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Home , Champion Sound, Cutty Ranks, Di Genius, Donovan Germain, Edi Fitzroy, Fantan Mojah

MAGAZINE #15 - January 2012

Frankie Paul Tinga Stewart Jemere Morgan Kabaka Pyramid Jahtari Cali P

I Octane INTERVIEW

Dancehall: The Best Twenty and Five Tracks of 2011 Our Favourite 2011 - Tarrus Riley and Friends Cat Coore and Benjy Myaz in Kingston - Embrace The Positive United Reggae Magazine #15 - January 2012 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 SUMMARY free pdf version packed with most of United Reggae content from the last month. 1/ NEWS

EDITORIAL by Erik Magni 2/ INTERVIEWS

• 15 • Stuart Baker, founder of Soul Jazz Records 18 • Cali P 21 • Tinga Stewart 25 • Jemere Morgan 30 • Kabaka Pyramid 32 • Jahtari 38 • I-Octane 42

3/ REVIEWS

• I-Taweh - Overload 47 • Old Skool Young Blood 3 48 • The Legendary Studio One Records 49 A glance in the rear-view mirror to the future • Matic Horns - Musical Storm 50 • Dub Investigation - Dub City Vol. 2 51 A glance in the rear-view mirror marks the start of a new year for United Reg- • Mystic Soul - I Am The One 52 gae. But we also take a solid look at two rising reggae stars with a bright fu- • Da Professor - The Laboratory 53 ture. • Errol Bellot - Know Jah 54 • General Smiley Meets McPullish At Dub Cove 55 • Live at the Turntable Club 56 Siobhan Jones is one of the newest additions to the United Reggae team. She, • : The Best Twenty Riddims and Five Tracks of 2011 57 myself and Angus Taylor have put together two best of 2011-lists. • Our Favourite Reggae Albums 2011 61

For this issue she has compiled her best dancehall in 2011-list with 20 riddims 4/ REPORTS and five tunes, while me and Angus have joined forces for a 20 best albums of the year list. • Tarrus Riley and Friends 65 • Cat Coore and Benjy Myaz in Kingston 68 When browsing through the lists I find both young and old artists. One of the • Embrace The Positive 69 younger talents is hip-hop/ singer Kabaka Pyramid, who Angus • Rebel Salute 2012 Launch 72 • in 74 portrays in an interesting piece. He has also met another artist who is pre- • Anthony B and Junior Toots in 76 dicted a big breakthrough this year – I-Octane.

When reading this issue the reggae and music industry seems brighter than ever. Welcome 2012! 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. Cover photo by CHRISTIAN BORDEY United Reggae. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. ------AfroJam Music handles the ------In late November dancehall su------releasing of Kalonji’s perstar Mr. Vegas urged music Curtis Lynch potentially huge , ‘The Fashion’s Back fans and fellow artists to sign Rodigan Launches Chant’, which is set to arrive Catalog to be a petition to save foundation Receives MBE Necessary Bass in stores around the world on Reissued Digi- reggae music. And now he is ------February 17. about to release an album full ------tally of versions of early reggae hit Curtis Lynch and his Necessary ------songs as well as an album with Mayhem family of imprints has A Holiday In the first quarter of 2012 his biggest and most recent launched a subsidiary dedicat- Mixtape From Fashion Records’ entire back dancehall tunes. ed to drum & bass, dubstep or catalog will be relaunched digi- anything else with a pumping Cen’C Love tally via Believe Digital. The reggae album is titled bass line. with reported releases com------‘Sweet Reggae’ and is ing from the likes of I-Octane, Bunny Wailer’s daughter Cen’C The label’s extensive back cat- a tribute to the music pioneers and Midnite on “I have always been a massive Love dropped her debut album alogue includes Dee Sharp’s that created and defined Jamai- the schedule, it just got even fan of drum & bass,” says Cur- ‘Love Letter’ earlier this year, chart-topper Let’s Dub it Up ca’s signature sound in the late brighter as the month of Febru- Long-serving reggae broad- tis Lynch, producer and owner and has now relocated from as well as releases by General 1950s and ‘60s. ary marks the release of ‘The caster has of Necessary Mayhem Records the U.S. to Kingston, Jamaica, Levy, Top Cat, , Al- Chant’, the new album from been appointed to receive the in a press release, and contin- where she has hosted weekly ton Ellis, Johnny Clarke, Frankie Included are his anthemic Josey Reggae legend, Sizzla Kalonji. Member of the Most Excel- ues: hotspots like Dubtonic Kru’s Paul, Junior Delgado alongside Wales and Shaggy combina- The chanter follows up on an lent Order of the British Em- Plug and Play, Wickie Wackie many other top reggae artists tion Sweet Jamaica alongside impressive 2011 by returning pire or MBE in the Queen’s “So I’m very excited about this Live and Jamnesia as well as from both Jamaica and the UK. the more recently released You to one of the original ‘sources’ New Years Honours list. new venture.” opening for at Studio “We are delighted that the ex- Make Me Happy – a remake of his extreme talent via link- 38. tensive Fashion Records back of ’ cover of Motown ing with Everton ‘Dr. Cave’ Rodigan, who turned sixty in The first release on Necessary catalogue is going to get a singer Brenda Holloway’s Top Moore of the famed Caveman 2011, began his career as a se- Bass is two remixes from two Following her Jamaican studio digital release in its entirety Ten hit. who helped bring Sizzla to lector and presenter in 1978 on prominent and bass heavy pro- efforts is the Queen A’ Hearts for the first time. It is an impor- prominence originally and now BBC Radio . From 1979 ducers. Tippa Irie’s Wicked and mixtape for the present holiday tant body of work, which still ‘Sweet Jamaica Dancehall’ helms this recording. Presum- he presented the specialist pro- Wild is gently handled by drum season. The mixtape blends has international appeal and gathers 16 tracks including ably, that means that fans can gramme Roots Rockers on Lon- & bass legend Marcus Vision- favorites from her neo-reggae Believe Digital will provide the Certain Law, Bruck it Dung, I expect to hear a great deal of don’s independent commer- ary, who has been one of To- catalogue with popular dance- perfect platform to get it out Am Blessed and a few brand vintage-like material from the cial station Capital FM before ronto’s most prolific electronic hall dubplates. into the digital marketplace,” new exclusive tracks. music producers for over 20 artist. joining the city’s first licensed says Co-founder of Fashion Re- 24-hour dance music provider years. Liverpool’s own DJ Frisk Listen and download for free cords John MacGillivray to Mu- Both albums hit the streets has put his hands on Million ‘The Chant’ also reportedly in- Kiss FM in 1990 to present their over at Soundcloud. sic Week. on 7 February in celebration Sunday night reggae show. Stylez’ version of John Holt’s cludes lyrics to each of the al- of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary. bum’s 13 tunes, as well as an Generations of reggae fans Police in Helicopter. He has Fashion Records – founded in extensive word by esteemed have been introduced to added his original jungle style 1980 – was the brainchild of Reggae historian, John Ma- the latest sounds from Ja- with plenty of necessary bass. reggae devotees John MacGil- souri. The album does include maica by his broadcasts. Both tunes are available over livray and Chris Lane and was mostly new material, but also at iTunes. essentially a spin-off from features two previously well Not all reggae figures have been ------MacGillivray’s Dub Vendor re- known tracks, Hungry Children pleased to be so honoured. In Sizzla’s and Zimbabwe both of which, cord store. 2003 the poet Benjamin Zeph- The Chant incidentally, also featured ------aniah declined his Officer of ------on the excellent compilation the Most Excellent Order of the ‘Caveman Culture Sound Vol. 1’ Sweet Jamaica British Empire or OBE due to As if the first quarter of 2012 from 2009. by Mr Vegas his association of the British wasn’t already sterling enough ------Empire with colonial slavery. ------toje’s excellent debut album ‘7 The first 12” Africa (Is Our Land) Year Itch’, and this year it’s yet The Transition was originally released in 1978 Lord Uptown another album debutant – Da by on the More Cut label and pro- New Singles Professor and his ‘The Labora- Andre Prehay duced by Dennis Bovell. It is ------tory’. ------now acknowledged as a clas- Swedish producer Lord Uptown sic slice of UK roots and on the hails from the small town of A bunch of the album’s 14 Jamaican singer Andre Prehay rare occasion’s copies surface tunes are already released on has recently dropped his large- Uppsala, a town that hosts the they regularly fetch prices over international three day festival Don Corleon’s compila- ly self-produced debut album £100. The vocal cut was in- tions Antique, Feelings, Mes- ‘The Transition’. Uppsala Reggae Festival, and cluded on ‘The Bristol Reggae sometimes hailed as the reg- sage and Broken Hearts. The Explosion 1978-1983’, and fol- gae capital of . combination with titled He currently spends his time lowing numerous requests the Skanking & Rocking was also between the UK and the U.S., label has decided to issue it in ------posted on Youtube last year. and the album’s 13 tracks were Lord Uptown’s labels Dub Co- its original format along with Jah Jah Man bra and Bomb Proof Dubs pro- recorded in Texas and mixed in the original dub mix. Apart from the duet with Proto- Jamaica. Riddim vided the reggae scene with a bunch of slices of heavyweight je, veteran shows their first visit. Based in Min- The second 12” from Joshua ------up as well as Hawaii-based