25th to 28th younger stars and members from his camp of April, but unlike most other festivals that (such as Patrice Roberts), but he didn’t repeat tend to stay in one place this festival will trav- the disappearing act this year and, instead, el to four cities over the four nights. Bunny Rugs EP had arguably the most dominant year of his It all starts in Paris at Zenith with biggest se- career. lection of live acts: One of the busiest people in all of Reggae music, Bunny Rugs, is in the process of set- Machel Montano hauled in both his fourth ting forth an extremely active 2011 for him- career Road March [The season’s most popu- self. Along with fronting the mighty Third lar song] and his very first ever Soca Monarch World, touring with them and currently be- title with the same song, Advantage, which is Jah Cure ing involved in promoting material from their on the album. It is joined by big tunes such as Richie latest release, the very well received ‘Patriots’ So High [A.O.A], Coming Again, Spin Class and album, Bunny is also exploring solo works this others. Diversify your listening landscape and And Pliers year, which will ultimately lead to... Yep - An- check out ‘The Return’ from Machel Montano other album. which is currently available around the world through Ruf Rex Productions. In the meantime, however, fans who just can’t The following night the show moves south to get enough of Bunny Rugs can look forward Danny I's To Your Majesty Le Phare in Toulouse where Vybz Kartel, Gyp- to getting their hands on a three track digi- Jah Free 12 Out In May tian, Jah Cure, Chaka Demus And Pliers and tal EP/album preview from the sweet singing The forthcoming ‘To Your Majesty’ is the lat- Duane Stephenson will be appearing, before and incomparable veteran through Raw Edge est release from one of the more hidden, but just Vybz Kartel, Gyptian and Chaka Demus Productions. The EP includes Love is Blind absolutely undeniable talents on the Virgin Jah Free is to release a new 12" on his Jah and Pliers visit Transbordeur in Lyon and then which was Rugs’ cut of the Tune In Riddim Islands Reggae scene, Danny I from out of St. Free music label at the beginning of May. finish in Nice at Théâtre de Verdue. from the famed Sly & Robbie. Also present Croix. The album, his third to date, is the sec- is the lovely Just Can’t Deny which features ond for the leading VI Reggae label, I Grade The release features four tracks with the title Throughout the festival these acts will be production from the great and Records (who continues their awesome mo- track being the digital horn led Devils Play- supported by the Ruff Cut Band from the UK, was actually penned by Richard Bell of Star mentum from 2010, which featured albums ground taken from last years album 'Rebel In who have also toured with acts such as Freddy Trail. And finally, the EP also contains the big from both NiyoRah and Toussaint), follow- This Time', plus new cuts from Sister Simiah McGregor, , , Alton social commentary, Kurfew, arguably the best ing 2007’s ‘Unchangeable’, while his first, the with Come Out of Babylon, In Zion by Sista Ellis Prince FarI, and U-Roy. of the trio, which is produced by the vener- most poignant ‘Jah Fury’, remains all but im- Sherin and a ruff dubmix. able Mikey Bennett along with Rugs, himself. possible to find. This album, like its predeces- News 10 11

Debut Releases From Jah he plays both bass and All tunes are available on The Trench Town artist Er- 17 June Productions (Hawaii) rhythm guitars; he will also digital download from CD rol Organs and his band the , be releasing a solo-album Baby. Trench Town Experience have Fête de la musique --- this spring on Rub-A-Dub announced a European tour. Swedish producer and mu- 2 July records, which will feature a Garance Reggae Festival sician Jonahgold, who re- Ruighoord, Holland few more tracks produced And for extra drum power cently produced the am- 2011 Update they will be bringing none Future Reggae Ruighoord by Jonahgold. bitious debut album ‘Nine other than the famous skins ---

Signs and Heavy Bliss’ by Last month we reported on man and film star Leroy 10 July “Horsemouth” Wallace to sit Gdansk, Poland Sheya Mission, has teamed the line up for this years Ga- Festiwal Kultur Swiata at the traps. up with Jah Youth Produc- rance Reggae Festival tak- --- tions to bring you two new ing place in Bagnols-sur- 15 July Jah Cure's World Cry Errol is a producer, arranger, releases from Daweh Con- Cèze, France between the Montreux, Switzerland composer and singer who go, with whom he worked 27th and 30th of July and Montreux jazz festival Tired of waiting on the new has worked with Capleton with on his 2009 album as promised the promot- --- album from Jah Cure? Of and Anthony B. ers have now announced 16 July ‘Ghetto Skyline’ plus one course you are, it’s been Vallée de Joux, Switzerland from the former UK lov- the names of some further postponed several thousand pupil Back to fest ers rock band Arema sing- acts that have been added times. Horsemouth has drummed --- er Desmond Foster who is to the bill. on some of the great roots 13 August now based near Jonah in Well in order to help in the records of the 1970s, played St-Julien, France Stockholm. These are on the main stage wait, the Cure is freely giv- the lead role in the 1978 Come fam fest , , ing away the title track to his film Rockers and works with ’s side project The Daweh tracks were , Clinton forthcoming album ‘World The Embodiment Of Truth composed from two aca- Fearon and Twinkle Broth- Cry’ on his official website. Rockamovya. So if you want pellas recorded for Jah ers while in dub station The tune, which features US to catch Errol and Horse- by Mooji Youth Productions, to corner South East ’s Pop star, Keri Hilson, as well mouth in action, the Trench Town experience will be stop- which the music was then will be bringing as MDMA, is quite impres- Mooji is the name of a Ja- sive and anticipation for the ping in the following places. built around. The first of his roots reggae sound sys- maican born spiritual guide album named after it is, pre- in the Hindu-tradition of Ad- these is Don’t Be Afraid, an tem to the preccedings. 21 May sumably, at an all time. vaita which is oneness-teach- intense stepper with solid Attalens, Switzerland roots vocals, while the sec- With artists such as Burn- Salle Communale ing beyond all religions. He Jah Cure’s ‘World Cry’ album has many videos on youtube ond track Indo is an upbeat ing Spear, and --- is now set to be released in where he holds “Satsang” modern, organic one-drop, a Studio One revue that 27 May June (though holding one’s (association with the truth) with lamenting harmoni- features many of its past breath on that is not encour- Neuchâtel, Switzerland Bar King a meeting where spiritual recording stars confirmed aged by the staff of United ca, supplemented by witty --- seekers come and are given Reggae) and the title track herb-hymn lyrics in the tra- to appear the line up at this 3 June a chance to do self-inquiry. can be found through Jah- dition of “Herb Tree”, “Co- festival continues to im- Geneva, Switzerland Jonahgold of Goldheart re- conut Chalice” and “Ganja press and it is believed an- Cure.net.. Chat Noir cordings has been very tak- Baby”. The Desmond Fos- other thirteen artists will be --- en with this mans teachings ter release is called Farmer- named soon. Errol Organs Tours Europe 4 June and has decided to put some man Bliss and is a take on With Leroy Horsemouth Czestochowa, Poland of his words to music in this Reggae day Festival the “Indo riddim” to which Wallace case namely the riddim from recent Daweh Congo offering News 12 13