neapolis, Minnesota, these up ‘The Transition’ is mainly in UK roots in 2011. Moses is Rise Up, and is an- French production crew Irie Ites crooner J Boog. and coming musicians collabo- the softer vein of roots reggae, other strong roots outing. Un- follow-up on their Bucket Bot- rated with last even though the pace increas- Now it’s time for the third re- til it’s inclusion on ‘The Bristol tom riddim relick. The new rid- ‘The Laboratory’ hits the usual spring on a remix for their song es in the dancehall-tinged Par- lease on the Dub Cobra imprint Reggae Explosion Volume 2’ dims is titled Jah Jah Man and digital platforms on 10 January. ‘Walk Through the Door’ which ty so Well and the -infused and the second on Bomb Proof it had remained unissued and features sweet vocals from was released in September Education Needed, a combina- Dubs. unknown, and the B side of and 70’s har- 2011 on their Blind Eye Records tion with Swedish rapper and mony group The Tamlins, a this 12” is the previously unre- Power in Unity, Humble Dread label. Since then, the track has singjay Promoe of Loop Troop group that resurfaced last year leased dub version and Dead Serious are – just as been doing well on Itunes and Rockers. with the worthwhile - previous releases – in the elec- getting regular airplay on Siri- Both 12” are available on 20 produced album ‘Re-birth’. usXM radio. ‘The Transition’ is currently tronic UK roots vein inspired by February and limited to 500 outfits such as Zion Train and available as CD and digital This 10” hits the streets in mid copies each at www.bristo- Alpha & Omega. This means According to band leader and download. January and also includes a larchiverecords.com. deep and tasty bass lines along lead guitar player, Dave Kellog, dub version of each cut. ------with horns and melodica. he first met Beres Hammond Joshua Moses Work Hard by in the early 90s when he was Reissues Power in Unity and Humble with the Bahamian band, Cour- Roberto Gell Dread drop on 9 January and age. Having worked with this ------Dead Serious hits the streets a ------legendary singer in the past, The little-known Bristol singer Dominican American Roberto week later. All three tunes will he made the trip to Jamaica to Joshua Moses has been fea- Gell follow up his EP ‘Midnight be put out digitally, but vinyl is- Beres Ham- personally invite Beres to add tured on Bristol Archives Re- Ravers’ with his twelve track sues are considered for future mond and 9To- his signature vocals to their cords’ excellent compilations debut album ‘Work Hard’ in releases. morrows “” inspired track; ‘The Bristol Reggae Explosion’ early January. a style Beres has mastered vol. 1 & 2. ------throughout his career. A blurb Roberto Gell sets his experi- The Laboratory Three members of the 7 man from the band’s website cap- The label is now set to venture ences from the streets of Los by Da Professor strong American band, 9To- tures the moment Beres first into the reggae vinyl singles Angeles to a sound of live morrows, spent time in Jamaica heard the music and Dave’s arena and has scheduled two ------recently doing some video film- feeling of amazement when the played roots reggae meld- Time again for another January limited edition 12” releases ing and working on new music reggae great started bobbing ed with hip-hop, alternative album from Jamaican producer from Joshua Moses. at the much-in-demand Harmo- his head to the beat. I’ll leave rock and Latin influences. Don Corleon. In 2011 it was Pro- ny House studio. This was not it to you to imagine what he must have said or done when extremely heavy dub-infused The 18 cuts in a one drop mode -van Germain and Skatta Bur- “Every singer should have a among the other artists that Beres gave him affirmation in sparse roots reggae, and fits boast mainly upcoming sing- rell. baby’s song. I have been per- have voiced the riddim are Lu- the form of the simple, honest perfectly as a soundtrack to ac- ers and deejays, but some forming this song since I wrote ciano, Devano, , response, “it’s good, it’s very tivities within protest initiatives might recognize Antigua-born Everton Hardware, better it in 2009, and now it’s time Lymie Murray, Sir Ford, Zamun- good…which one do you want such as Occupy Wall Street. New York-grown veteran dee- known as , is to share it with the rest of the da, Anthony B and . me to sing on?” jay Turbulous, who put out no newcomer in reggae busi- world. This is a song for heal------“This timely one drop song has his latest album ‘Woman of ness as he has been active for ing the soul. It goes out from The rest, as they say, is history. had a strong response from a Noble Character’ last year. some fifteen years. Born and my heart to the children of the New Mixtape ------sound systems, live audiences raised in Kingston, Jamaica, he world,” says Brina in a press From Hawkeye Who Dem A and radio selectors worldwide The Bloom Field riddim is cur- got his first real break when he release. ------and we hope it reaches a wid- rently available as digital recorded his first song Tie Me ------Jamaican dancehall artist Program by er audience in these times of download. for in 1987. He later Think Twice Hawkeye, who turned to a more Protoje political unrest and rampant ------went on to work with acclaimed cultural approach some years corruption,” says McPullish. producers Bobby Digital and Riddim ago, has put out a new mixtape ------They Call Me . with ’s Trigga Happy It took Jamaican singjay Protoje ------At the same time McPull- Mr Melody by In November Warrior Musick’s Sound. about seven year to finish his ish makes three previously Dameon Gayle dropped the debut album ‘The Seven Year Singing Melody 7”’s with vocals from Lu- Think Twice riddim, a riddim ‘A So We Say’ is available for Itch’, which was released in tan Fyah, Mark Wonder and ------inspired by Phil Collins’ smash free download here and holds early 2011. Internationally renowned reg- Sylford Walker available for hit ballad Another Day in Para- 25 tunes where of several are gae vocalist Singing Melo- digital download on all ma- dise. unreleased specials and exclu- Now – only a year after – he dy is gearing up for his first jor digital platforms. The sive mixes. is set to drop his sophomore solo album since the 2002 7”’s and the digital versions The first single of the riddim album ‘The 8 Year Affair’ also released ‘Expressions’. feature its dub counterpart. was Fantan Mojah’s anthemic Hawkeye emerged on the scene produced by Don Corleon. Its Rasta Got Soul, where he pays in the late 80’s, and has worked first single Who Dem A Pro- Collide – the first single tribute to legendary reggae art- with many of Jamaica’s top pro- gram unleashes Protoje in a from his sixth solo album ists – “If me no call your name, ducers during the years. Some serious militant style over a ‘They Call Me Mr. Melody’ – please catch me inna di next of his biggest tunes include the dubby riddim. was put out in September, song, cause the list a di name catchy Ooh Ah Aah, Bubble and whereas the new album hits ------a to long.” Wine on the Diwali riddim and Who Dem A Program is also the streets on 17 January. Lala Vizuri Go Rachel. said to set the tone of the al- “The riddim originally started bum and reveals a brand new In the ten years that have by Brina as song for one of my artiste Sir side of this upcoming singer. passed he has been making ------Ford’s up coming album. Every his voice heard in the all-star Jamaican singer Brina, who ------time we hang out he has been vocal group L.U.S.T as well last year dropped the excellent singing that Phil Collins song White Collar as producing artists such as singles Listen and Real Reggae Another Day in Paradise, so we ------ and Tur- Music, is back. Criminals by decide to get it done for the al- bulence and working as an Sylford Walker Bloom Field bum. We worked on the riddim event promoter in Jamaica. Her new single Lala Vizuri ------Riddim (Sleep My Little Baby) is a cool and tried to record the song on it but it just wasn’t successful, Veteran Jamaican roots vo------The 13 track album features one drop that shares both Eng- deciding that we should try an calist Sylford Walker has put Cultural Production from never before heard material lish and Swahili. It’s recorded original song for the riddim, Oh out a new single with Ameri- France has recently dropped and combinations with artists with Sly Dunbar on drums, Lord,” said Dameon Gayle to can heavyweight dub and the one riddim album Bloom Stacious, U-Roy, Lymie Murray Istvan Dely on percussion, De- HDP Global in December. reggae producer McPullish. Field, with artists from is- and L.U.S.T. The production is mar Gayle of Raging Fyah on lands such as Jamaica, Anti- mainly produced by Tony Kelly keyboards, Omar Francis on Duane Stephenson’s cut is a White Collar Criminals/Dub gua, St. Lucia and Anguilla. and Lynford Marshall along guitar and Kieran C Murray on cover of the original tune, and of Correction is a fine slice of with contributions from Dono- bass. ------has the right feel, it will cross failed to get it finished. of compilations such as Wear over. Everyone will accept it – ------You To The Ball from The Para- Club Dance the dancehall crowd, the R&B gons, Ali Baba by John Holt, The Riddim crowd, the hip-hop crowd. The Ska Madness 2 Jamaicans Ba Ba Boom Time ------whole world will accept it, be------and UK act Symarip’s cause reggae is already consid- Due for release on the 23rd Jan- Girl. ered pop music.” uary is ‘Ska Madness 2’ which ------is another one of those collec- This may just sound like more tions of classic Ska and Rock- of the same to some but the Anticipated steady sounds that helped original ‘Ska Madness!’ has inspire the 2-Tone movement now sold over 115,000 cop- Film Premieres that rose to prominence in the ies and was the 4th biggest UK in late 1979. selling budget album of that in February year and at last count was the ------As you will derive from the title 6th biggest selling budget al- Kevin MacDonald’s long antici- this is the follow up to 2010’s bum of 2011! So it just goes to pated film about Bob Marley ‘Ska Madness!’ which collect- show that there is still, thank- Kemar “Flava” McGregor’s lat- will world premiere at the 62nd ed together a selection of the fully, great interest in these est riddim album Club Dance Berlin International Film Festi- original tunes that the 2-Tone old songs. So if you are one of has cracked the iTunes reggae val taking place from February bands, such as The Specials, the people who brought vol- albums top ten chart in the UK 9-19. The Selecter and The (English) ume one then this is its must peaking at the number nine po- Beat had covered during their have companion and if you sition. ‘Marley’ is said to examine the time. This time however the are new to these sounds then life, legacy and global impact collection, compiled by Rhoda this is as good as place as The album features Sinead of Bob Marley and will take a Dakar (The Special A.K.A and any to start and explore what O’Connor’s new single How look at the life of the reggae Bodysnatchers), focuses more drove these great bands on…. About I Be Me and showcas- icon by interviewing many of on tracks which influenced the oh and don’t forget to give vol- es a who’s who of British lov- the figures in and around him original bands, were favour- ume one ago while you’re at it! ers rockers, including Janet as well as using rare archival ites on the tour buses during ------Kay, Peter Spence and Carroll material. the various Two Tone package Bob Marley: Thompson alongside a new tours and were used to fill the generation of young, interna- According to a blog dedicated interludes between the bands Memories of tional reggae artists, such as to Bob Marley the director’s at these gigs. Amongst the 20 Jah People of Marley have been given un- tracks featured are 7 Top 10 UK Maddy Carty, Ammoye, Rekha ------of memorabilia. com, and to open its archives and Nikesha Lindo. precedented access to the Mar- Chart hits including Desmond ley family’s private archives Dekker’s #1 Israelites from Emmanuel Parata is a French Ten years ago, Emmanuel of audio clips, interviews, rare and granted permission to March 1969, a #9 from June reggae lover. Since his child- launched his investigative photos, and a section called “As you know, reggae music is hood, he was lulled by the mu- work. Motivated by his passion “Memories.” These have now one of the most popular genres include rare material. This is 1970 Love Of The Common Peo- supposedly the first time they ple by Nicky Thomas and from sic of , Jacob Miller, for reggae, he began exten- been assembled into an eB- around the world – it’s pretty Third World and many other sive research for rare videos, ook, Bob Marley: Memories of much considered pop music,” have granted this access to a an artist who recently ventured film maker. some way back to his roots reggae legends... audios, interviews, Jah People. says Kemar McGregor in a unpublished photographs and press release, and continues: with his ‘Sacred Fire’ E.P is Jim- Kevin MacDonald – director of my Cliff’s excellent Wonderful But one artist in particular newspaper clippings of Bob “I thought there were many ‘Touching the Void’ and ‘The World, Beautiful People which stood out: Bob Marley. Marley & the Wailers. fans of Bob Marley, but many “To make people listen, it of these fans have never met comes down to the vibe. If the Last King of Scotland’ – is the surprisingly only peaked at #6 third director and ended up di- in October of ’69. Also there are The music of Bob and his uni- Wanting to share his passion or even seen Bob in , rhythm has that vibe, it’s likely versal message permeates Em- with fans around the world, so I created Memories Of Jah to get radio airplay. If the melo- recting the film after Jonathan some tunes that maybe aren’t Demme and Martin Scorsese so well known from these type manuel life and that is why he he decided to create his web- People so that they can live the dies are good, and the rhythm decided to become a collector site in 2010 BobMarleyArchive. moment as if they were there,” said Emmanuel. “About a year version of Ring the Alarm. singer and later gained some Among the artists that shine of album ‘In Awe’ features ten ago, I collected unpublished fame with songs such as Half- ‘Future Cuts’ are , tracks with Vaugn Benjamin on stories, real stories of people became 65 years way Tree and the Ziggi Recado, Sizzla and Nec- lead vocals and Juaquin Wilson who met Bob Marley in profes- old. combination Place Too Bloody. essary Mayhem veteran Mr. on bass and production. sional settings, in person, or Williamz. just at a concert. I have assem- On his fourth album ‘Cruz ‘In Awe’ is Midnite’s fifth re- bled these stories in an inter- Control’ he has teamed up ‘Future Cuts’ is available on 7 lease on Fifth Son Records, active book, and the reaction with producers such as Lloyd February on LP and one week and their second album dis- of the fans and feedback have Campell, Mixing Finga and later as digital download. tributed through reggae giant been mostly positive.” King Jammy’s son John John. ------VP Records. “My new project is to write a The album holds several already Natty Dread “This new album is yet an- book with a lot of stories, il- released singles, including Ru- music seriously after the pass- Makes Photo other authentic piece which lustrated with original photos mors and Lies and Only the ing of his little brother in 2007, Archive Avail- captures the melodic sound of from my personal collection. ------Father, on a relick of Bob Mar- but actually wrote his first true roots music at its best and It may take a long time, but Errol Scorcher ley’s Coming in From the Cold. song at the age of five and able with Midnite’s management I want the best for the fans. Has Died went on to be choir director ------and Vaughn’s support we will And I hope my dream will come ‘Cruz Control’ is currently and worship leader at church Acclaimed French reggae mag- continue to offer Midnite’s mu- true...” ------available as digital down- by the time he was only eleven. azine Natty Dread put out the sic to a wider audience world- Jamaican veteran deejay Errol load on platforms around last issue in July 2010. The wide,” notes VP Associated La- It is still a work in progress. Scorcher died on Thursday 19 the globe on Anthony Cruz’ He has previously been working month before they published bels Group’s Director, Donovan January following a ruptured Stay tuned... own label Shan Shan Music. with Lutan Fyah and Romaine a special issue that contained Williams. blood vessel in his head, re- “Teflon” Arnett. After the pass- some of the photos published ------ports Jamaica Observer. ing of his friend Alty “J.O.E” during its ten years as a peri- ‘In Awe’ is scheduled for re- Jamaican Pro- Nunes he further reinforced the odical. lease tomorrow. ducer He worked as a deejay on sev- calling he got from his brother. eral sound systems in the 70’s Some of these photos (plus Winston Riley and 80’s, and later ventured His new single Beat & some exclusive ones) are now Died into producing his own work. A Mic is available in on- available as a slideshow via line stores and the EP hits the publishing house Jamaica ------His signature song Roach Ina Veteran producer and song- the streets later this year. Insula website. Among the art- de Corner was released in ists portrayed are Lone Ranger, writer Winston Riley was shot 1980, and finds him riding a ------in the head in November last Max Romeo, Chezidek, Queen relick of the classic Future Cuts Ifrica and Bushman. Check it year and fell into coma. Yester- riddim. day he died in hospital, writes From Necessary as they add one new photo each day. Jamaica Observer. Errol Scorcher was 55 years old. ------Mayhem ------Beat And A Mic ------Winston Riley started his ca- Producer Curtis Lynch of Nec- In Awe ------reer in the 60’s and is probably Cruz Control by by Chronixx essary Mayhem fame is set by Midnite Real Reggae most known for the Stalag rid- Anthony Cruz ------to drop the label’s fourth al- Riddim dim, a riddim that has provid------Jamar McNaughton, aka Chro- bum release – ‘Future Cuts’. ------ed the basis for ’s nixx, is a 19 year old from Ja- It features a wide array of art- Almost three months have ------smash hit Bam Bam, Tenor Jamaican singer Anthony passed since VI-roots trail- PayDay Music’s first release Cruz, who’s uncle is the late maica that has hooked up ists from Europe, North Amer- Saw’s Ring the Alarm and hip- with French production team ica and Jamaica and previews blazers Midnite’s latest album of 2012 is the Real Reggae rid- hop group Fu-Schnickens’ Ring and great , has ‘Kings Bell’. That means that dim, a riddim created to show been making music for well Special Delivery for a new tracks from forthcoming 2012 the Alarm. A few years back single and an upcoming EP. riddim releases as well as new it’s time for a new set. the foundation of reggae mu- Beyoncé and did over a decade. He debuted in sic and primed to capture the the mid 90’s as a lovers rock mixes of Necessary Mayhem their take on the riddim with a Chronixx decided to pursue classics. Their newly recorded