‘Don’t Be Afraid’. Two cans or more of non-perish- This promises to be a hat trick of able food items is requested for Jonah said of the recordings “I strong releases for Jah Messenger, admittance to feed the needy, pro- have made three cuts featuring but don't take our word for it, lis- ceeds benefiting Curley’s House. Mooji and I intend to make many ten to the title track and Only You more. I think he’s the ultimate dub- Jah from the album out on June 17. Artists performing include Mor- vocalist. I’m deeply in love with his gan Heritage, Cultura Profetica, teaching and vibe. It’s my number Bonnie Casey, Spam All Stars, Jah- one inspiration for all music. I know fe, Connis Vanterpool, Ephniko, he has heard and approved of his Kulcha Shok Muzik, and more. lyrics being adapted to my reggae- dub and being originally from Ja- The is Saturday, April maica he likes his reggae of course.” 30, 2011 2PM. To 11P at Pea- cock Park, Coconut Grove, 2820 There is Mooji does have McFarlane Rd. Miami, FL 33133. a very deep, soothing voice which gives the song a very peaceful and Tickets are free but guests meditive vibe and it will be inter- must register at http://miam- esting to hear what lies ahead. ireggaefestival.eventbrite.com Or call the general ho- No profit is being made from this tline at (305) 763-4509. release as it is being given away free Miami Reggae Festival 2011 with people encouraged to share it For more information about the around. You can download it here. Miami Reggae Festival please Rockaz MVMT presents a FREE visit www.rockazmvmt.com or Miami Reggae Festival, featuring www.facebook.com/rockazmvmt. Rub-A-Dub Market an eclectic line up of international by Luciano music genres. Over the course of INTERVIEWS the day, over 10,000 people will at- I-lodica blazes tend the concert at Peacock Park in After critical success with his 'Unit- Coconut Grove Miami. This highly on Separation is Illusion ed States Of Africa' and 'Write anticipated cultural event was de- My Name' albums in 2010 Lu- signed to cater to all genuine cul- Brighton’s own ciano is back with yet another tural expressions in a celebration I-lodica has just put out an EP ti- impressive long playing release. of Peace, Love and Unity - building tled Separation is Illusion on the a positive spirit in our community. Dubbhism label. The EP contains He continues the trend for work- five tracks, where of Melodica on ing with non-Jamaican produc- Fiya – a relick of Lee Perry’s 70’s ers, using Austrian production classic Soul Fire – is available as house IrieVibrations - who put free download on Soundcloud. out Perfect's stellar second album 'Born Dead With Life' in 2008. I-lodica has been recording for many years and has made some 'Rub-A-Dub Market' features new heavy tunes with various produc- songs alongside previous IrieVibra- ers, including Iration Steppas and tions rhythm releases (the Work Off, Alpha & Omega. On this new ef- Love Bird and Caribbean rhythms). fort he has teamed up with Dutch producer Tony Dubshot. The result The label has also recorded an is some upbeat, skanking tunes. album with Anthony B in Jamai- ca at Anchor studios (see stu- Separation is Illusion is available dio session video below) along- today from etailers worldwide. side one from – both slated to be issued this year. Without any doubt, he‘s one of the best bass- church really. Like most Afrocaribbean people, ists in the Reggae universe: David Jnr. Baptiste we have lots of religions, protestant churches, a.k.a. Ras Jumbo. You‘ve surely seen him live on catholic churches, gospel churches. You know, RAS JUMBO stage several times, whether with Alpha Blondy, we grew up singing. My dad played the guitar, , Jimmy Cliff or , better than me. He played accordion, violin, to name just a few of the most important art- banjo… So at home we had instruments. I have INTERVIEW ists he worked with. His own projects he works an elder brother who is in Miami. He’s a bass on in Paris with Charly Laubé, Alpha Blondy‘s player. I grew up in the music, very early. But I Text and photos by drummer, and Fariband enrich the European never knew I’d be a professional musician one Valentin ZilL Reggae scene like few others. It‘s high time to day. I wanted to be a doctor! let the virtuoso from Dominica have his say. Next to the swimming pool of Bamako‘s hotel Did you get formal musical education? Dafina - “I‘m an island boy, yuh know, I love water” - he recounts the rocky path he took I did some theoretical music at high school. to become a professional musician and talks And I learned drum music in a military band at about repatriation, his numerous tours, today‘s school. I learned what I had to learn. I took what projects and why water is as important as fyah. I could take. But then, music is all natural. You learn this theoretical thing because you need What brought you into contact with Reggae to know the notes to work faster. But music is music? inside of you. You gotta feel it, you gotta have to have the beat. And if you listen to Reggae Well, don’t forget I’m born in the English Carib- music you know there’s something particular. bean. I’m born in the Commonwealth of Domi- The beat, the silence, the pauses… It’s not like nica. I make a bit of publicity for my country: Jazz where you run for scales. Reggae is more it’s the land of 365 rivers, don’t forget. We call like the heartbeat. You don’t always play on the it the nature island of the Caribbean. It’s the beat or in front of it, sometimes you play be- very special island where you have one river hind it. per day of the year. We have natural spas, we have hot baths, we have waterfalls. Reggae… How did you become a professional musi- I always had contact with Jamaica, it’s part of cian? the English Caribbean like Dominica. We have one national cricket team together - the West It might have been in 1977. I was quite young, Indies - to compete against England, against just finishing high school, and I had a band, , against India, against Pakistan. So Ja- called Wax Power Vibrations. We had an al- maica was no secret for me. I grew up with Ja- bum, recorded in Martinique in the Three A maicans, I grew up knowing Jamaica, I’ve been studios, in Fort de France. We were invited to working and performing in Jamaica. From my tour Martinique. I saw Jazz there, and earliest childhood days, I always had Reggae I wanted to play like the guys I saw on stage. at home. It’s part of our culture. So meeting They were virtuosos. I thought if I wanted to guys like Tiken was like, you know, bringing my be a musician I need to learn to play like these part, my knowledge of how to do it into African guys. But it took me a long time. A long time Reggae. of hard work, perseverance and personal sac- rifices also. It’s not an overnight thing. Music is When did you start playing music? my passion. I was a teacher in primary school, but I quit because my passion overtook. I love I began to do it at a very young age. My dad teaching, it’s the key to life. Education is the was a pianist in church, so I grew up in the key to life. But my passion for music overtook me. So I became a professional musician. I a heartical thing, it’s a discipline thing, it’s a You know that tune from Beres Hammond, people love Rastas, me tell you. And I’ve been to moved from Dominica to Martinique, from loving thing, it’s a respectful thing. You know, “Journeys”: “If I had to do it over, if I had Shashamane in three times. In Ethiopia, there to Guadalupe. Then I went to France the value of life, the love of humanity, respect. to live it all again…”. Would you do it over they love Rastas, too. is particular. The land though most of my family lives in America. is noble. You can’t be a Rastaman all again? there was offered to me! I couldn’t refuse that. I In the French Antilles I got an offer to play in and do wrong things to people all day. That’s know of other Rastas from the Caribbean who went to Africa and were offered land, too. I’ve invested France. I went there as a freelancer and played a fake. My parents taught me to be honest. When I think of it, yes. Because I don’t have some money in Africa. I hope, with the blessings for everybody to get known. I met many, many regrets. Music has been good to me. I’ve trav- of the Almighty Ras Tafari, one day I can relax and people. I met Alpha Blondy and performed When I went to Europe, everybody told me no- elled around the world twice! If I was a teach- have my kids come home. And have my friends with him, I performed with Jimmy Cliff, Jah body was gonna help me there, nobody would er, I might have my little home, my wife and come over. I built this home not for me, but for Mason, Determine, King David, lots of open- give me anything there. But when I arrived it was kids, I might be a headmaster now and lead a guys like you, with positive energy, for friends who ing shows for Third World, for Aswad, for Steel not like what I had heard of it. I met wonderful peaceful little life. But I’ve been to Africa, mon. want to come to Africa and relax. Africa is home, Pulse. I toured with Burning Spear. I recorded people, people who helped me, who opened I’ve been to Ethiopia, I’ve been to 17 African mon, it’s home. Life might be rough here, but that’s three albums with Alpha Blondy. I worked with their doors. That made me love France. It made states. I’m so proud of this! I travelled through because of its leaders. The food is good, it’s fresh. almost all of the French top Reggae stars, Ton- me be more open towards humanity. When you the , through and South I don’t have stomach aches here. I really encour- ton David, Pierpoljak, Princess Erica, Neg Mar- grow up in a society without many differences, America. I’ve travelled the world playing mu- age Rasta people and all people who want to live rons, even with most artistes from the French you don’t know that there’s good in every na- sic. I’ve been to most European countries. I’d their lives in harmony with nature to come here. Antilles. I love music. And I couldn’t work for a tion. You find heartical and criminal people ev- do it all over again, yes. The only thing is, you boss, you find so much injustice in workplaces. erywhere! I never let obstacles bring me down. know, I lost the woman I love… But I accept- Tell us about your best and worst experi- I could never stand a boss. I never had a boss in I learned from my struggles and my mistakes. ed it. Maybe that was the way it had to be. ences on tour. my life. Only music has been my boss. It’s im- Mon, I’ve been touring so much in my life. The best portant to be disciplined for musicians. Now I’m But I’m still the same, still passionate for mu- tours are always in Africa, because Africa is all about touring with Tiken Jah Fakoly all over the place, sic. I still have my dreams and my projects. space. I love space. I was born on an island, you mostly in Europe and Africa. It’s OK for now. But can drive around the whole island in no time. Here hopefully it will be better in the future [laughs]. in Africa, I love driving. I love to watch the never ending horizon. And touring the Pacific islands What obstacles did you have to overcome with Pierpoljak and Fariband was very encourag- to become a professional musician? ing. We went to the dreamlands! Tahiti, Bora Bora… We had a wonderful time. But Africa is the best, Well, I had to do a lot of personal sacrifices. I because islands look alike anyway but in Africa I left home, didn’t have money, I couldn’t work discovered something different. The friendliness, every time… But when you have a passion you the respect, the respect of the elders, the way they don’t always do it for money. I played a lot with- receive you… There’s a lot of love in Africa. That’s the real Africa. The hardships are minor compared out getting paid. I think it’s important to have to that. My worst tour maybe was in America. After You’re still based in Paris. Why don’t you repa- this money attitude, but I never had it. I went it we lost our drummer. May his soul rest in peace. triate to the Motherland? through a lot of sacrifices. I lost my first family, Ras José Shillingford is his name. I lost my drum- because my ex-woman wanted me to get a job. mer. Many people talk about Sly & Robbie, but My parents always told me America was the coun- I was sad. I love her, but I had to do what I had there was José & Jumbo. We were the riddim sec- try for music. It’s true. But I’m already there in Af- to do, I couldn’t just look for any job. I went to tion of Alpha Blondy’s Solar System. José was Do- rica. I have built a home in Ghana. I’m already there minican. He was one of the best drummers in the a country where I couldn’t speak the language, spiritually, and parttime physically, too. But I’m an world. In 1988, when we were in , we were in- where I didn’t have a home. But I kept on. I didn’t ambitious person. I need financial freedom. That’s vited to jam in Jamaica with the Melody Makers by go selling illicit stuff, no illicit business. I think the reason why I’m still living in Europe. In Europe, Earl “Chinna” Smith. He loved the way we were per- that Rastafari saved me from a lot of negativity. I can be a professional musician, I can work, I can forming, he loved the way we were playing drum Being a Rasta and learning about the values of earn some money and advance with my projects. I and bass. We never had the chance to go. I lost my Rasta saved me. Many people call themselves come to Africa many times a year. I have my fam- half. I couldn’t sleep, I heard him drumming in my Rasta but they don’t really study it or get the ily and a home in the Caribbean, too. But I have head. It was very difficult for me to find my next repatriated to Africa, I am in Africa today [laughs]. philosophy, the teachings of Rasta. It’s not just drummer. I got Charly Laubé. He’s my younger And my home is in Ghana, in Kumasi. The Ashante a being black and having dreadlocks thing. It’s brother. I passed much of my savoir faire on to him. en album, Reggae X-clusive Chapter II. I got a a nice Rolls Royce but no tires! Even if the tires more from those guys who were big there in the lot of projects with Charly. For example in De- are in contact with the dirt, the shit, you have 80s! Aswad and are at least doing some- cember, we go to New Caledonia for two weeks to have tires to drive. We’re together, and if thing. I don’t see the future of Reggae in France for a huge festival called Musicali. There’ll be there are problems we talk them out. That’s it. very brightly. Sad to say, because I’ve been work- , , there’ll be some ing there for the last 26 years. I’m one of the pio- neers there. You only have those groups who play French artists. Charly and I will back six singers As one of the most important musicians in Reggae music for the love of Reggae, but no one there. Although we work separately right now, the Reggae business, where do you see Reg- who is into Rastafari, into prophesying and into ed- cause Charly is with Alpha Blondy - I was the gae music heading to in the next years? ucating the youths. It’s all good if you play Reggae one who linked them up, Alpha is my friend because you love it, but today they lost what we -, we’re still working together on projects. I Well, in the Caribbean I don’t hear much Roots. In already knew, the generation of Bob Marley, Peter worked with Alpha Blondy twenty years ago, Africa, people are very much into Roots. The Carib- Tosh… None of the new guys is making me shivers. from 1988 till 1995, when he was still young. bean is much into Dancehall. We miss Bob Mar- You know, like when Bob Marley said “Wake up He was really popular at that time, really hot. ley. We miss . We have Burning Spear, and live”. Simple words, but they mean a lot… They but I think that the promoters are promoting the Now he’s an older brother. I toured the world mean get up, stand up for your rights, be con- wrong things. On the television, too. There’s too scious, you know. Africa unite. Bob Marley’s univer- Tell us about your projects and those with with him. I’m happy for Charly, I’m happy that much violence in the Caribbean. They want to stop Fariband. he can discover what I discovered twenty years sally accepted. We need some more Bob Marleys. Dancehall music. Reggae is not violence. It’s a We need more Peter Toshs. They were avantgarde. ago. I stayed with Tiken Jah because I love him means to educate the people. It’s not about mak- a lot and really appreciate what he’s doing. He They were way ahead of their time. That’s my only I have lots of projects. I’d love to produce Sister ing money, it’s about conscious living. That’s what problem with Reggae music right now - we don’t loves Africa, he has a very sincere love for his Shann. I’m working on my own album. I have got me into Reggae. When I listened to Bob Mar- have those lyricists. I don’t know what’s wrong with so many ideas. I wanna do a Dub album, I wan- continent, and I love people who are sincere. ley, to Peter Tosh, they opened up my mind, they this generation. Is it a lack of inspiration, a lack of na do an instrumental album. But at the same There’s much to come, you’ll surely have me made me wonder and ask questions and made information? I don’t know. At least the Bobo Shanti time I have given away so many , my on your MP3 player, on your MP4 player, on me want to discover things. Now there’s too much are doing something, I respect them. Fyah dis an own riddims, I would love to recuperate them. your live DVDs [laughs]. I’ll be there, I promise! . The music is good, but there’s no more fyah dat, yuh know. But we need water, too. To wash Just yesterday I talked with Vivi about a guy message. So we need more conscious promoters in away. To purify, you have the fire, but the water will the Caribbean. There are always conscious singers, from we produced, his name is Jah There are few bands out there playing to- wash away. So we need both elements. I don’t have there’s always conscious music in the background. gether in such routine and harmony as a good image of Reggae in Europe in the future. Verity. Vivi and I did all the music, all the com- But we need people who promote consciousness, positions. I work with a South African guy too, Fariband does. We need promoters, guys who are really into Reg- love and goodwill amongst men. No naked girls gae music and want to see Reggae music prosper! called Ras Dumisani. His very first album was on stage, no disrespect for your family. So I see recorded with me. I’ve given lots of basslines to Yeah, we’re a dream team. We know each oth- Reggae music in a down way, I don’t see it going Thank you very much for the interview, Ras many, many singers in Reggae music. I wanna er’s every move. I know every lick of Vivi. Vivi is upwards now. That’s maybe why guys like Tiken Jumbo. produce a huge album with all these basslines my right hand when Charly’s not around. We are are so powerful. We must sing about educating the ones who are the front. Vivi’s my lickshot. the youths. They need to learn the values of life. If in Dub style. And I’d love to produce some Rap Thank you! I want to wish all the readers of United Ludovic is my younger brother. I’ve always had you sing too much about the government they’ll youngsters. I’m into Rap and , too. But Reggae a happy new year, as we just entered the shoot you down. We’ve had too many dead sing- I lack time and I don’t rush into anything. I’m younger drummers. They’re my little brothers. new year of the Ethiopian calendar on September ers and you can’t change the government anyway. always on the road. I hope I can take time for You form a drummer the way you want him. 11. I wish you health and love and life and prosper- We want singers who are alive and educate the myself and follow my personal projects when I Ludovic is great. And Dave is great, you know. ity! Let’s all keep our fingers crossed and wish for people. Reggae music is not to divide, but to unite stop touring one day. I’m like a doctor, always We’re a good team, playing together for almost better Reggae, better singers, conscious promot- the people. Reggae music is to unite left and right. taking care of others! I’m also building riddims seven years now. We always want to do better ers, conscious people! with Charly Laubé for Sowan Records. He’s very and better and better. Every show is different. What about Reggae in Europe, especially in business-minded, which is very good. I’d love And Tiken is someone who is real. No one is per- France? to be at home, either in Dominica or Africa, fect. He’s a man like every other man, with ups and work in a relaxed atmosphere and do it and downs. I’m not looking for the faults. I got Especially in there’s still a lot of Roots right, you know. With Charly, we’ve done Reg- my faults, too. But we’re a dream team. We lis- Reggae. In France, we have groups that do main- gae X-clusive, an album. We produced many ten to each other. We’re a band, and that’s what stream Reggae, but no singers who take decisions, singers like Tiken Jah Fakoly, Tonton David, Sis- makes a group famous. There’s the singer, but who say things to awaken the people. In England ter Shann, Baobab, the crème de la crème of there’s also the musicians. You can’t have one we don’t have as much as before. You could say French Reggae. Next time we’ll do an all-wom- without the other. That would be like having there’s a recession. You don’t hear anything any- Austin “Spiderman” Palmer is the founder and the sound system or England. selector for the Mighty Jah Observer sound SPIDERMAN system. He started his sound as a youth in the What are you going to do with your rig? late 1960s and has continued through the vari- FROM JAH OBSERVER ous trends in reggae, preserving his unique ap- Well my sons – none of them would want it. proach to music all the while. Two character- One’s a fireman, one does something in law, istics mark out his system from all the others one’s a Seven Day [Adventist] and the young- INTERVIEW who play in Europe and the UK: firstly, his rig is est one’s into rap and jungle and whatever you still valve-driven; and secondly, he eschews the call it. So some of the boxes I’ll probably sell, TEXT by Angus Taylor “boof boof” dub played by his contemporaries the amps I’ll keep a couple for myself because Photos by: in favour of the more soulful cultural vibes of I’m going to have a little rig. I’ll take about six Karen Campbell yesteryear. For three decades his spot at Not- cabinets to Jamaica with me if customs don’t Angus Taylor ting Hill Carnival has offered a refreshing re- charge me too much! And I’ll leave a little rig lief from the ear-bashing found on corners all here for my brother Steven who, when we do around, but now things are about to change. dances, is there with me. But he’s more into Spider is playing his final Carnival in 2011 and computers and flying model planes and go- then quitting the business to move back to Ja- karts whereas I’m into the music first. maica. Angus Taylor returned to the subject of his first ever interview, who gave a no holds Will you play any music over in Jamaica? barred appraisal of the scene and why he’s get- ting out... I’ll have to see how that goes because here I’ve grown with people, I know people and I Why is the time right to retire now? know what the runnings are. But the rig I’m carrying to Jamaica is just to play on my ve- I’m getting older. I’m 55 next year and I don’t randa in my front yard for my own gratifica- want to be doing this when I’m 75. I’ve been tion. I’ll be rocking in my rocking chair say- here my whole life and I want to have a new ing, “Yes! Remember this tune I played in experience. I want to go back and take care of Hackney on such and such a day!” (laughs). my mum, my dad’s not well, and I’m the oldest and the only one out of my brothers and sisters What do you think is wrong with the UK willing to go back there to live. Then there’s the scene? Is it that there isn’t enough money way things are with the music at the moment in it? – with sound systems. Once upon a time there was a lot of love between the sound systems This is just my opinion but in my eyes, where – believe it or not! – but now everyone wants once upon a time it was all about the music, it’s to be top dog. That one doesn’t want you to now about who’s got the most power. Who’s play with him, dog eat dog. Some of these got this box, who’s got that box, it’s all techni- people call themselves Rasta but when Euro- cal this, technical that – glorified PAs. And to pean sounds come over here they turn around make it worse, the guys are producing tunes and say to me, “these guys, they’re “Rasta” but themselves – nothing wrong with that in itself they’re not Rasta” – they can see they don’t – but because they’re all digital they haven’t live it. They have the locks, they play the music, got melodies and they’re flat. And if you’re not they shout it, but it doesn’t come over. So it’s a playing that kind of music it’s like you’re not lot of things. If I could stay young forever then dealing with Jah and not dealing with roots. I yeah, but I can’t just stay here for the sound call it European reggae. In the old says peo- system – even though a lot of people would ple used to come to the sounds because they like us to! – when I’m in Jamaica I don’t miss wanted to hear the real thing. The proper thing. But now the sound systems say, “There’s loads How do you see your sound in relation to In Europe in the seventies Isn’t it quite difficult and of students. Let’s shake off their heads” by others? and eighties very few peo- expensive to replace the playing the techno-reggae. And if you’re not ple would have grown up valves? playing the techno reggae you’re not part of We don’t play with a lot of other sound sys- with reggae in the house so the scene. Mine is a valve sound system and tems because we don’t play the techno. Our there’s an excitement about It’s not difficult because you some guys are playing with more power on tunes are mostly old fuddy-duddy’s tunes but it without it being labelled can go on the internet - there’s their tops than on my whole rig. But it’s what there are people that like that. But it’s got to “parents music”. a place in Chelmsford where I have and what I wanted to do. I don’t want the stage now where if you don’t play techno, you can go and get them - to spend thousands of pounds on new Mosfet you’re not playing roots. People who are just That’s exactly right. At first but they are expensive. The amps and equipment. For one, I didn’t have it, coming into the music, Europeans or young they’ll hear all the bashment cheapest ones are about £12 and two, I discovered people wanted to hear kids, they don’t know any better, so they must and the new singers but then each and they go up to about mine. be thinking “that’s the roots scene”. I remem- afterwards they realize there’s £50 each. I get mine at about ber when that wasn’t the scene. That was reg- something else before that £25 because I get a discount! A lot of UK music is called “UK dub” instead gae for Europe. That wasn’t our reggae. and they start to collect certain of “reggae” or “roots”. To me dub is half of tunes and rhythms. Nowadays Valves or not, it’s difficult to went to a dance it was 99.9% a 45. It’s 50% of the equation. It’s on the B you’ve got people like play out with a sound these black people in that dance. So side of a 45. Now a lot of people seem to and they discovered them and days. if you were a white guy who put dub on the A and the B side. Is this a they liked them and realized liked the music coming into part of it? there’s something else they try If I was a club dj I could carry that dance, you’d come in and to hunt down and can’t find. I a little bag with all my cds, go see what’s there, accept what’s Some people don’t know the meaning of dub suppose a lot if it’s to do with in there, play my cds and then there and take it all in. You in the first place. There’s techno people called Carnival with us because when I’m off to the next club down used to learn from the guys dub-this. There’s music called dub-that. Now they come to carnival and the road to play for an hour. around you. Now, when you when a man makes a tune in his bedroom it’s see the boxes and the valve But I’m not a dj, I’m a sound have dances, a lot of the sound a dub. I remember when you used to hear a sound, some of them don’t system. Most of the djs have systems that play roots dances Johnny Clarke vocal which you knew, and the B know what a valve is. I hear had sound systems so they attract the student element, side would be called a dub. But the sound sys- them and they say, “What’s know what it’s like. You’ve got and when you go to the dance tem man would get that and have it remixed that? What does that do?” and equipment to take care of, re- it’s 99.9% white guys. So there and it was just a rhythm. Now and again you I say, “It’s a valve”. They’re fas- pair, fix or buy. Then you’ve are no black guys to look at to might hear a “ching ching” or the singer’s voice cinated when I tell that’s how got to ship it around and put say, “How are they dancing? come through. Imagine a whole night of hear- sounds used to be with valves, it up. You’re a roadie, a sound How are they moving? That’s ing different tunes where you knew the vocals just one turntable, and foam engineer, all these things all what you do, ok, ok....” but you never heard the vocals because that’s and sponge and wires all over rolled into one. what it was. the place, and our boxes are So what do they do instead? But at the same time you play a lot of dances not PA boxes. They’re hand- A lot of people complain Either you were into soul or into reggae, and if in Europe. Why are things better in Europe made and we’d get little chis- about the behaviour of the One thing I notice is when stu- you were into reggae there were two genres: for reggae than in the UK? els and saws to cut them up. new generation of roots and dents come in a roots dance or everything else was dub or roots. dub fans coming to dances. they’ll all sit on the floor. Now People take things, and change them, try to They appreciate it. They love it and they can’t What are the advantages of At your sound at carnival in days gone by the only time make it their own and call it something differ- get enough of it. It’s like the seventies and a valve sound? last year people were taking you’d see anybody on the ent. It’s like I remember hearing a conversa- eighties out there. Germany, Poland, Israel - all laughing gas. Do you think floor would be if someone had tion once with people saying, “Who invented places have big dances going on. Right now all The only advantage is the way the new generation need to passed out - and even then ?” “It was the Specials!” “Nah it was the Two the big artists are all in Europe doing festivals it sounds. It’s a warmer sound. moderate themselves? they wouldn’t be on the floor Tones”. No one said it came from Jamaica or because that’s where it is. We’ve been spoilt. It’s something that puts a because someone would have anything like that! (laughs) And one day you’re We’ve had it but we haven’t passed it on to our warm blanket around you Some of them just don’t know picked them up! There’s no going to hear a similar conversation about who kids. We’ve thrown it away and other people rather than hitting you with a any better. Let me put it simple. one to say “This is what you invented dub! have picked it up and run with it. plank of wood! (laughs) Once upon a time when you do” because it’s all about get people through the gate and getting their mon- hearing one person’s productions. So the man What do you mean? too much the other way. The kids have got too ey. The students come in and all they know is who does it thinks he’s doing the right thing much power. And that’s because we said we’re “Yeah! The music’s loud!” and they might pop because he wants people to hear his tunes but Society treats them like the enemy. not going to do the things our parents did for two pills or whatever they’re popping and freak he’s also forgetting to entertain the people. us. If you think of all the things parents did to out. But to me a roots dance is not about freak- They’ve paid to come through the door. I’m I remember when I was coming up it was like you, nowadays we’d say that’s parental cruelty, ing out. not saying they shouldn’t play their own pro- we spoke a different language to our parents. but at the time it made a lot of us rounded ductions at all. It’s just a modern version of They didn’t understand a thing we were going people. I’m not saying that kids weren’t go- I would play a roots dance and there’s a section when people used to play their specials in the through and I confess I don’t understand what ing astray back then - they were - but I real- of the roots dance where I’d play tunes that are old days. “No one can play this. Only I can play the youths are dealing with. But society backs ized I couldn’t get things that other kids had. slow so you could dance with a girl to them but this”. But now a man can play the whole dance them in a corner where the only way they can I had to get a paper round or I had to make it if you listen to the lyrics that the man’s saying, with just his music. Aba Shanti’s changing a bit express themselves is how they do. That’s why myself. I couldn’t afford an amp so I went on he’s singing something conscious. But because because he used to do that. Purely his produc- their music’s very angry. I don’t blame them. an electronics course so I could know how to it’s not a an hour certain peo- tions. Earthquake does it in as well I blame us. The way parents handled us, we build amps and preamps. If you said to a kid ple and certain sound men won’t class that as and you get tired of it because it sounds the didn’t know it was good for us, so when we now, “Come one, get a sound system” they’d roots. Dur dur da da da dur dur diggy da. It all same after a while. had our kids we always said, “I’m not going say “Where is it?” He wants it ready built. He gets the same after a while. to treat my kids how my parents treated me”. doesn’t even want to plug it in. And these kids, Where can people check you before you go Then society’s come in and said, “You can’t slap what are they going to do with their kids? I I call it dub wallpaper. back to Jamaica next year? your kids. You can’t do this, you can’t do that”, haven’t got the answer, but, that’s how I see it. and now kids can call the police and they’ll (laughs) Exactly! But don’t get me wrong - there Next year I’m going to do some farewell danc- come and lock the parents away. So it’s gone are some good tunes. There are some very es in the UK. Then we’re going to play one last good productions and I’ve got some of them Carnival and then someone else is going to be myself. But if I go to a record shop nowadays playing there. I’ve got to wait and listen and wait and listen and then go, “Yeah I’ll have that one” where In your spot. before I’d have a great big pile. It’s terrible that spot! It’s like there are people There’s definitely still good roots music be- who own sections of pavement! There are cer- ing made in a modern style. tain crews that stand at certain places. One year I moved the four faces across the road from And I listen to all of it. Last week I was in Brixton the wall to near the jerk van and it was pande- in a club called The Beach. It was all youths in monium! “Nah man! Yuh cyaan move my box there and I just wanted to know what was go- dread! Yuh haffi put it back!” (laughs) So the ing on now - what tunes they were playing and next day we moved it back! how they reacted to certain tunes. But it made me laugh because what they called “Back In Certain people stand in certain places and kids The Day Tunes” were only about three or four have grown up there. I remember the people years old! who used to bring their kids when they were little and now the kids are big, they still pass A lot of sound systems play their own pro- through and say hello, listen to the music for ductions now in Europe. What do you think a while and move on. I’m like, “Bwoy, yuh turn of this? big. I remember when your mum would sit you on the van and ask me to watch you while she On the one hand I understand it, because if I went somewhere.” But they still pass through. was pressing up my own music I’d want it to So if adults treat kids in a certain way rather be heard by as many people as possible. But than as if they’re the enemy then we’d get the dance becomes sterile because you’re only more out of them. LadyRay SawHurford is labeled is asa thebona Queen first of Dancehallto write about reggae se- magazine. It was an instant andfide the reggae first female enthusiast deejay to winriously. a Grammy. There wereNew a albumnumber ‘Mysuccess. Way’ She is known for her vivid sex lyricsof articles and lewd in the period 1973- stageMusic shows.is naturally But in associated2011 her softer1978. alter But thenego itWhen stopped, I reach says her– Itshe became has just sought gotten after off since the Marionwith artists, Hall willlabels make and herpro first- Ray, appearance. and continues: airplane and is waitingthe writer for herat the bags. Echoes The nightgave Unitedducers. ReggaeBut there got area chat others with this outspoken before she performedit a good in San word, Francisco. he says, and femalethat operate artist frommore anin theairport back in- Los– There Angeles. were a lot of amazing continues: ground, and are very vital to artists coming out“It wasin the a great mid show last night. I met Wu-Tang Ladythe scene.Saw, bornBritish Marion writer Hall,and took70’s, her but stage no one Clan wrote at theabout hotel – andI printed called the them first on issue stage in at a namemusician from Ray the Hurford late singer is one Tenor them Saw and when I wanted the showto change during Xeroxthe Sycamore shop and Tree it tune.”was pub- shesuch. started He started her career the Small on local Axe Jamaicanthat. sound lished in September 1978. It fanzine in the late 70’s and has was amazing. I got 30-40 or- interviewed a range of artists ders and it was very encourag- that many just dream of. ing.

Ray Hurford has been into Great demand reggae since its inception was Ray Hurford around eleven years old when According to Ray the first is- he bought his first reggae re- sue was sold out immediately cord. and was in incredible demand. The next issue was published INTERVIEW – I talked about reggae at in early 1979 and was distrib- BY ERIK MAGNI home and my sister, who uted through Dub Vendor and worked at Tate and Lyle’s [a Rough Trade. sugar maker], lent a box of records from a young Jamai- – From there it just snowballed. can girl, says Ray with a broad I put out four editions in 1979 cockney accent on the phone and three in 1980. It was such systemsfrom his onlyhome 15 in years the UK. old. Her talent was rec- Lady Saw is in thea U.Ssuccess. to do threeBetter concerts than I andhad ognized and in 1994 VP RecordsTax put agency out her stepsto promote i her latestexpected, album says ‘My RayWay’, in released a joyful debutFilled album a gap ‘Lover Girl’. in September of tone.last year. In 1978 everything seemed to SinceHis interest then inshe reggae, has been the peo both- becriticized in place. and The only part that He managed to interview praisedple behind for theher musicoutspoken and theand wasoften missing x-rated was money. But many, many reggae artists, in- lyrics.fact that Some no call one it girlwrote power, about while that other little labels matter was suddenly cluding Norman Grant of the itreggae as slackness. made Songhim titlesstart suchthe asresolved Pretty Pussy, by a much beloved Twinkle Brothers, Dennis Alca- Bestlegendary Pum Pumfanzine and Small Tighta Axe are in howeveragency. just as pone (they’re still friends) and explicitthe late as 70’s. their People titles indicate.had been the late Prince Far I, who threw writing about reggae before, – I had paid too much tax and away Ray’s questions when “butI started magazines out with were clean not lyrics in- butgot didn’tsome getmoney back, which they sat down for the interview. anyterested attention. in covering The guys the alreadytopic wasdid ratherit [slack unexpected.- With But things changed. Reggae ness]anymore. so I tried it and it worked,” saysthat Ladychunk Saw of money I started had now shifted to dancehall on the phone from an airport inSmall Los Angeles, Axe, Ray explains. and technology altered the and– In continues: 1973 the public started conditions for graphic design to get interested in reggae The first edition was put out and printing. “I’mand peoplea sexual like person. Carl Gayle It’s about and aswho a Ipre am. release To to see how lovePenny yourself Reel were and tosome educate of the females.” the market would receive the – It became a question about maicanmoney deejayand I stopped Ding Dong. working It is alsoit was the successful,first re- the he future. says, andMarion Technology Hall – her real is name the keyand al- leaseon the on magazine her newly for formed financial own continues: imprint Diva ter ego – will probably drop an album this year. Records.reasons. During our conversation Ray – More Axe was produced in comes back to a topic – tech- 1-6. More Axe 8 was a total nology change. Everything he flop. A total disaster and I put has done has been in relation an end to it. That was in 1997. to a change in technology. Whether it’s printing, publish- It was an abrupt ending and ing or payment methods. Ray explains that there is a big problem with publishing - Paypal has changed a lot and books – it’s expensive. So he it makes a big difference, says found no reason to continue. Ray, and states:

Started again - The game has changed. It’s all technology. In the beginning of the 21st century Ray turned to record- ing and producing instead. But

a rub-a-dub interested Swede made him interested in pub- “I had been with VP for much toolishing long. again. I re- leased eight albums with them. I wanted to go. ItBook was too publishing many years and I wanted– Joakim to be free. Kalcidis contacted I asked over and over and now meI’m andindepen was -interested in the dent,”Small sheAxe says, carried and continues:on until deeyjay book, which was never 1989, during that time Ray finished. So I and Joakim start- “Italso feels turned good. hisI can interest work when to- I feeled working like it. But on it again around wewards still books. have a good relation. Like2007, Chris explains [Chin, Ray, and con- CEO VP Records] called me on mytinues: birthday and such.”The first edition in the More Axe series was put out in 1987. – The deejay book was re- AlterHe also ego published appears a book on leased in 2009 and since then and a book on there has been books on rock Onsingers the newas well album as aLady series Saw of has steady also worked and dub. I have also withRhythmwise a number books. of different producers,put out like the John More Axe 2 again. John, and Tony Kelly. This album of courseA book offers on deejays, rude lyrics, together but she His also latest shows book a is about reg- differentwith the sidelate Finnishof herself. publisher gae and its early years. and writer Tero Kaski, was also CECIL REUBEN “It’sinitiated. based on different topics. Like– 1968I’m a Womto 1970- was an amaz- an. It’s uplifting and about how womening period. should The new book fo- be– Thetreated Singers with bookthe respect was put they cusesdeserve,” on shethe artists of the INTERVIEW explains.out in 1996 by me and Tero period. Artist profiles and the BY ANGUS TAYLOR Kaski. I sold a lot of my 7” to people who produced the mu- Andfinance her thenew book side willproject. be even And moresic, likepresent Leslie in Kong. Cecil Reuben is the promoter bit young for that - but from How did you join the 12 the organisation. Then as way was to put on some big They might be old men but of reggae events at London’s the time I started Tribes organisation? you get older you leave it shows at the Hootananny. The they’re legends. Newer acts Brixton Hootananny, a venue to understand the music a bit to the younger ones com- first show we put on was the like and Bush- that has almost single-hand- more. After I became Rasta with- ing and get involved in your Congos – which was a wicked man I wouldn’t call legends – edly revitalised live Jamaican in myself there were some own thing. After ’94 I went show. Then we brought Aswad they only came out the other music in the capital. Since his How did you get involved in brethrens I knew who were 12 back on the road for myself. which is where it really kicked day! – but they bring a more arrival there the Hootananny the music? Tribes. We used to sit down off. People thought a big band conscious crowd and that’s has seen visits from artists and reason about Rasta and like that wouldn’t come here what I want. Too much hype, such as , Bushman I had two loves in life - football they told me about a little man but I knew Aswad from when too much excitement and any- and Don Carlos, as well as run- and music. So it was always called Gadman and how he they were growing up in the thing can kick off at any time. ning regular nights for home- going to be between football started the 12 Tribes Of Israel ’70s. From there it was all sys- I’m not working with a budget grown singing and sound sys- and music where my life would in 1968 down Davis Lane in tems go. A lot of people didn’t like the Brixton Academy but tem talent. Angus Taylor took go. I used to play football with . They convinced think we could do it because now people have seen what a behind the scenes look at Bob Marley and Skill Cole who me it was the right doctrine for they saw it as a pub. We used we’re doing acts who have the life of the promoter as he used to play for Jamaica but at me and from there I became a to have artists saying they turned me down are phoning was preparing for a busy 2011 the same time music started to member in about 1974-74. I’ve How did you come to pro- weren’t coming over to play in me asking to play! of big name shows... creep in slowly. Sneaking out been a member ever since. mote at the Hootananny? a pub. Even you in one of your to dances and parties started articles called it a pub and I A lot of these acts play regu- Where and when were you to influence me a bit more so I’m a Brixtonian ever since was like. “You can’t call it a pub larly in Europe but before born? I started to buy records. I used I moved to London. Even no more – it’s a music venue!” you, it was hard to get them to buy them down at Randy’s - when I’ve lived outside I’ve over here. I was born in Clarendon, Ja- now VP Records - record mart always been in Brixton. The maica. I’m an original Claren- on North Parade. Miss Chin Hootananny has always been Roots rock reggae is more donian. I was born in April! the proprietor there used to here – it used to be the George popular in Europe. In Jamaica, (laughs) always give me a good deal Canning, then it changed to to my knowledge, it’s pret- so I started to build my collec- the Hobgoblin, before be- ty much dead. The reason it (laughing) OK, which era of tion. We’re talking early 70s - coming the Hootananny. The does better there is because music did you grow up in? ’71-’73 - and that enticed me stage used to be on the floor they have more festivals. Here to rival my bigger brother’s and it was a little hangout they seem to fight festivals for My era was the 60s, after the collection. place where local bands used What’s the secret to your some reason. I know it pees ska period. When it started to to play. When it was the Hob- success there? off a lot of the bands here that turn to rockteady was when I He had a big collection from You’ve done promotion, goblin it had a bad reputation most of these acts want to really got into music. Around the rocksteady era but he production and distribu- as a drugs den so some Scot- Many clubs in Brixton don’t bring a band from Europe but ’67-’68 time my brother used stopped buying when I start- tion but what would you say tish people came and bought last but the Hootananny will you can’t blame them because to buy a lot of records by Hep- ed and reggae - as we know you’ve spent the most time it and changed the name. Then last because I’m doing it in the that’s where they’re touring. tones, , , it - started. You used to have doing over the years? after about a year I came along right way. I have good rela- Gaylads - that was my growing labels like Impact!, , and got involved and decided tions with the community and up music. I just listened to what GG, Observer but in 1972 I’m a soundman originally. My I wanted to run it and put on the police – and we’re trying my brother used to play. What one of my biggest influences sound used to play in all the some reggae shows. I did it to get good relations with the got me was the harmonies, so – who changed my perspec- 12 Tribes dances and stage because this is Brixton – and licensing people. I don’t put Heptones was my favourite tive – was coming shows. From 1981 I gave up Brixton was the central place on too many bashment acts group at the time. Then you on the scene. His LP Reggae playing anywhere else for 14 for reggae music at one time or young acts. I’m not fight- had - he had a big Phenomenon influenced me years and kept my sound with- but it lost its title to Harlesden ing that music or young peo- hit in ‘67 with Hold Them that to look further into Rastafari. in the organisation. I used to where you had Jet Star and ple but I don’t want to bring went “Feel Good” - and a lot of His tune I Pray Thee was Psalm help with the stage shows for many record shops and artists. the baggage that comes with Ethiopians tunes. I never really 2 – my favourite psalm in the 12 Tribes bringing artists same So I decided to bring back the them. I bring the foundation grew up on the ska - I was a . way – but again it was within title to Brixton and the only acts. How can things improve so the UK can compete with the rest of Europe? LITTLE ROY The roots and dub scene here is rising up good. Because of the bad elements that followed INTERVIEW the bashment scene it’s dying TEXT BY ANGUS TAYLOR out now. You get a lot of Eng- lish white people and Europe- Photos bY: ans coming over and endors- ing the roots scene here so Andy Suggett it’s slowly coming back. I have Angus Taylor a regular night on a Thursday with my sound Jah Revelation Muzik where we don’t play bashment and we get a good lowed me around and saw art- tals. We do Ska on a Friday following. At one time in the ists through what I do so I sup- and I know Toots would go late 80s and early 90s it was dy- pose they got influenced by down well. Maybe I’d do more ing and all the sound systems that. When they were young I than one night! never had work. There were no built a little sound called Silver- venues for them to play be- eye for them to play on. Two cause venues brought in their of my sons are now engineers own systems and didn’t want working in studios on com- your big bloody speakers! puters making beats and one Also noise reduction and li- is a rapper. They’ve embraced censing restrictions are stricter the music but they’ve got their now. So the only place to play own thing happening. One is was outdoors – but there are really into the roots, anoth- no festivals! But now it’s com- er loves rap and the last one ing back because the few little plays everything. I give thanks venues where you can bring a they are in the music and not big sound – like the Scala and in gang activities! I always Tudor Rose - are being utilized wanted to be an engineer but a lot. I can’t bring a big sound never got the opportunity and in here – even with what we they know how to build and have the neighbours are go- sell their music on computers ing crazy! The noise metres so they can advise me now! are a disaster. People just wait for Carnival to test out their Who is your dream artist to sound! promote? Your sons are involved in I’d love to bring Toots here. music too. Do you ever give I’m not saying he’s my favou- them advice? rite artist but the Hootananny feeling is Toots and the May- (laughs) Well they always fol- Little Roy was born Earl Lowe I wouldn’t say I entered it too Tell me about how you be- I heard you had to pay dues that was brewing I said, “Well in Whitfield Town, Kingston young because there were came Rasta in your teens. to the society and they were then, bwoy, it’s best I just leave in 1953, the youngest of nine youths my age who wanted saying someone from the it then”. I had four children to children. At age 12 his sing- to enter it at the same time. It I was a youth from a Christian Ethiopian World Federation in take care of and I had a label ing impressed could have been any of us but home and most nights my America had run away with the before the 12 Tribes Of Israel at Studio 1 enough to release it seems it was just me that got mother would let me read the money. So Carrington, or Gad, from when I left school called his debut 45 Cool It in 1965. the break. It wasn’t something bible to her and all those kinds decided to form something of Tafari. We produced songs Later he would record for I was thinking about. I never of things. I had to go to church their own and formed the 12 like Prophecy and Tribal War. and then Lloyd said I wanted to be an artist. twice on Sundays and at least Tribes Of Israel. But even now Those two great songs were Matador Daley – for whom the It happened gradually. It was once on week days. The family in this time I still can’t see the for my label. I sacrificed ev- sixteen year old talent sang just me following two friends used to go to a church called reality of the 12 Tribes Of Is- erything because I had to stop Bongo Nyah, the first openly from school to the studio. I The Church Of The Open Bi- rael because it was from the pressing my songs and record- Rasta song to top the Jamai- was 12. asked ble on Washington Boulevard time of Jacob and we, those ing for my label to do the work can chart in 1969. In the early me to sing a song and he se- close to Pembroke Hall. My people that came from Africa, which they would then say is 70s Lowe then started his Ta- lected me to record. mother and all the kids were had nothing to do with those 12 Tribe work. “You mustn’t be fari label with friends Munchie members. My father I don’t re- people who were on that side doing nothing else”. and Maurice Jackson – where Some people have said Jack- member going to church even of the world. Abraham and he released the much covered ie Mittoo was the real pro- one day in his life but he was -aries came with the bible in those people were from the hits Prophecy and Tribal War, ducer at Studio 1. just a hard worker. Religion one hand and destruction in desert and our fore-parents as well as lesser known col- was embedded in us and being the other. So we had to look were from the West coast of lectors items such as Jah Can Yes, he was really the pro- the youngest I got the most of somewhere else. We were Africa – that’s where they were Count On I with his harmony ducer because when a lot of it. So at the age 13 going on some youths who, if we hadn’t taken from. We weren’t from group (with Ewan Gardner and the songs were made Cox- 14 I started hanging out with gathered the consciousness the Middle East so I would say Anthony “Rocky” Ellis) Little Ian sone wasn’t in the studio and some Rastas after school and within our selves, maybe it didn’t fit me. Rock. A Rasta since his teens, to call yourself a producer playing football in Washington we’d still be holding on to it. he joined and, at the end of the you have to be there telling Gardens. These were Rastas Do you regret joining the 12 decade, departed from the 12 the musicians what you want who moved from Trenchtown How did you join the 12 Tribes? Tribes Of Israel organization, to hear and actually produc- to live in Washington Gardens, Tribes organization? leaving Jamaica for the USA ing. I would say Coxsone was especially one called Orville Yes, I regret because even now and ultimately settling in Lon- the executive producer and Dwyer, and as youths we used This happened at the age of 16 they still have a thing against don. In 2010 Tribal War was not the producer. I did later to sit down, read the bible and after I sang a song called Bon- me. They even went on the revived once again by Nas and works with Jackie from 1987- smoke some herbs. go Nyah. Some schoolmates pulpit and said no must sup- for their ‘Dis- 89 when I was in America for of mine were members – not port anything for Little Roy. I tant Relatives’ opus, demon- an album called Live On with What was your thought pro- of the 12 Tribes of Israel but was a member of the music strating that Roy’s songwriting , cess? of the Ethiopian Federation, body of 12 Tribes Of Israel – Your 12 Tribes brethren truly stands the test of time. and Family Man. Great musi- Charter 15. It was said that this the 12 Tribes band. The first Freddie McGregor has cov- Angus Taylor spoke with the cians. All I can say about Jackie My Rasta came to me through organization got a charter re- rehearsal was at my home ered some of your songs like diminutive yet defiantly proud Mittoo was he was just a ge- reasoning about things to ceived from Emperor Haile Se- where me and Euan Gardner Prophecy and Jah Can Count elder statesman of roots reg- nius. A musical genius and come. If you’re a conscious lassie I for black people who from Little Ian Rock – we went On I. gae at his home about his, at so is Ernest Ranglin. They are youth within yourself and you wanted to return to Ethiopia to St Andrew Technical High times troubled, career, his im- all geniuses. The way Jackie start checking history you start whose family had fought in the School and played cup foot- When I left the 12 Tribes Of Is- pressive new album Heat, and would formulate melodies seeing that the Christianity I war against Mussolini. It wasn’t ball together. We did a lot of rael they said “Well, Little Roy an unusual next project he has on the keyboards. The notes was a part of wasn’t really for really just a Rasta thing. It was shows all over Jamaica for the is gone but his songs are still in the works… Familyman would play. The us because there was no re- a black thing so they could 12 Tribes Of Israel and we were here” so he started singing my things Ernest Ranglin would ality in it. I learned that when return home and start a new not even given a cup of tea songs to the world like they You entered the business play seemed impossible. black people starting holding life. But after a time, I couldn’t or a day dinner. When I really are his. He has never sung one young. Were you too young? on to Christianity the mission- say what really happened, but came to see and hear the folly of my songs on stage and said “This is Little Roy’s song.” He sang Jah Can Count “Pablove Black” Dixon on keyboards, and Roy Tribal War was used by Nas and Junior Gong grooving right, the musicians weren’t right, or On I, Long Time Rocksteady and Prophecy was Hamilton on guitar. That song was made with for their album Distant Relatives. Surely that’s the studio sound. Some were good, even though the song that made him big. Even today a lot of just four musicians and it was a hit song from an example of Rasta music being successful I re-recorded them, but they still could be bet- people still think that is Freddie McGregor’s song. the day it was written. It wasn’t a song that took in the mainstream? Have you received cor- ter. That is why I chose some of those songs - a day or a week or a month. It took a long time rect royalties for that song this time around? because I knew I could make them better. I re- You already mentioned Bongo Nyah which to complete. The punchline was there - “Tribal corded the song My Religion for 12 Tribes and was the first overtly Rasta tune to top the War, we no want no more of that” but to com- But who did it? Damian is a Marley. A Mar- because I left the organization I didn’t even get Jamaican charts in 1969. On your new al- plete it I was thinking a lot. The completion in ley will get accepted in the mainstream a copy of the release. So I recorded it again for bum Heat you sing about how much more writing of that song finally came on that day but a lot of artists don’t. The father was ac- me so I could listen to the recording and get a acceptable it is for people to be – or at least when I read in the newspaper that there was cepted and it just followed the children. copy for myself because I know it is a good song. look like – Rasta. peace between rival gangs. They smoked some Once you’re in you’re in and once you’re out herbs in the chalice to mark the peace. Lee Per- you’re out. I hope to [receive royalties] be- Finally, tell me about your next project - a But it’s not accepted because Rasta is never ac- ry was the engineer and the one who took my cause it was only last year that they did it and Nirvana covers album? What’s your favou- cepted by society. A lot of Rastas might feel like voice on Prophecy also. He was another genius all these things take time to come together. rite Nirvana song? they are accepted but they are not. They might in the music business, as an engineer. I was ease up the pressure on us a little but that’s all. If kind of close to Lee Perry growing up because Why did you leave Jamaica, move to the That’s coming on great. I think that is some- we were accepted our music would be more out we didn’t live far from each other - his house USA and finally settle in London? thing that maybe can move me into the main- there getting played on the BBC just like other was across the street. He was a good man. I was stream! (laughs) I have to keep my fingers white groups. We are still being downpressed. close to him and his wife at the time, Pauline. I’m glad I left Jamaica because the people crossed, but it’s a lovely album, and seeing as Some evenings I would leave school and go there they “badmind your things”. That is what the message is different from the things I write You sang with the Hippie Boys who became to his record shop on Charles Street, wait until I was receiving from Jamaica. It was so plain to it might happen. I love the song called Polly. the Wailers and Little Ian Rock performed he closed the shop and go home with them. see that artists like John Holt, , with Bob Marley. Tell about your experienc- producers like Joe Gibbs, JoJo, Byron Lee and es with Bob Marley and the group. all these people re-recording my songs and not giving me any credit for them.To me that Yes, when I singing for Lloyd Matador Daley, means, if they are taking my songs maybe next those were the musicians who used to back they’ll want to take my life so I had to go away up my songs – Familyman and Carlie were his while I had the strength to. I don’t regret leav- regular musicians. And yes, we performed on a ing Jamaica. My time in America was great be- show called No Woman No Cry at the Nation- cause I survived it through the storm and the al Arena next to the stadium in the early 70s. calm. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it was There’s not much to say – Bob Marley loved bad. But I survived it as a survivor. Europe is us as a group and we were put on that show more of a pathway for roots music. Roots mu- because he talked a lot about us. Bob Marley sic doesn’t work in America but roots music can called me “Music” so when he sang, “Hey Mr work in England over into Europe. I have family Music” I’m sure it was me he was talking to. It’s living here since 1956. When I was three years written in a book that he said Dennis Brown old my first sister came to England. Another is a good singer but the two artists he rates sister came in ‘57, my brother came in ‘59, and were Little Roy and Toots. It’s written history. then another sister in 1960. It was nine of us my mother and father had and I’m the young- Tell me about your experiences with Lee est so when I came here it wasn’t just me alone. Perry and how you created Tribal War - one of most versioned songs of all time. Why have you recorded so many of your songs again for your new album, Heat? We recorded that song at Lee Perry’s studio and the musicians were Dennis Brown on bass, That decision was made because I looked into Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace on drums, Paul some of the songs and said, either it wasn’t KAYLA G INTERVIEW