studio listeners within the first few chords. ------“The music needs a change, Sensimilla Offers the younger Jamaicans don’t Love by Faraji Four Songs For FRANKIE PAUL seem to have a sense of where ------Free Download the music comes from. I want- “I’d like to be in ed to create something for eve------ryone,” states Grammy award Jamaican songstress Etana space movies... winning Austin “PayDay” is currently working on her I’d like to play Green, in a press release. follow-up to last year’s album the man who ------‘Free Expressions’. comes from an- Dubmatix’ Her third album is scheduled other planet” Atomic Subson- for release in the second quar------ic Made Avail- ter of 2012, and the marketing Partially sighted singer Frankie of the album has already begun Paul (born Paul Blake, 1965, able For Free with no less than four songs Kingston) is one of the most available for free download. Download Lovers rock and soul vocal- prolific Jamaican recording artists of the 1980s. In an era ------ist Faraji delivers the sensual Kemar “Flava” McGregor has As a great way to start the New tune with passionate lyrics and when the deejays were increas- produced I am Strong and the ingly ruling the dancehall Paul Year Dubmatix has, for a limit- smooth vocals on his latest re- Lutan Fyah and Luciano combi- proved to be the exception, You grew up with music times but I’ve never quite got ed time, made his 2006 follow lease Sensimilla Love (Wonder- nations Gun and I Will. up to ‘Champion Sound Clash’ ful Feeling) featuring Dwisdom. cutting hit after hit in a voice around you because your to the international stage of that has been compared to it, which I’ve always wanted available for free download. Beautiful Day is produced by mother used to keep dances. both and Ste- to try. I think I’m going to try Faraji worked with producer Etana’s Freemind Music and vie Wonder - who he met and it next year. See if I can get This 12 track album features Paul “GrooveGalore” KasticK Austrian production team and She used to keep dances but was inspired by while still at into being in a few movies. I’d various reggae styles includ- for his debut release of 2012. backing band House of Riddim. she used to go to church also school. Under the patronage like to be in space movies, like ing straight roots and its dub, It was recorded at the Groove and she used to sing there. So of Earl Chinna Smith he record- sci-fi. Alien movies. I’d like to steppers dub and electro dub Shack Studios in Kingston Ja- I got all what she had because ed his first tune at age 15. His play the man who comes from from a host of artists including maica, and evokes an all star she’s now passed away. Freddie McGregor, Anthony B, cast of musicians, including big sides like Worries In The another planet (puts on alien Howie Smart, Raffa Dean, Fred- Dance and Pass The Tu Sheng voice) WHO ARE YOU??? WHAT the talents of Shaggy’s musi- Tell me about your time at the locks, Rasta Rueben, Treson cal director Michael Fletcher, Peng are played ferociously in ARE YOU DOING??? IT IS NOT plus Treasure Chest Produc- guitarist Junior Jazz of Inner dances today and he is still in Salvation Army School for the REQUIRED FOR YOU TO BE tions. Circle, Reggie Griffin of Isley excellent voice, touring around blind. HERE!!! I AM GOING TO SEND Brothers and Baby Face fame the world. At the time of writing YOU BACK DOWN TO EARTH!!!! and drummer Paul KasticK, Frankie is preparing to release It was a wonderful time. It was (laughs) who performs with the likes his new solo album on his re- filling and it was learning. There of reggae star Maxi Priest. cently established Coffee Walk I was taught a whole bunch of You met at label. Angus Taylor spoke to things which I memorized and school didn’t you? Sensimilla Love (Wonder- Mr Paul as he and his manage- brought out in my everyday life ment were having dinner post- ful Feeling) is available on and everyday living. Ah! It was a wonderful day. It performance at Reggae Jam in e-tailers worldwide, and was raining a little in the morn- Bersenbrück, Germany in the Faraji will be supporting Be- You had acting lessons there ing. The school bell rang but summer and got a quick snap- res Hammond on the road in - how have you used that in we didn’t know what was hap- shot of his hugely productive the first six months of 2012. pening. They told us we were career, all told in his distinctive your everyday living? going to have a surprise! We all trans-gulf-of-Mexico drawl. Well, I’ve used it quite a few went to the assembly hall and we saw keyboards set up and At first I was scared of him be- look like worries man!” So im- When the music turned digital tems. It’s a skill I got from be- they have nice tracks. a microphone and I was saying cause I had heard he was a bad- mediately I went to Channel it didn’t seem to stop you at ing around everywhere. Sound “Who’s this?” and I saw them man and he used to tie up peo- One and I did the first version all. You just carried on making system, on the street, in the What do you do in your spare bringing him onstage I thought ple and do all kind of things. for this guy George [Phang] parks, in my home everywhere. time when you’re not making “Stevie Wonder”, my idol!” and So I said to myself “I am going that came from Canada. Tu hits. Do you prefer live music music? it was fabulous. A wonderful to see who is Junjo?” So when Sheng Peng, I was coming from or digital? How do you keep your voice time. I got up on stage and sang they locked the studio I was in a cabaret show in Negril and in shape? “I can see clearly now” and Ste- there hiding, because no one my friend said “Wh’appen, we Live music. It gives you more Make music! Making music deeper inner feeling. It makes and listening to my bedroom vie Wonder said “Oh. Beautiful was allowed in there when Jun- go have a Tu Sheng Peng in the Well...I do a lot of practice, test- you think of original things. set. My bedroom set is one of voice you’ve got there. Keep it jo was recording. So I went into house” and my other friend ing it out every day. Make sure Original things happening the nicest things in the world up and I hope you become in- the studio and he said “Who said “Tu Sheng Peng does the it’s working properly. Make around you. It’s not like cam- today. It’s very heavy, it has ternational with it”. And here I this little boy I-yah?” and I said man ‘nough”. I thought “Wha? sure all the notes are there. ouflage. The digital thing is a lot of top end, it has a lot of am today. They call me the Ja- “I can sing you know” and he Them got me now call Tu Sheng All the slurs are there. The en- camouflage. But you know, you mid-range. And I’ve got my full maican Stevie Wonder. said “Let me hear you”. So he Peng?” so I just asked them ergy’s there. And the vibes can still make the digital thing pouch of CDs which I non-stop put on a rhythm, I sang and the if I could use it. They said yes is there. So there is nothing I sound like it’s live, if you put play every day. When neigh- Who was a bigger inspiration whole place went berserk! He and I sang “Pass the Tu Sheng leave out. And the prayer. Most your heart and your mind to it, bours come they say “Could was like “Yo! Give him five more Peng, pass it over”. important thing of all is the - Stevie or Dennis Brown? it will sound live. you turn it up a little for me riddim!” and they gave me prayer. I do a prayer before I do five more rhythms and I sang. please?” and I say “Sure” and Both. I couldn’t choose. anything in this world today so I crank it up a little bit for them! When I had finished record- You were a very successful God can look upon his son and ing he had one of those brown (laughs) Tell me about how Earl Chinna singer in a time of many dee- give me more blessings. paper bags filled with money jays. Today, would you say Smith helped kick-start your and said “This is yours”. I went What’s on your stereo these career? home and me and my friends there are enough singers in Which do you prefer - live days? sat down counting out pure the industry? performance or recording? I used to live downtown King- twenty dollars - at the time no I’m still listening to old school. ston, Denham Town, Tivoli Gar- hundred dollars was [in circu- I would say there are singers Live performance. Actually I Old school reggae, old school dens area and I knew some lation] in Jamaica it was just but they are scared to get out prefer both - live performance R&B. I’m not too into most of guys who saw me singing and twenty dollars. We counted there and do their thing due to and live recording! the new stuff. I’m into like Rich- they said “You’re wasting your counted, counted and we got a what’s happening now. What ie and [who talent. Let’s bring you to some- lot of money time - which was we have to do now is get back What recordings do you cur- also played Reggae Jam that body who can get your talent nice! It was nice working with to the roots and remember that rently have in the pipeline? weekend] but most of the stuff up there more than it is now.” Junjo because he was a man it’s God, the Most High God, I wouldn’t go near to - that’s They brought to Earl Chinna that paid! He treated the artists nothing else, nobody else that I have a new label coming out not my style. Smith and we went to Chan- good. runs the thing. He probably is named Coffee Walk out of Mon- nel One, Jumbo, Henry Junjo You recorded a huge number not too quick at doing what tego Bay, Jamaica and New some people want him to do Lawes, Records, Jam- How did you come up with of tunes - could you estimate York. I have a new album get- Interview by Angus Taylor