We caught up with teenager Kay- la Gordon, AKA DJ Kayla G, resident of Brooklyn who is also win- ner of Records first “Best mix con- test”, to get to know a little about her.

How did you start mixing? Because you have been quite active on youtube with your remixes. Are you apart of a sound system?

I started mixing about 3 years ago. I really No. I am on a solo movement. started collecting music which I picked up from my older brother. I decided it to take How do you work (cd decks, vinyl, sera- it a step further and begin DJing. I pur- to)? chased some equipment at a low cost good enough for beginners. I didn’t know anyone I recently became a serato user and I am that was a DJ at the moment so I had to pleased to far. learn on my own. It wasn’t easy and took some time but I’m glad that I took the time How do you feel about being a girl in out to try it out. I make youtube videos to the middle, and do you think being a girl showcase how I’ve grown through out the brings something different to the mix? years with my mixing. I began remixing a year after I began DJing. I’m may not be I feel as though I have to come a bit hard- the best. But I like the response I’m getting. er because this is a male dominated field. But truthfully I feel as though I am in the Do you plan to continue music as a ca- same lane as some of males in the DJ reer? game. Sometimes does bring something CEDELLA MARLEY different to the mix because people usu- Yes, I will soon start holding small parties ally expect a male to be a DJ rather than with friends and playing school parties. I a female so all I can do is blow their mind INTERVIEW have joined a online radio where I am get- with this mixing. I feel as though you can BY Colin McGuire ting a good rep. I am also going to college be male or female once you are given a in over a year so I can DJ making side money talent use it to the best of your abilities. to support myself and see where it takes me. Picture this: It’s a warm love, rebellion, and, well, im- Cedella has been in a reflec- it still is today. Thirty years gae within the walls of the evening sometime in 1975 possibly good vibes. What tive mood lately with the later, generations keep Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. and you find yourself in the could possibly be wrong release of her father’s final looking back to my dad for Though she cites her fa- birthplace of reggae music with this picture? concert on CD. ‘Live Forev- reggae music. Everyone still ther’s contemporary, Jimmy -- Kingston, Jamaica. You’ve er’, a two disc set that chron- holds one man responsible Cliff, recently being elected spent an entire day loung- Well, if you ask Marley’s icles Marley’s final concert for reggae. No one should to the HoF as “very nice,” ing on sandy beaches, feel- daughter, Cedella, the an- on September 23, 1980 – have to step up to the plate she contends that all of the ing the burning embrace swer is simple: Her father. two days after collapsing (for reggae music), and you influential women within the of the sun as it pours over while jogging in New York can’t blame those who have genre have been largely ig- your body. You recognize “Oh, I wasn’t there to – at The Stanley Theatre in tried for failing. But people nored. no stress. No worries. Never see daddy perform,” the Pittsburgh, Pa., has recently the 19 performances that always say stupid things mind the fact that you for- 43-year-old singer and fash- been officially released af- make up ‘Live Forever’, you like ‘Me bigger than Bob “I think & The got your sunblock and all of ion designer now says while ter existing within only the might just get the feeling Marley.’ Don’t say that.” Melody Makers should be in the soothing rays that the laughing. “I was there to see world of bootlegging for that he knew something was the Hall of Fame,” she quips sun is providing will soon the Jackson 5.” years beforehand. The set up. The performances draw “Stephen has all of the el- half-jokingly when pressed turn into painful burns. Nev- captures an older, more the line between being aged ements,” she adds, citing about the matter. “But how er mind the troubles that sit And rightfully so. At the tender-sounding Marley in a and being wise. And if noth- her brother’s debut release about the I-Threes? Women within the confines of your time, she was barely old light that feels perfectly im- ing else, this portrayal of that ‘Mind Control’ as one of the in reggae have always been mind, the thoughts of re- enough to stay up past 10. perfect at times, considering final night on stage proves great reggae albums of the over-looked. All of them. I sponsibility, the possible To her, she says, the reggae the couple sloppy endings the latter, rather than even last five years. “He has that think they deserve the hon- feelings of anguish that can legend was merely known as to songs and a crowd that questioning the former. old folk voice that sounds or just as much as any men.” loom in anybody’s head on her father, not a revolution- seems somewhat inexplica- amazing. It goes back. There any given day. In fact, never ary. Just the notion of being bly under whelmed. It’s that maturity, that wis- needs to be more of that in Hall of Fame induction mind the worries that any in the presence of such in- dom, that made Bob Marley today’s music.” thoughts aside, Cedella “normal” day can bring alto- ternational pop stars as the But none of that gets in the the statesman of an entire gether. Jackson brothers – most no- way of what truly shines movement -- an entire art -- tably brother Michael – was through the release much that Cedella argues is miss- Why? Because this isn’t just enough to get her interest- like the aforementioned ing from reggae music today. a normal day. In fact, it isn’t ed in checking out her dad’s cloudless afternoon on a even a special day. It’s a opening set performance Kingston beach, and that’s “Now, everything today is legendary day, because to- that night. the passion felt within the rhythm-based,” she says night, you have plans to see man’s voice. It’s a passion when asked about the cur- the most important figure None of that means she that pierces through songs rent state of reggae mu- in reggae music history per- completely discounted ev- like the inspired Them Belly sic. “Nobody gives a shit form songs from his latest, erything she saw that eve- Full or the haunting, show- about what is on top of breakthrough release, Natty ning, though. Come on, stopping take on No Wom- the music. Nobody is say- Dread at the quintessential now. This is still Bob Marley an, No Cry. Sure, there’s no ing anything anymore.” musical venue in the coun- we are talking about. way he could have possibly try, the National Stadium. known this was going to “I wish we could go back. That’s right. Bob Marley is “Dad was amazing, though,” be his final concert before Lately, I’ve been going way mere hours away from hit- she adds, breathing a sigh eventually succumbing to back to listen to the mu- Another thing Cedella would knows the importance of ting the stage to spread the of reflection. “He tore the cancer the following year, sic with artists like Gregory admittedly like to see in to- her father when it comes message of all of the great place down.” but if you listen closely to Isaacs, Burning Spear and day’s musical world is the to both popular music and things his music stands for: Culture. I mean, look at how inclusion of women in reg- politick. She knows it so much, in fact, that she has been des- ignated as the child who takes on most of the legal issues her family is forced to deal with on a daily ba- sis. Feeling as though she “knows the law better than some of her own lawyers,” she notes that ‘Live For- ever’ is only the beginning in a slew of official releases she and her family hope to release looking ahead.

“We want to start a boot- leg series,” she says. “But we want it to be completely fan-based. We would like to collect the stuff people have recorded and release it of- ficially. Another thing we have been thinking about is bringing together some of the world’s best DJs to re- lease an album of remixes of their favorite Bob Marley songs. These are a lot of may- bes, though. No promises.” always just daddy,” she says accent continues into a tone As for that exciting night in now with a hint of warmth of thought and question. 1975 – a night which she that suggests something remembers more for the far deeper than she would “I feel like he was imma- headlining act than she does ever reveal. “I miss him all ture when he died,” she the semblance of her father the time. I am way older says. “And he wasn’t mature performing to a sold out than my father was (when then, when I listen to this. ERIC MONTY MORRIS crowd on the heels of one of he passed away). And listen- He had matured musically, the biggest, most influential ing (to ‘Live Forever’), I try but not as a man. We all reggae albums ever record- to understand where he was think we are invincible, but INTERVIEW ed – Cedella looks to it as emotionally at that time, we aren’t. Everybody has a reference point for where and what he was feeling.” regrets, you know? But I’d BY ANGUS TAYLOR she was when ‘Live Forev- love to be able to turn back er’ was recorded. “I was so Then, with her voice trailing time just to see him again.” young, and to me, he was delicately, her light Jamaican Elder statesman of ska, Eric ris’ son Reuben introduced I saw the Vere Johns Oppor- You started recording when ey Can’t Buy Life and Hump- thinking they would look out “Monty” Morris, was born in Monty to the singer/producer tunity Hour by looking in the the pre ska R&B was very ty Dumpty and a few more for my rights as a singer com- St Andrew Jamaica on July who became his man- Star newspaper clippings. I was popular. tunes didn’t make it onto 45. ing up. But every man there 20th 1944. The young Monty ager. Together they have cre- doing a little job at a window So they found out I had a looked out for their own thing loved music and could often ated The Living Legends Col- sill when I saw this clipping for Yes, the boogie woogie mu- good voice and could sing. It in those times for the recog- be found at the sound system lection – Morris’ first ever full Vere Johns Opportunity Hour sic was around before the ska turned out that that tune kind nition of the ska. At that time dances of the 1950s when US length album, bearing recuts at the Palace Theatre adver- developed. I kind of slight- of changed the trend of music I did the tune Sammy Plant style R&B was the order of the of his hits - and just a few days tising for dancers and sing- ly changed the trend of the in Jamaica because eventually The Corn [Sammy Dead Oh] day. Like many fellow legends before its release Angus Tay- ers. So I called Derrick’s atten- dancing that was going on - apart from one or two tunes and it was getting a lot of in- of the period, such as Alton El- lor got the chance to speak tion to it – because both of in Jamaica. I feel we, more - the boogie woogie things terest. They couldn’t stop the lis and Eric’s friend and neigh- with the great man himself… us were practising - and said, or less, tried to create some- cut out and it was just ska. tune Sammy from being a hit bour Derrick Morgan, he was “Derrick, let’s go to the Palace thing of our own instead of song but they never really put a contestant on Vere Johns’ How did you get the name Theatre and take a look at the keep dancing off those boo- As well as R&B and Nursery the interest inside my thing to Opportunity Hour talent show, Monty? show”. So from there I tried gie woogie tunes we would Rhymes, the other music from make me known so that I was and began a recording career travelling on to see how far get some kind of identity the 50s that gave you inspira- in the spotlight. But every- in 1959. He voiced for Duke That name was originally given I could go in the music busi- about our own music. That’s tion was and gospel. thing is good because the Fa- Reid, Prince Buster, Byron Lee to me by my mother. She just ness and eventually I ended why Jamaican music is kind of Some of your full ska record- ther bless and I am still going and , repeatedly decided to call me Monty. It was up being a recording artist. different from all other music. ings from the 60s like Penny on keeping these things alive. topping the Jamaican charts. just a little nickname, a bless- Reel (for ) and Sam- In 1964, riding on the success ing name that I grew up with. Derrick had already record- Tell me how you came to re- my Dead (with Byron Lee) are During the rocksteady era of singles Sammy Dead Oh ed for Duke Reid but you cord for Prince Buster? You old folk songs, while Oil In My you recorded tunes like Put and Oil In My Lamp, he joined You were friends with Der- voiced your first recordings cut Humpty Dumpty in 1961 Lamp is an old Christian hymn. On our Best Dress for Mrs an excursion to the New York rick Morgan and lived near - Now We Know and Nights which was a big hit. It was Pottinger and then, in 1967, World’s Fair, organized by Ed- each other on Orange Lane, Are Lonely - for Simeon kind of half-way between As a ska artist I tried to be an another cutting edge tune ward Seaga, to sing with By- Kingston. Smith’s Hi Light label? the boogie and ska? individual versatile artist so Say What You’re Saying for ron Lee and the Dragonaires. I’d record a little soft tune, Clancy Eccles. How did that Sadly, ska failed to capture the Derrick and I really moved Yes Hi Light! Mr Smith! He That was quite a historical or a mento or calypso style. come about? imagination of the American good as individual artists from used to have a little record event now because, as you say, So I did those kinds of songs public until after the move- Jamaica. In the early times be- store at Road the boogie beat changed over. there in a mento style of sing- Duke Reid had just built his ment had ended, while the fore Derrick even came into and that was where I did my You used to have a whole heap ing like Penny Reel, Oil In My studio at Bond Street so Clan- “Wild West” mentality of the the music business I called first recording with Derrick – of boogie tunes when I was Lamp - in a Jamaica style. cy came straight up to my yard Jamaican music business, cou- his attention to music. Derrick We Want To Know Who Rule a young boy going to sound And I’ve still got a couple of to look for me and told me to pled with the singer’s soft tem- wasn’t really a direct singer This Great Generation [Now system dances. I’d been going those tunes inside of my brain come to the studio because perament, left him short of the but through our being friends We Know]. The entertainment down to Orange Street where that I haven’t recorded yet! he had a session going on. Be- financial rewards gained by from in the lane, I called his business on the stage wasn’t they had all the record shops cause in those times we were some of his peers, so in 1970 attention to it and showed too prosperous for me so I and sound systems going on Oil In My Lamp and Sammy all still trying to create and try- he retired to the United States. him to auditions. So we move started to do recording. I think and they started to recognize Dead Oh were also big hits. ing to change the mood. They Yet his memory burned strong good still, but in terms of rec- it’s only because of my ver- me as an artist. It happened Tell me about your subse- had the rocksteady band going the minds of the US Caribbean ognition for the works that satility within the music busi- through Derrick Morgan. Der- quent appearance at the on with Tommy McCook and community and he was even- you do, they hardly even men- ness why I got some support rick was on the Lane where I World’s Fair in New York in all those guys so I went down tually tempted back to record tion me. I have to really put from these promoters. I had lived so Prince Buster would 1964 with Byron Lee and the to the studio and fortunately for the Washington DC Kibwe myself out there so a man will to make it on my own. I had come down there and said, Dragonaires. Clancy got a very good tune label in 1988. 1999 even saw recognise me for my work. to go out and show my talent “Monty, that guy is a good out of me (because I always try a triumphant return to Ja- to these promoters instead of singer. I’m going to give him That was a great high-light- to have something reserved in maica after 3 decades for the Tell about how you started them coming . a trial”. So I eventually found ed time in New York. But ev- the bank!) so I put that tune concert series Heineken Star on Vere Johns opportunity Those other guys, they would myself ending up at the studio ery man did their own thing. down as well as Tears In My Time. Ten years later Mor- hour with Derrick. come and look for them. with a couple of songs, Mon- I went there with Byron Lee, Eyes. Tommy McCook and the band was kicking too in Duke “Monty, I remember you were why I made this little move start to sell they wouldn’t con- has been to Miami because Reid’s new studio upstairs. one of the legendary sing- with Sadiki because I think it is front me with what was going he is a man who is moving ers from Jamaica” and things a very important thing to have on. So now is the time that I from one place to the other. Some people have said Say like that so I found myself do- him looking over everything. It should really be putting every- What You’re Saying was the ing one or two shows and cut was a family member that said, thing in one place and keep What do you think of how first reggae tune. some dubplates. I went back “Well, Monty, give him a try doing the things for one la- popular ska music has been into the studio and tried to and see what you can get out bel and one person for all of outside Jamaica over the Oh yes! I feel Say What You’re do back a couple of my long- of it. Because all these people the things I was doing before. years? Are there any new ska Saying is the first reggae tune time songs and they put them you do music for for all these bands you like? to ever come out. People say on a big disc and released years and none of them even Why did you decide to re- Larry Marshall sang Nanny them so I started off again. think of saying what happened cord your old hits again in- I feel like ska music doesn’t Goat and Larry Marshall told [The album In Cry Freedom to all them tunes you sing on stead of new material? really reach the people in the everybody, “I made the first was a collaboration between when they sell and this and right way but I feel there is reggae tune”. But Larry Mar- Monty and Ras Michael’s son that. Give him a try and see if I feel good about it because something still there in the shall was in that session with Michael Enkrumah released things come together. It might Sadiki put a different change ska music. I see them danc- me and out of the tunes that on the Kibwe label in 1988] start anew and change for the on it and made it sound more ing in the real way towards the were sung that day, Say What better”. I don’t want to keep original. It was a good move music when they hear it now You’re Saying was the best How is it that in 50 years, doing these things over and we made to do back my old but it’s like they don’t really tune of the session, which with all these big singles you over, put the talent out and tunes in a different new kind of understand it the way the mu- turned out to be the first reg- never recorded a full album? don’t get any redress for doing beat and add something to it. I sicians and the singers really gae tune. It had a different it. Because a lot of those guys I love the way how he does his know. But I think the ska is still flavour from rocksteady. You That is a very important ques- did recording for, when I take things. I have some new songs here and still has something had ska, rocksteady, and then tion, sir. This is just the reason stock, after the music would and we will do another album to deal with within the music. reggae - each had a differ- soon, but I’m going do it in the So in parts of the world where ent little taste in terms of the style like we used to do it with they hear the real ska and hear timing of the rhythm and the some live musicians, some me or other artists that have things the musicians would rhythm men - a rhythm section. the legend, they are going to play. But as an artist I just let realize that the people who other people look at the mu- Which musicians and singers were individually responsible sic and say what they feel. do you rate today? for the music - the creators, the people who really started Why did you move to the The musicians that really have this thing - still have it going United States in 1970? the sound of today are men on. Half of the world still wants like Dean Fraser, Ernest Ran- to feel the reggae and ska and It was a hard time in Jamaica glin and . the other half of the world for a man of my talents. It was They still have that touch and doesn’t know about it so I through my mother. She saw feel for the music that comes think the world still wants ska. the hard time I was getting from Jamaica. They haven’t and said, “Monty, we go try lost that feeling. Beres has it. It will be a trip. It will be a still kept that feeling as an visit”. She found a better life. icon and Marcia Griffiths, and But I never really came over to I can’t throw out my breth- the United States with a sing- ren Derrick because Derrick ing intention. I worked a few is always a round and about jobs over here but eventually man. A man who can sing any in a man at Lion and Fox Stu- kind of music. I’ve talked to dios in Washington DC said, Derrick a few times when he Reviews 49 Boss Reggae Sounds - Reggae Popcorn 1969-

1971 Last year Pressure Drop brought out a host of reissues and compilations, now though they are focusing on his work as a producer with this 30 track collection of ‘Boss Reggae Sounds’ from 1969 to 1971. The quality of his work for the UK’s leading Reg- gae companies, Trojan and Pama, was sec- ond to none and unsurprisingly sold strongly throughout both the Caribbean ex-pat com- munity and the UK’s burgeoning population.