but it surely will come some Photos by Franck Blanquin mys, all those labels. But I your two most famous tunes ting ready to come out on the started with High Times. My how many? Are you happy to day. - Pass The Tu Sheng Peng and market. I haven’t given it a first tune was African Princess have recorded so many? If you name yet [It has since been an- and it did wonderful. It was my Worries In The Dance? did it all again would record How much of what you do is nounced as Broken Hearted]. first big hit. so much? improvised? Is that a skill you Actually I have two new albums Worries In The Dance, I was got from sound systems? getting ready that haven’t got Some of your biggest hits in the dance one time and the Last time I checked I did over a name yet. Very soon they girls were acting real outra- five thousand tunes. And I’m will be out playing on the radio were for Junjo Lawes. What geous. Dancing on their head Well I didn’t plan it! (laughs) was your experience like, still going strong. I am. Yes I Most of it is straight from the and playing all over. And a lot and they were going down on would. of people will enjoy it because working with him? the floor and I was saying “This head. Not only sound sys- label, releasing more specific tionship with Studio One Re- to many people’s disappoint- single artists, and the name of cords that started about twelve ment, stopped reissuing Studio the shop in London. years ago, and the great re- One material. Stuart explains Stuart Baker founder of leases that have sprung from that it had to do with family is- “We are indeed an independ- that connection. sues. ent label and as such see our- selves as quite removed from “We built up the courage to “Studio One is a family busi- the mainstream music indus- contact Clement Dodd and told ness. Our relationship began Soul Jazz Records try,” explains Stuart Baker, him how much we admired with Clement Dodd. When he founder of the label, and con- Studio One and asked if he sadly died in 2004, we contin- tinues: would be interested in working ued our relationship with Stu- with us,” reveals Stuart, and dio One via his daughter Carol “Five years ago we decided to explains why Clement Dodd and his wife Norma Dodd, who develop our publishing offer chose to work with Soul Jazz: also sadly passed away in within music books and films, 2010,” says Stuart, and contin- in order to move in a different “He chose to take a chance and ues: direction from other labels. trust us to work with. I think This seems to have worked. In it was because we were al- “These events obviously meant the future I would like to de- ways polite and when we first that for a while Studio One’s velop a digital model for what introduced ourselves we said concerns were elsewhere, we do, that incorporates music that we were a record com- however we are now both look- and books and film in some pany who released soul, jazz, ing to the future.” way.” reggae etc as opposed to just reggae. We sent material from ------Sleeves strength of the cata- our catalogue which I think is Passion is the key how he wanted to be present- logue. ------ed – alongside jazz music for Soul Jazz is known not only for instance rather than solely reg- The relationship between Soul great music, but also for great gae.” Jazz and Studio One is now hap- packaging and design. The re- pily back on track, and the first leases usually include book- Clement Dodd was one of the scheduled releases are a com- lets rich of photos and texts on instrumental forces behind pilation of Studio One tracks the history of the project. reggae music, and Stuart ex- titled ‘The Legendary Studio One Records’ and a book on Soul Jazz Records is an ac- pendent label that started its plains what is so special about “We built up the cover art of Studio One. claimed label that has evolved journey more than 20 years “Although we have changed Studio One. the courage to ago and has since issued mu- styles many times, we always into a diverse company that ‘The Cover Art of Studio One’ sic in a broad range of genres, have a passion behind our re- “Well, it is a much used phrase, contact Clement follows other great books from offers both records, DVD’s including reggae, house, hip- leases and wish to communi- but it is the foundation label of Dodd and told Soul Jazz, including Beth Less- and books. One of the label’s hop, punk, jazz, funk, bossa cate this to people - hopefully all reggae music. It was at the er’s ‘Dancehall – The Rise of Ja- him how much nova and soul. Music with this is our reputation,” explains centre of a musical world and highlights is the relation- maican Dancehall Culture’ and strong historical and social Stuart. leading the way.” we admired ship with Studio One Records. ’s and Stuart background. Studio One” United Reggae has talked to ------Baker’s ‘Freedom, Rhythm and Built up courage Back on track Sound – Revolutionary Jazz ------Soul Jazz’ founder Stuart Bak- Apart from releasing records, Original Cover Art 1965-1983’. er about Studio One and the Soul Jazz has also ventured ------with Studio One Soul Jazz and Studio Stuart explains the story be- into publishing books and One of the critical factors be- One is back future. ------hind the new book. DVD’s as well as branched out hind the success among the A few years back Soul Jazz, ------Soul Jazz Records is an inde- to Sounds of the Universe, a reggae audience is the rela- “Well, anyone who collects “On Soul Jazz I would say Stu- Studio One knows that the dio One Rockers, which was sleeves are very much a part of our first, The Keyboard King by the strength of the catalogue. , which was one We began publishing books of our most successful and our about five years ago, such as four hour film Studio One Sto- CALI P Beth Lesser’s Dancehall and ry, which was a big project,” he cover art books about jazz and says, and continues with origi- also Brazilian music, so a Stu- a dynamism and energy. Rock nal Studio One albums: dio One book seemed a very steady releases such as The natural thing to do,” explains Cables and Alton Ellis are cool “Original Studio One is an al- Stuart and adds: and restrained. Dub albums most impossible question to are minimal and sparse and answer. In fact it is impossible! “We had a lot of the covers the dancehall era has some of This second I would say I love but called upon the collector’s the best in my view,” explains Michigan and Smiley for the community for those really rare Stuart, and adds: culmination of musicianship, bits. I’d like to thank Rob Chap- good time feeling, the re-using man and Brentford in particular “Even though Studio One used of rhythms and the intellectual for their verging-on-the-obses- a number of designers the fun of this and the timeless- sive knowledge of Studio One.” covers always feel like Studio ness.” ------One.” ------“Styles match Studio One favorites The 200 page book contains the music” hundreds of both classic and ------rare sleeves. Stuart says he There are a number of Studio Studio One’s cover sleeves art- loves them all, but mentions One releases planned, but Stu- work changed during the years two that stick out. art is keen not to reveal any de- of operation, and you can see tails. a great difference in, let’s say, “I love the Juks Corporation “Just because I in 2008 spread his name all In October 2011 Cali P released early ska releases and the dub cover where the characters “Our Studio One releases fo- around the world and even got his second LP called ‘Unstop- albums issued in the late 70’s. move along the dancehall and cus on compilations, which started out with released in Japan. pable’, a collaboration with the girl vanishes in the differ- leaves Studio One itself free to Modern Roots, Dancehall-HipHop-Producer ent editions,” he says, and promote its own catalogue at doesn’t mean After regular visit’s to America, Riga, and reached the TopTen continues: the same time,” he says. Still, South America, Africa and of of the Reggae-iTunes-Charts in Stuart says that he’d like to re- that I only have course shows all over Europe, the USA, Canada and of course “I love the fact that The Wailing issue classic albums from the to stick to this he moved permanently to Ja- . Wailers had an earlier sleeve likes of and Hor- maica, the home of Reggae- ace Andy. musical style” with the group in different po- music. How did it happened that you sitions.” ------“But really, we are very happy Cali P - 26 years old - grew up In just one year he managed to moved from Switzerland to in the approach of compiling in Switzerland and spent a lot get bookings for big shows like Jamaica? Studio One favorites the catalogue in hopefully in- of times in the carribean Island St. Mary Me Come From, Sting ------teresting, fun and different Guadeloupe, the home of his and Rebel Salute, shared the I visited Jamaica for the first When it comes to particular al- ways.” dad. Over the years he voiced voice-booth with established time in 2009 and stay there “I think the styles match the bum releases it seems easier some of continental-europe’s acts like and even re- for the time of four month. music. Ska releases such as for Stuart to mention favorites, biggest riddims like Superior, corded a song with the legend- The vibe and the spirit of the The Skatalites are charged with at least with regards to albums Interview by Erik Magni First Sight or Tek A Train. His ary producer-duo Sly and Rob- island was amazing. After my from Soul Jazz. first album ‘The Lyrical Fyah’ bie. visit I returned to Switzerland and decided to move to Jamai- ca. It only took some weeks un- til I went back to Jamaica.