A lot of the songs are semi instrumental in are also a couple of songs on the struggles of that the lyric is basically a repetitive command Africa with the The Classics History Of Africa to do the funky monkey, chicken etc on very paying tribute to Patrice Emery Lumumba, the raw riddims, unlike a lot of the Trojan hits that African nationalist leader who became the first REVIEWS used overlaid strings to soften them up and prime minister of the Democratic Republic of make them more appealing to the major UK the Congo in1960, but was forced out of of- market. Unfortunately for me some of these fice after only 3months and then assassinated rather one dimensional lyrics, as is the case a short time later, while Laurel Aitken sneaks with King Horror, who chips in with five songs in with the cry for unity and to Africa Arise. that are either full of innuendo or just trying to add a bit of fashionable (at the time) Hammer The album is rounded off with The Groovy Horror with an assortment of shrill screams Beats Birds & Flowers, a steel drum version of and OTT scary voices, can at times detract Young Gifted and Black plus Tiger’s narrative from what is a great flowing, moonstomping original version of Guilty which was covered beat and despite their initial amusement the by UB40 for their inaugural ‘’ lack of any real imagination makes them grate album. after a while. Despite some misgivings this is still a fine and There are some nice love songs from the gruff entertaining collection of rare and collectable soulful voice of Winston Groovy, including a recordings that just add more weight to why take on ’s Send Me and a Drift- Aitken was labelled as the godfather of ska. ers sounding Leave Me Standing, but it is the pleading, more up-tempo I Cant Go On that Review by Karl Pearson shines brightest.

In amongst all this madness and love songs Reviews 50 51

Still, the most interesting Skyfiya by The twist of the album seems to come within the title it- Uprising Roots self, both of the album and the group. The Uprising Band Roots Band, through the songs, Skyfiya, Brightest Light, Shinin’ So Bright and The concept of a full func- Brighter Days pay a great tioning, single unit Reggae tribute to the fire in the sky band is one which has large- - The Sun - and their idea ly become lost within the of its power in the world current landscape of Jamai- and how mankind should can Reggae. When normal- also seek to take hold of ly the concept of a ‘band’ is this strength. As is said on makes and supports their in with such a heavy sound Brightest Light: thrown around, it is done so own music which they’ve now that tune, even before the meaning a group of play- released through Tru Musik message is clocked in, sim- ers of instruments and a “The brightest light Records in the complete and ply sounds important and the Shines from within lead singer, but in Jamaican beautiful form of a brand new listener comes away with a The brightest light Reggae, ‘band’ more often album, ‘Skyfiya’. sense that a great bit of atten- means something else - A tion was paid to detail on this Shines from the East group of players of instru- The title track and first single selection and the album which Rise from the East” ments who unite under one attracted quite a bit of atten- follows it. That same level of name to back a variety of tion and served as a power- fastidious planning is evident Prescribing, of course, the lead singers at any given ful example of the band’s ca- on the sublime Blessings, as power and traits of the sun time. pabilities in several ways. Be well as other large efforts on to the ability of man which With that being the case, it the superb craftsmanship ‘Skyfiya’, particularly on songs is not only a very refreshing perhaps the mere existence, and pure skill displayed on such as , Most take on the whole ‘fyah bun’ alone, of a group like the the tune (which has certainly Royal (a mighty tune in tribute rhetoric which has been so sion to their vibes and, per- crafted and carried out set lead many to not notice the to the great Afrikan women of Uprising Roots Band is a big prevalent within Reggae for haps it goes without saying, ‘falling off’ in the next nine fact that the scintillating tune the world). deal, even before you get to the past decade and a half but the music here is top months. Just as the Upris- the fact that their music is has virtually no lyrics) or just or so, but is also a very poi- the ‘star quality’ of it, the tune Listeners are also sure to react and virtually without ing Roots Band, themselves, absolutely divine. Fronted by gnant sentiment on its own flaw throughout. This al- their debut album seems to Rashaun ‘Black Kush’ McAnuff made a huge impression on to the most interesting herb- fans across the globe who alist set, Steamers, which not merits. bum would also look quite have the potential to mark a who plays the drums and sings well completely sans vocals. changing of the times as the and is the son of reigning don’t figure, at all, to be dis- only presents itself as what it appointed by what lies on the is, but does so in a very clever Also worth mentioning is Reggae band has returned Reggae music royalty, Win- the fact that the URB does ston McAnuff, the URB is full album behind that big song. and ‘family-oriented’ style, as ‘Skyfiya’ is one of the big- to Jamaica. Well done. a bit of straight forward po- of very skilled musicians who well as the flaming ‘Krash Like gest releases in what is have come together not only What is there? Check the or- Lightening’ which puts pur- etry, in a very Spoken Word still a very young year, but Review by Ras Achis as a backing unit for other vo- ganically powerful opener, veyors of wickedness on alert style, which definitely adds it’s going to be hard to calists, but as a BAND which King Rastafari, which comes that their end soon come. another interesting dimen- imagine such an excellent Reviews 52 53

performer in just three years. Two additional have heard literally thousands of times over Live Forever by official live sets were issued posthumously – the years long ago lost their bite and imme- Bob Marley and ‘Talkin’ Blues’ which featured a combination diacy for me. Yet, hearing Bob Marley rise of early radio and concert performances time and time again to deliver new songs the Wailers from 1973 provided an excellent document like Coming in From the Cold, Zion Train of the Wailers’ music while Peter Tosh was and – all songs which Bob Marley played his last still a member of the band, and ‘Live at the haven’t been featured on a live album be- concert on September 23, Roxy’ – while it repeated many of the songs fore – along with his old classics was truly 1980 in Pittsburgh, PA, and from ‘Live at the Lyceum’ was an important like hearing them for the first time. after years in circulation in the historical document as it has often been form of low quality bootlegs, touted as the concert that broke Marley’s ‘Bob Marley and the Wailers Live Forever’ is this historic show has finally music in America. like a last will and testament, a line drawn been granted an official re- and a declaration of ‘this is who I am and lease. The story behind this Given the wealth of high quality Marley re- this is my work.’ And, what a body of work it show has often been told – af- cordings available, it might be tempting to was! Listen and remember. And, if you can ter collapsing in Central Park give ‘Bob Marley and the Wailers Live For- get through and Get Up while jogging to wind down ever’ a miss, but that would be a mistake. Stand Up (the last song Marley ever sung from the previous night’s From a musical perspective, the Wailers with its repeating coda ‘never give up the concert, Marley was rushed to were in top form and it is often exhilarating fight’ as he left the stage) without tearing a doctor who told him that he and heartbreaking at the same time to hear up, there’s something seriously wrong with had only a few weeks to live. upsetting. I remember Marley truly defy belief and under- them cover for their boss. Because he in- you. Music doesn’t get any better than this.. Years of relentless touring as a force of nature, twirl- standing. sisted on giving a full show and as well as a and neglecting a cancerous ing and cavorting around the generous set of encores, the band increased Review by Doug Heselgrave melanoma in his toe had re- stage in a trance as he drove In truth, if one was to own the tempo slightly on each song as if by go- sulted in the cancer spreading his band to celestial heights one Bob Marley live CD, this ing a little faster, Marley would be able to through Marley’s body to such as his power and commitment wouldn’t be the one to buy. push on through and finish the concert. As an extent that it was a mira- transformed the music into ‘Bob Marley Live at the Ly- if to give him a little break and time to rest, cle he was able to function at something much greater than ceum’ from a 1975 concert in the Wailers - who at that time were one of all. Realizing that his career the sum of its parts. That con- London presented the singer the tightest outfits on the road - opened was over and against the best cert remains one of the most at the peak of his youthful up their arrangements and jammed heavily medical advice, Marley chose sublime experiences of my confidence and showcases through the middle sections of many of the to travel to Pittsburgh to play life, and listening to ‘Bob Mar- very rootsy Trenchtown ver- songs. Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett’s bass is one final show. Considered in ley Live Forever’ is a poignant sions of early classics which astounding throughout and the percussion this context, listening to ‘Bob reminder of how much we lost became much more polished section on Jamming is – in itself – reason Marley and the Wailers – Live when Marley passed on the and developed after years enough to buy this disc. Forever’ can be a very emo- next year at the age of thrity- of subsequent touring. It re- tional experience. six. In truth, the show present- mains one of the finest con- But, of course, even in his weakened state, ed here does not represent cert albums ever recorded. Marley is front and centre and undeniably I was fortunate enough to Marley’s finest hour. His voice His next live set, 1979’s ‘Bab- the star of the show. Whether or not it is the hear Bob Marley in concert is reed thin and emanates an ylon By Bus’ was issued as a passage of time and knowing how his sto- just the year before this disc exhaustion that is palpable, two lp souvenir of Marley’s ry ends that colours the listener’s percep- was recorded and the differ- yet time and time again one very successful 1978 tour and tions, hearing Marley work his way through ences between the two per- can hear Marley rally himself demonstrates how much he the dynamics of Exodus, Positive Vibration formances were profound and to deliver performances that had grown as an artist and and Natural Mystic one last time was almost more than I could take. These songs which I Articles 55

“Bello” Bell and Sly & Robbie, dropping hit Garnett Silk Will Al- tunes like Fill Us Up With Your Mercy, Hello ways Be Remembered Mama Africa and Zion in a Vision. After his untimely death there has been sev- eral compilations dedicated to his work. The most complete is ‘Music is the Rod’. Those Yesterday the late Garnett Silk would have who want to dig deeper can check out the turned 45 years old. Instead he died a tragic two dubplate compilations ‘ death only 28 years of age when trying to Remembers Garnett Silk’ and ‘Garnett Silk rescue his mother from a burning house Meets the Conquering Lion’. that had been set on fire because of ac- cidental gun fire on a propane gas tank. Garnett Silk has been compared to Bob Mar- Garnett Silk was survived by a wife, three ley and hailed as his successor, even though children and two brothers. Bob Marley died more than ten years before Garnett Silk dropped his debut album. At the time he had been laying down tracks for his second album with producer Errol It is of course hard to predict whether Gar- Brown and ten tunes were completed and nett Silk would have had a big international released several years later. breakthrough to the general public, or re- mained a favourite to the reggae audience. Garnett Silk was a prominent person in the early 90’s rasta renaissance, a time when a One thing is however crystal clear – Garnett ARTICLES new breed of cultural singers entered the Silk was a powerful force and is one of the stage. and Everton Blender were most talented reggae artists of all time. He part of this movement. was a bright shining light and his presence will forever be remembered both through He started his career deejaying as Little Bim- his own great work and through some of his bo with tunes such as See Bimbo Yah, but followers – Ras Shiloh, Ras Sherby and Terry later adopted a style that was highly con- Linen. These three artists are great singers, scious showcasing his gospel influenced ten- but there is only one Garnett Silk. or voice. He marked a turning point in reg- gae and paved the way for singers such as Luciano, Jahmali, Bushman, Sizzla, Anthony B and rasta converts like and Article by Erik Magni Capleton. Bobby “Digital” Dixon was the mastermind behind his only full-length album – the as- tonishing ‘It’s Growing’ released in 1992. The album was an instant bestseller in Jamaica and Garnett Silk managed to secure an inter- national record deal with Atlantic. Even though he had a short career he record- ed with some of Jamaica’s top talents, in- cluding King Jammy, Steely & Clevie, Richard Articles 56