I live there now since one year and I’m very glad with my situ- ation and how we moved for- ward in this short time. I found a own house to live in and we also built up our own studio. Before there was just a garden, now we have our proper work- ing studio. Bobby Digital and his team helped us with the electric wires and building the recording-room. I’m very happy everything happened very fast in 2009. Today we also have But I don’t feel like it’s a rivalry and the feedback to my sound Tanner Hall and Iceberg as co- between the artists, some- is great. owner and people like produc- times I’m at a studio and write er Riga or Selecta Chiqui Dubs, a song and then an other art- Was it easy to get in touch which are also a part of the ists sings it and when he’s get- with other labels and other Inspired Family. And of course ting exposure with that, I’m artists? there some more people for happy too. the graphics, webpages and Well, I’m in touch with jamai- promo. It’s a big team. With your move to Jamaica can labels & artists since over what changed for your career. ten years and they always sug- Now in Jamaica you can found Are you getting more recogni- gested me: “Ey Cali, you need an artists on every corner and tion? to come to Jamaica. Over there there’s a certain competition. the people will appreciate your How does that influence your I really getting more exposure Your song “Like A Lion” was especially “Like A Lion”. We land and Soundsystems all music much more” and that’s since I live in Jamaica. Also played on heavy-rotation on linked up several times and around the world linked me for what we did now. Very impor- music and does also push you before when I was based in Irie FM. How did that happen? eventually I gave him some Dubplates. But the funny thing tant is also that I brought my to better results? Switzerland I had worldwide Promo-CDs, which he passed is: I released “Like A Lion” four own Label - Inspired Music attention, did songs for la- Me and Black Phantom attend- forward to the Irie-FM-Selec- months before it was featured Concepts” - to Jamaica and That aspect makes a big differ- bels all around the world, but ed a sports-event in Ochio Rios. tors. That’s how “Like A Lion” on Irie FM and back then it enrolled it correctly with all pa- ence for personally. In Europe since I’m in Jamaica I’m getting Then we had a little jam ses- entered the program of Irie-FM. didn’t get this huge recognition. perwork. Jamaica has one label I didn’t really feel that. I could more and more attention. Ja- sion on the parking lot. Blacks Frey Vineyard. Tap Nat Musik more, where young artists can not see any artists around that maica is known a music-land, played my Riddims on the car- and the Frey Vineyard present a Since October 2011 you have voice their tunes and get some invested more time and energy everybody’s who’s involved in speaker and I performed some show called the Beneficial Reg- your second album called recognition - and the people into his music than me. Reggae or Dancehall is always of my current tunes to a small gae which is growing. We’re appreciate that very much. starting to think about the ‘Unstoppable’ out. What’s the In Jamaica everybody’s work- watching what’s happening on crowd of people. More and new album about? the island. So since I got fea- more people joined us to see next event. Those are the main Who’s exactly involved in ing 24hours a day. Not just as things we’re thinking about. recording artists, but also as tured in Jamaican radio’s and what’s going on and after a The new album is a collabora- your label? TV-shows and sound systems while a man stepped to me. He event-organizer or producer. When I posted my webpage tion with me and Riga (Pro- That also gives me strength play my songs in the dances, introduced himself as a news- ducer from Geneva). I working The label was founded by Black and Facebook that “Like A and power for myself. the whole world see’s that. reporter at Irie FM and he was with him since many years and Phantom and myself in Zürich very interested in my music, Lion” is on rotation in Jamaica, it also buzzed big in Switzer- we did many songs together a lot of files for and back?

No, everything was recorded in his studio. We started about 3 years ago, at this moment I was still based in Switzer- TINGA STEWART land. Sometimes he already had the Riddims finished and other times we vibed together.

Soundwise “Unstoppable” is very modern with electronic- produced Riddims, but the lyrics are more what to expect from a Roots-Album.

For sure. I can’t switch my per- sonality just because I’m sing- ing on a Dancehall-Riddim. I always stay true to myself and it gives me motivation to record this kind of Riddims. Maybe there are people out there, which can’t relate to Roots-Sound, because it’s to slow for them. People, which are more into the “club-vibe” definitely can party to this al- 1967 and Tinga following him until, sadly, Roman passed bum, and when they take a “Mr Boris Gard- in 1968. But it was on the ho- away due to heart problems in minute and listen carefully ner was a per- tel and club circuit that Tinga 2004 after a concert by his old to the lyrics, they will notice really made his mark, perform- friend Freddie McGregor. But that I touch some serious top- fectionist. I ing a wide variety of Jamaican Tinga has carried on the fam- ics on the album. That very sang a little off and foreign popular music with ily legacy and in 2009 released important for me personally. over the last years. We experi- ally like many different genres. key - he took the Boris Gardner Happening his latest album ‘Nah Linga’, mented with new sounds and the bass and that would inform the soul- co-produced by his son, taking ful love songs of his recorded more of a roots direction than just recorded tunes, without Just because I started out Interview by conked me on thinking about an album. When with Modern Roots, doesn’t Demian Hartmann my head!” works. A solo career beckoned the lovers staples for which he I moved to Jamaica I thought i mean that I only have to stick Photos by Felix Rioux when he won the 1974 Jamaica is known. He has a new sin- would be a pity, if these songs to this musical style. Right ------Independence Festival popu- gle Victim produced by Patrick just get lost in the archives. now I’m already working on Neville “Tinga” Stewart was lar song contest with Play The Booth of Sollueshing Produc- So we decided to release it my next LP, which will con- born in East Kingston and Music, which reached a high tions due in mid January 2012. as a pure Dancehall-HipHop- tain strictly Roots-Music. grew up around the Kingston point when he took the 1981 Angus Taylor spoke to Tinga Album. I’ve got fans, who are 11 Waltham Park Road area. contest with the classic Nuh about his “love of love”, Ameri- listening to Roots-Reggae Since one year you’re based in He and his younger brother Weh Nuh Better Than Yard. Ro- can soul music and how he has Roman Stewart both showed man and then Tinga relocated remained current through the and others also like HipHop Jamaica, your producer Riga is or RnB. For me music knows an aptitude for singing, with to New York and continued to years... no boundaries and I person- based in Geneva. Did you sent Roman cutting his first side in be active in the dancehall era Who got into music first, you for a time. And when Roman was flat. That made me aware Roman won the next year. or your brother? sang “NOW THAT THE CHANGE of what I was doing and try to HAS COME... WE MUST HAVE sing better. Mr Boris Gardner Yes, I wrote that one in 1975 My brother recorded before me SOME FUN...” in that big style was a perfectionist. I should - a song called Hooray Festi- but I was involved in it first. that a lot of artists have tried say I went to a university work- val - and decided not to enter He recorded in ‘67. The Tenors to imitate - no one imitated him ing with Boris for three to four with the song. What really hap- group produced a song with like Dennis Brown. years and it was a great experi- pened was in the finals they him Walking Down The Street ence. didn’t pick the song. But Toots on the other side of a tune What was Derrick like to work and the Maytals dropped out of called Ride Me Donkey. Me, I with? You’ve sung and interpreted the competition because they was always singing in bands. many American soul and R&B had to go on tour. So because that song made an impact on My first band was called Wild- At the time Derrick was a very songs in your solo career. Was cats band and we used to sing that night they called back for cool producer, a singer pro- it that period that gave you a lot in clubs. Then I moved on ducer, so good to work with. that song. Toots dropped out of to the Boris Gardner Happen- In those times we had The that versatility - singing all the final six and Roman won it ing from 1971-74. Chosen Few there alongside those styles of music? with that song. myself because they did the What was your first tune? background vocals to my first That’s correct. That was the Was there ever a rivalry be- song Hear That Train. They nurturing for me singing all tween you and your brother – My first tune was with Ernest backed my songs with their those songs that came from as two professional and suc- the Boris Gardner tutelage and Wilson and the Clarendonians harmonies. He also had people cessful singers? - a song called She’s Gone in like the Kingstonians, Eric Don- the experience working with aldson passed through, Rudy him made me come out with duet and that same night I did a Never. We did two albums to- Mills, and did his solo all those songs you’re talking song called Hear That Train. We gether - one called Brother to thing to make a name for him- about. went down to Dynamic Sounds Brother and one called Break self away from the Chosen Few, studio, Byron Lee’s studio, and Down The Barriers - and we al- Big Youth, and Keith & Tex who there were musicians like Es- How did you depart from Bo- ways had a good vibes. At no sang Stop That Train. All those mond Jarrett on drums, Hux ris Gardner to go solo and be time did we ever quarrel over people were around Derrick. Brown on guitar, Jackie Jackson replaced by Earl 16? singing. He’d leave New York for on bass, Gladdy Anderson on Jamaica and make the rhythm piano, on key- You were quite active on the I really didn’t leave. It was 1974 tracks, bring them back to New boards - musicians like those. hotel and club circuit in your and Ernie Smith wrote this song York and we’d voice them to- It was great we recorded two for me called Play The Music gether. That was how we’d do it tracks and just had to sing eve- early days – what are your and it won the Festival Song because he left Jamaica in 1976 love. I love singing to women. ner band I always wanted to rything one time. It was pro- memories of those days? while I was with Boris Gardner and didn’t come back. I like to sing those balladeer- sing songs like Let’s Get It On duced by . Great memories. People danc- so I started getting solo work ing love songs because you and I just loved the styling of Al all around the country and Bo- As we said, you covered a lot can soothe the world with love. Green and Marvin Gaye. Both you and brother sang for ing, singing to people. We’d play American pop songs, ca- ris hired Earl 16. He took my po- of soul tunes like Why Can’t I like to sing culture songs too Derrick Harriott, right? lypso songs and a wide reper- sition as vocalist with the band but when I tour there are a lot A lot of younger people in but I wasn’t fired or anything We Live Together, Rainy Night toire of soul songs. I learned to of love songs. the UK and Europe know you Yes, he did a song for Derrick like that. I just moved on and it In Georgia; Al Green, The Drift- sing all those songs with Boris for your 1977 cover of Timmy that was written for Dennis Gardner. I remember one time I was cool runnings with every- ers – what is it you love about Who are your favourite US thing. Thomas’ Why Can’t We Live Brown - Now That The Change was singing this song and peo- those great American artists singers and why do you like Has Come [Changing Times]. Together on the Blood & Fire ple were dancing and I sang the and songs so much? them? That’s why people always say song a little off key - he took You sang the winning festival Darker Than Blue compilation. Dennis followed Roman’s style the bass and conked me on my song of 1974 and wrote the You see, I love love. Those because they were close friends Al Green, Marvin Gaye. When head! To make me aware that I winning song of 1975 – when songs are expressing a lot of I was singing with Boris Gard- That was for Ronnie Virgo, who laid the rhythm tracks with Sly Blues Busters. How did that Witty the producer was in the & Robbie. Ronnie told me he happen? studio so we just went in front had the rhythm and he wanted of the mic, Ninja Man was in me to do Why Can’t We Live To- front of me and I just sang it I was in New York and the gether so we went into Channel in one take and the song was brother who was putting that One studio and the background finished. They told Ninjaman festival show on was a good voice on it was Brent Dowe. where to come back in and I friend of mine so he asked me It was big outside of Jamaica sang the intro, he came in and and Roman to do the show. I because it didn’t get any play I came in and that was it. One did a couple of songs on that here or get a big boost here. It take. That was the first one, show and they only put one just came out in Europe. Take Him To Know Her. The sec- on the video but it was a good ond one came when Pickout show. But the tune that most peo- the producer gave me some ple in Jamaica know you for rhythm tracks. I went into the Why did you decide to leave studio with him and was sing- is Nuh Weh Nuh Better Than Jamaica and follow Roman to ing on this track and thought, Yard which again was the Fes- New York? “You know what? I’m going to tival song of 1981 – tell me the give Ninjaman a second com- story behind that song. bination tune”. So I went down I got a green card. I went over Edison Avenue where he lived there for a while and after a on my bike and said, “Ninja! I That was when Bob Marley was couple of years I got a green sick in Germany. Everyone was got a song for you man! A com- card in about 1986. But I was bination we can do down Chan- in mourning in Tuff Gong Studi- still going back and forth to Ja- os. Then Sangie Davis said he nel One!” I said, “The song is maica. Then after a while I de- called Cover Me” and he just had this song for me and start- New York it was Roman they works with Capleton. We got to- future hold for you? cided to get citizenship so I had looked at me and said, “Under ed playing it on the guitar and had to find because he had the gether and mixed all the songs. Good things. Touring - can’t to stay there for a little while, Mi Love!” So we just jumped it sounded very melodious to connections to do dubplates. One of the tracks is produced stop! - and the album is picking for a few years. on my bike back to Maxfield me and we wanted to enter it in He’d says, “Brother, I have by Willie Lindo called Believe up very well on iTunes, the in- Avenue and we did two takes - the Festival. At the time we saw some work for you” and we’d Me but most of the songs are ternet and all that. People like In the late 1980s and early 90s the engineer was Souljie - and coming through go to the studio. Everybody is produced by myself and Mix- it and they are buying it. So I’ll as the dancehall thing hap- it was history again! the gates and played her the the business: Ken Boothe, Al- ing Finga. There is a lot of cul- keep on singing and perform- song and she said she wanted pened you carried on: cover- ton Ellis... tural content on there. As well ing - that’s what I love best. So to produce it. The next day we ing American classics in deejay How have you coped with as Hail The King there is Praise for 2012 I’m still recording new went into the studio with the combination like Take Time To your brother’s passing in 2004 Finally you came with a new Him, which is about respecting songs and I’m still going. Wailers band and cut the track Know Her, Save The Last Dance and what’s your favourite album in 2009 called Nah your parents and culture and not being a hypocrite, written - and the rest is history! with Ninja Man and Up On The memory of him? Linga featuring a very cultur- by Willie Lindo. People often Interview by Angus Taylor Roof with for Steely & al song Hail The King on the say to me, “Tinga! You sing too You and Roman both feature My favourite memory of Ro- Clevie. drum song rhythm with Ras much love tune! Cho! Why you on the concert DVD Vintage man? Oh gosh. So many memo- ries. I remember Roman as the Myrhdak. don’t do some culture tune for Reggae Bash Brooklyn 1983 The first time the combina- king of specials in New York. Europe and them people!” So at the Empire Roller Skat- tion happened with Ninja Man Any time an artist would come Well, the name of the album I decided to do some cultural ing Center in Brooklyn with I went by ’s studio from Jamaica or any artist in the came about because my name content because people long to hear the culture side of Tinga. Big Youth, , Ken in Jamaica and saw Ninjaman. world came through New York is Tinga so I said “Nah Linga - Every time he saw me he said that’s what the name of the al- Boothe, , Tinga they would have find Roman. he wanted to do a song and we You name any artist and they bum is going to be”. The engi- You have a new single, Victim, Stewart, Roman Stewart, The heard this rhythm playing and would tell you. If they came to neering is by Mixing Finga who out for 2012. What does the Kiss”. Now my second single “Sunshine Glow” is a funny Jemere Morgan story. That was actually the first reggae “one drop” song “I have some pretty big shoes to fill but I’m ready I ever done so I was a little nervous because I had no clue to take on the challenge” what I was doing. I sat in the studio for 3 hours trying to Every reggae lover knows or find a melody and nothing was has heard at least a song of coming to my head. So I took a Morgan Heritage, the royal break from the studio and then family of reggae. And a new came back 45 minutes later generation of this talented big and I finally