One of the night’s most remark- Janjaweed recalls the genocidal Taj Weekes able performances came from aggression in Darfur “imploring Taj Weekes and Adowa. Hailing the skies for an answer, cause no from the lush Caribbean island one on earth would help, the sol- and Adowa at of St. Lucia, Taj and Adowa de- diers stole their laughter, what a livered an outstanding perfor- murderous hand...” SXSW 2011 mance evidenced by the sea of fans held in a lyrical and musical Before the War - “Before the war, In true Texas style, Austin does trance. Taj Weekes is much more I had a life, before the war, I had everything LARGE. The self- ac- than a singer. Taj, in his humble a wife...” claimed Music Capital of the unassuming manner, implored Rain Rain - so much pledged for World becomes an uncompro- a universal consciousness while a natural disaster- months later, mising reality every March dur- delivering a unique blend of where is help? “Love’s gone dry ing the South by Southwest bluesy reggae. He is a poet with after the rain is gone. So much (SXSW) Music and Media Confer- rare vision, lacing songs with concern, so little action” ence. Officially, over 2000 bands poignant moments partnered to showcase in 100 venues plus. In catastrophic events. His writing Shadow of a Bird describes the addition multitudes of free stag- eloquence reduces complex is- feelings of a child born from es appear in retail stores, back- sues to simplistic evidence. Fea- rape. “my mother couldn’t es- yards, parks, street corners and turing many songs from his most cape. I am like a shadow of a bird, just about any available open recent cd, ‘A Waterlogged Soul seldom seen, seldom heard.” spot of land. Shows begin late Kitchen’, on Jatta Records, Taj morning and carry through most stokes the intellectual furnace In addition to Taj’s musical as- of the night. A tidal wave of mu- while providing a soothing me- pirations, he founded the char- sic, all night parties, dium to safely process thoughts ity “They Often Cry Outreach” executives, and the fans and fury into inspiration. (TOCO) dedicated to improving from the rich and famous to the the lives of underserved, or- completely unknown cover the Taj and his band Adowa, in pre- phaned children. He continually streets in a five day alternate cious synchronicity reveal the fights a crucial war for those reel- reality. painful need for humane action ing in life crisis including poverty, that comes with knowledge of HIV/AIDS, diabetes and global Amidst this sea of perfected mu- child abuse, ravages of war, dev- warming. Some people talk the sical chaos, Flamingo Cantina re- astation of environment, and talk, others walk the walk. Not mains Austin’s home for reggae natural disasters. Taj reworks only is Taj Weekes an extremely music. The Saturday night show- uncomfortable, difficult subjects talented performer, he lives and case was well worth hauling a into a palatable mix, resulting in breathes a humble life while set- heavy load of camera equipment a spiritually fueled sense of so- ting professional and personal and trekking a solid mile to ex- cial responsibility. Recently, in standards that can easily inspire perience a night of wicked reg- a radio interview on Sista Irie’s others to join in the war against gae music. Every hour, reggae , Taj responds greed, oppression and injustice. fans were blessed with driving to questions with thought pro- For more information on TOCO homegrown riddims from vari- voking depth. It is no wonder go to http://theyoftencryout- ous parts of the world includ- Taj describes reggae as ‘listen- reach.org. Adowa is comprised ing Texas, , South Africa, ing music.’ His musical presen- of Valerie Kelley (vocals-Virginia), St. Lucia and Jamaica. Reggae tations are a compelling form Adoni Xavier (guitar-Trinidad), has truly reached a pinnacle of of activism calling to those who John Hewitt (keyboards-Brook- universal expertise. Top ranking have lost faith in the power of lyn/Barbados), Radss Desiree reggae artists including writers, the music. His lyrics call to those (Bass-Dominica), and Cornell singers and players now spill who recognize the power is still Marshall (drums-Jamaica). over the boundaries of countries within the people. across the globe. Report and photos by Sista Irie Articles 58

the Riddimtion and Dub Central crews. Rodigan (who lived in the city’s Nether Edge district from 1974-75) was on at 2am giving a typically theatrical exhibi- tion of some of his “most treasured dubs”. These ranged from classics like Satta Amassagana right through to recent fa- vourite Protoje’s Wrong Side Of The Law. Yet “Sir David”, who is 60 this year, told young selectors not to worry about lack- ing his arsenal of vintage specials - be- fore making them jealous anyway with a rare cut of ’ Night Nurse. At 2.45 Gappy, who helped launch BBC 1Xtra from Sheffield in 2002, took the stage. He sang a fastcut selection from debut album Put The Stereo on as well as new tunes from repeatedly postponed followup Thanks and Praise - such as the title track and current single Tun Up. Gap- PHOTOS py also paid tribute to the Japanese peo- ple with I Was There, his charity recording Sheffield Puts The - voiced in Yokohama while on tour when the earthquake struck in March. Rodigan Stereo On then returned for a second set leaving a well pleased and satisfied audience behind. Two performers with personal connec- Support came courtesy of Unitone, Bir- tions to the city of Sheffield, UK - vet- mingham’s Gemini, Sheffield’s Des- eran selector and ris- ert Eagle, and ’s Clas- ing singer-deejay Gappy Ranks - played sique Sounds. David Rodigan’s cd a triumphant double headline show at with Fabric, Fabric Live 54, is out now. the O2 Academy on Saturday night. Or- ganized by local sound Unitone (who promote the roots and lovers dance Report by Angus Taylor Big People Business) and Culture Mu- sic Events, the PA only affair filled two rooms with the area’s proud reggae community - including Unitone’s rivals, Ragga Muffins The Ragga Muffins Festival happens annu- guy.” Everyone in Jamaica has a nickname, so ally every February since 1981, in commem- it’s not uncommon not to know the person’s oration of Bob Marley’s birthday, February 6. given name. The trilogy of California shows starts in Long Festival 2011 With Alfonso on drums, Toho on bass, Ever- Beach, moves south to San Diego, then up ton Price on keyboards, and Byron (given north to the Bay Area with a leaner line-up. name also unknown) on guitar, they per- in Oakland The third leg was held at the awe-inspiring formed many of Richie’s biggest hits in Fox Theater on February 26, 2011, recently medley form. Because a festival set is short- Text by Laura Gardner remodeled in downtown Oakland and man- er than a headlining set, they had to get it aged by Another Planet Entertainment. Photos by Lee Abel all in. With ’s latest album just A few years back when the controversy of released, ‘Book of Job’, the band also per- homophobia in reggae and dancehall lyrics formed some newer tunes including “Find was at its peak, the Ragga Muffins Festival Jah.” Of course the staples like “Earth A Run organizers (Barbara Barabino and Moss Ja- Red,” “Brown Skin,” “Youths Dem Cold,” did cobs) decided they wouldn’t book any of not go unheard. When I think about all of the the many singled-out artists, including Buju amazing music Richie has put out, it makes Banton, T.O.K., and . This has re- me angry all over again for missing it! sulted in a somewhat diluted representation of the music, however, this year, the line-up GENTLEMAN sparked some energy among reggae fans. German artist Gentleman has been a favor- The nearly sold-out audience was very mixed ite of Northern Californians in recent years, by age, ethnicity, gender, and race, and apart pairing his energetic dancehall with positive from reggae music, seemingly had marijua- messages. His 12-piece The Evolution is one na as the common interest. For many fans, of the tightest bands musically I’ve seen and this is their only reggae show they attend per his earned credibility among Jamaican audi- year. ences is itself a minor miracle, as Jamaicans often have a level of contempt for successful RICHIE SPICE foreign artists. In full disclosure, I have to say that I arrived The fedora-wearing Gentleman gave the at the Fox Theater at 7:30 pm, and had just audience a smattering of his most popu- missed Richie Spice’s set (Since when do lar tunes, including “Dem Gone,” “Leave Us reggae shows start so early?!). This was my Alone,” and “Superior.” He also paid tribute biggest disappointment of the evening, as to the late by performing the he is one of my favorite reggae artists out song they recorded together, “Good Old there. I did, however, get to talk with Toho Days.” The audience’s excitement amplified Saunders, Richie’s bassist for all three Rag- on the call and response bits, and Gentleman gamuffin shows, and he shed some insight kept his energy up throughout his set jump- on the performance. ing all around the stage. This is where my reporting gets fuzzy. Trav- Those that saw his set in Long Beach and eling with Richie Spice was Alfonso (last San Diego said his Oakland performance name unknown), the musical director and was the best of the three in that Gentleman the drummer. He is the only musician who seemed more relaxed than during the previ- came with Richie from Jamaica. Toho says, ous two shows. His wife, Tameka, who sings “I just call him Rolando Alphonso, but that background vocals had a solo on one of the can’t be right because that’s tunes, and their chemistry is undeniable. his powerful lyrics, extolling justice and righ- teousness. Bunny is a character just like Lee ISRAEL VIBRATION Scratch Perry is a character – he has created For those that don’t know the Israel Vibra- a colorful persona for himself and has been tion story, the band was formed in 1977 as faithfully loyal to it. While some may call him a trio: Apple Gabriel, Wiss Bulgin, and Skelly “weird,” he has every reason to be, given his Spence (Yes, nicknames – all of them!). The life story of fame, hardship, and loss. He gave three had met briefly at the Mona Rehabili- the audience an old school ska intro, and tation Clinic in Kingston, Jamaica, as they played many of the Wailers tunes, including all suffered from polio. As Rastafari broth- “,” and “I Am the Toughest,” a ers, the trio’s break came when members of song that Peter Tosh made popular. the Twelve Tribes of Israel funded their first Overall, Ragga Muffins did it again pulling single. As a band, Israel Vibration broke up together top notch popular reggae artists and came back together a few times, and with their exuberant and excited fans. Con- Apple Gabriel took his career solo in 1997. tact high aside, my only wish is that they Fast forward to today – they now perform challenge the status quo and take some risks as a duo – both still noticeably affected by next year by showcasing incredible lesser- their history of polio by wearing braces. On known artists and generating a culture that this particular day, they looked upbeat and is more descriptive than just “mainstream bright, although it’s always a noticeable loss reggae.” without the third voice of the trio. I-Vibes music is for, what I call, the foun- dational audience. These are the fans that span in age but are drawn to the simplicity of 1960s reggae lines. While Israel Vibration doesn’t move me quite like , or some of the older trios, I appreciate their musicianship and their story. “Rudeboy Shuf- flin’” is one of their biggest tunes that has a stellar and accessible riddim that nearly ev- ery artist can write to. The duo also had a female background duo accompany them, and the crowd could definitely get behind hits like “Roots Rock Reggae,” and “Cool and Calm.” Bunny Wailer was the closer for this 6+ hour long show. What to say about Bunny? He’s the last surviving of the three Wailers and was with his Solomonic Reggae Orchestra (orchestra is the apt title due to the sheer numbers of musicians on stage). In pure Bun- ny fashion, he dressed in a white sparkly suit and used his typically gruff voice to deliver Brigadier Jerry and Friends, A Real Treat for South Florida

How good and how pleasant it is for I & I to dwell together in inity! Fans that came out to enjoy Downbeat the Ruler with Tony Screw outta New York featuring Brigadier Jerry & Friends wit- nessed a real treat! Pure niceness inna the dancehall, reminicient of the way dance- hall used to be, and is supposed to be... upliftment of rootz & kulcha! Those who attended really enjoyed them- selves! Brigadier Jerry felt the vibez and entertained the audience in fine stylee! “The Pen,” Hopeton Lindo crooned and Anthony Malvo his fans with lyr- ics. Earl Cunningham & UU Madoo joined in, and King Banton sang a short tune. Glen Washington passed through and performed a few quick tunes, and Kenyat- ta Hill graced the dancehall with some positive energy. Text and photos by Gail Zucker gave a lively performance. Ah at last, the Marley’s Miami's 18 Junior Jazz, the lead singer took the stage…a loud roar really adds some spice to rang out through the Park. Annual 9 Mile the group. He sang a Ja- The moment has finally ar- cob Miller medley as well rived! Damian, Stephen, Music Festival as Gregory Issac’s tune, and Julian all came on- “Night Nurse.” stage together, their en- ergy was electrifying! They Ky-mani Marley heated up A Huge performed Bob’s hits in- the stage. He performed cluding “”, an awesome version of his Success! “Jamming”, “War” & “Get dads tune “Redemption Up Stand Up”. Gramps Song.” Protoje entered and Morgan joined them on- they did their duet, boom Bob Marley was certainly stage as well as reggae leg- hit “Rasta Love.” Protoje smiling with the 2011 9 Mile end Alton Ellis son Christo- is a talented young art- Festival, March 12, 2011. It pher. He sang Alton’s tune, ist with a promising future was a perfect Miami day at “Willow Tree.” amongst producer ex- the Bayfront Ampitheater traordinaire Don Corleon. Bunny Rugs and Cat and the 7,000 plus attend- Ky-mani’s fans really ap- Coore, members of Third ees enjoyed themselves precilove the way he takes World joined the Marley’s immensely! There were the time to chat and pose onstage and sang “96 De- many craft and food ven- for pictures with everyone grees in the Shade.” The dors so when the munch- of them! talented and versatile Cat ies hit, patrons could pick Coore played both gui- and choose from the wide was on next. tar and cello rifs. Pressure variety of foods available. I Perhaps he has a larger was also a guest artist and tried a stir fry soba noodle audience appreciation at participated singing songs dish with lots of spinach Ultra Fest. “For Love & Affection” and and peanut sauce which was “Traffic Jam” along with was yummy! an interesting blend of some of the Marley chil- The festival began with musical styles from around dren making their stage Miami’s own Fourth Di- the world. Various art- debut for the first time. mension and Benjah and ists showcased their ex- Stephen and Damian sang Dillavou out of Orlando. pertise but the highlight “Jah Army” and “The Mis- The long time Marley Festi- of the performance was sion”, and the audience val, Zen Fest and Ultra Fest the sitar player. Don Car- was thrilled. For the grand performer Kevens then los came out for a cameo finale, everyone onstage took the stage. He looked appearance. and the audience joined quite dapper in a long blue The younger audience in to sing “Could You be military coat and delivered seemed to really enjoy Cal- Loved”. an entertaining set. ifornia based band Slightly Text and photos by Gail Inner Circle entered and Stooped. Zucker. Raggasonic at Paris Olympia- French deejay duo played in Paris on April 8th. Photos Jennyfer Papin

Clinton Fearon in Paris An evening full of good vibrations and love of music on April 10. Photos Franck Blanquin The Original Wailers in Ris Orangis The Original Wailers (including and Al Anderson) played at Le Plan in Ris Orangis, France. Photos Jennyfer Papin

Gentleman, Alborosie and Alpha Blondy in Paris Gentleman, Alborosie and Alpha Blondy were live on stage at The Zenith from Paris on April 14th. Photos Franck Blanquin MAGAZINE

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