found the melody! family is growing up, and it So I put the melody down and lems with their girlfriend and music is very important. I rep- has been a pleasure for me to went back and put words into sometimes they don’t know resent for all the young teen have the chance to interview it and there you have it “Sun- what to say or what to do to boys that go through prob- Jemere Morgan. shine Glow”. make their girl happy again. lems with their girlfriend and So I want to be the one they sometimes they don’t know You are the son of Gramps Your songs are very roman- turn to and dedicate my songs what to say or what to do to Morgan of Morgan Heritage. tic, and the lyrics are mostly to their problems. make their girl happy again. How do you feel being part So I want to be the one they about love. Do you consider and representing the new Your songs are very roman- turn to and dedicate my songs yourself a “lovers rock” sing- to their problems. generation of this great fam- tic, and the lyrics are mostly er? How important is for you ily? Musically speaking, which about love. Do you consider to transmit messages through Your name JEMERE means commitment means carrying a yourself a “lovers rock” sing- music? “wish come true”. Which last name like this? er? How important is for you is your biggest dream you to transmit messages through Well I’m a teenager so this is I feel very blessed and humbled would like to see accom- the time where you start to music? to take part of my family legacy. plished? first feel real feelings about a I have some pretty big shoes girl so I’m always built up with Well I’m a teenager so this is to fill but I’m ready to take on I’ve always dreamed of selling all these feelings inside of me the time where you start to the challenge and take what my out a stadium one day so do- about the girl I’m with and I al- first feel real feelings about a family have done in the busi- ing that will be a huge accom- ways take things that girls say girl so I’m always built up with ness to another level which well plishment for me and I’m look- and put them into a song. And all these feelings inside of me set the path for the next genera- ing forward to doing that in my Yes! I’m a big fan of “lovers about the girl I’m with and I al- tions of Morgan’s to come… and near future. rock” music too, if there is one ways take things that girls say it’s a bunch of us so get ready! and put them into a song. And type of genre I can say that Interview by (laughs) Yes! I’m a big fan of “lovers makes the girls say “yeahh” Nadia Bestjamaica (laughs) then I will say it’s rock” music too, if there is one So young, just 17 years old, and “lovers rock”. Music is life! type of genre I can say that already two singles released: Even the hardcore rap songs makes the girls say “yeahh” “First Kiss” and “Sunshine you hear now and days people (laughs) then I will say it’s “lovers rock”. Music is life! Glow”. Can you tell us some- bathroom (laughs) and that’s can listen and relate to their Even the hardcore rap songs Well my first single “First Kiss” how I came up with the melody. own life so the message in my thing about these releases, you hear now and days people came along by me singing in So I took it to the studio and put music is very important. I rep- the studio experience or any can listen and relate to their the shower which I love doing my thoughts into the lyrics and resent for all the young teen own life so the message in my anecdote? because of the reverb in the there you have it “First boys that go through prob- Your rebel music EP really where we’d make mix cds and took off last year. Why do you That was the approach from remixes. I’ve always been into Kabaka Pyramid think it created such a buzz? the outset. This was promotion computers and into music so for people who don’t know Ka- these things come naturally. baka Pyramid and are wonder- I’m always eager to learn every “I have always A few reasons. I think the ing “Why should I pay for it if I time I go to a big studio, pick- been musically sound isn’t necessarily unique don’t know it?” So we put it out ing their brains to see what a split person- because it’s often compared there free and it’s not a problem compressors they use, reverb, to Junior Gong and Protoje and because we do it for the love of when to do this and that. My ality” such. But I think the sound it. Radio stations are playing production has been an evolu- blended in the way it was with it, some less known than oth- tion. I have the mindset that if Keron Salmon AKA Kabaka the reggae and hip hop mix and ers, but a couple of disc jocks I can’t get something done for Pyramid created seismic waves the content - the level of infor- on major stations have been me I’ll just learn to do it my- with the release of his free to mation - that had a major im- supporting me ever since and a self. I like an old school sound download Rebel Music EP last pact on the reaction from peo- few new ones logging on since with hip hop drum loops and summer. Combining roots reg- ple. I’ve been overwhelmed, the EP. I’ll be doing a show here old school sounds in reggae gae and conscious hip hop as trust me. It’s a blessing. in Kingston called Plug ‘n’ Play instrumentation. So I will sam- seamlessly as Nas and Dami- that Dubtonic puts on every ple some old reggae, create a an, and featuring a guest ap- I’m glad you mentioned Junior Friday at Jonkanoo Lounge. I’ll drum loop, add some more in- pearance from man of the mo- Gong. People compared Rebel be there along with other acts struments whether some keys, ment Protoje, the EP issued via like ChronixX and Kelissa that guitar or some horns. I use Ab- his Bebble Rock label seemed Music to Distant Relatives - is this a flattering or superficial I link with. I’ll be doing JARIA leton Live right now, big up to to unite reggae fans across the - the Jamaica Reggae Industry Suwandi for showing me that world. Bebble Rock is a musi- comparison? Association - they’re keeping a program which revolutionized cal, social and familial com- series of shows in February for my production. So it’s a lot of munity that grew up around Definitely flattering because Reggae Month. I’ll be on either sampling and a lot of getting Salmon, his brother and their those two are artists I look up the fusion night or the reggae live instruments and musicians friends in the Hope Pastures/ to. Junior Gong and Stephen night! Because my stuff is kind to come in the studio. College Green area of St An- Marley’s productions I look up of... (laughs) drew. In 2002, after complet- to as a producer as well. I have ing high school Salmon left no problem with when people Tell me about how you be- Jamaica for Fort Lauderdale say “You sound like somebody You are an mc, producer, en- came part of the Bebble Rock where he began rapping and else” because I’m not trying to gineer - how did you get into Family? making beats, finding the Beb- reinvent the wheel. You have to each one? ble Rock crew had set up their use your influences and mould Bebble Rock started mainly own studio for him to work in them into your sound. Mc-ing just began from my with youths I went to high on his return. At about this high school days. Just me and school with and from other time he chose the name Kaba- You’ve really embraced the my brethren just listening to a high schools in Hope Pastures, ka Pyramid, bringing together mixtape culture in the same lot of rap and a lot of dance- College Green. Man like AJ they the name of a former Ugandan have always been around, man way hip hop and rnb have hall and then trying it out for king and the iconic polyhedron. ourselves. That just grew into like Grabba Smallz I went to been to get mainstream in- Several hip hop mix tapes fol- a myspace invasion mixtape by was history. Six months after building a home studio. I used school with, my two managers lowed until another trip to the DJ Green Lantern. In 2009 fol- the dust had settled Angus terest. Is this the way to build to watch my brother Supanova Abi and Duanie, my brother Su- states in 2004 led to a meet- lowing two more hip hop mix- Taylor caught up with Kabaka a buzz when people won’t producing a lot and he taught panova - so it’s always been a ing with fellow rapper Young tapes the Transition Volume 1 Pyramid to discuss his many buy albums? How has the re- me how to use FruityLoops family thing. We’d always had Diction who introduced him and Volume 2 Kabaka and his sided talents... a studio which has been a cen- sponse to the EP translated and make beats, and how to to the producer Danger. Their management team decided to use Acid Pro and record. I had tral link up point. Right now ------into mainstream radio play or collaboration single Dear Hip fuse his hip hop and reggae a background in using those the studio is at Abi’s house. Hop was chosen to feature on heritage as one - and the rest big show bookings? programs from having a sound These are not just musical re- -lationships - these are breth- not on the radio any more. My football jerseys. We have our fying yourself to the creator. If I rens where it’s more like fam- disc jock brethren named ZJ duplication thing in the stu- can keep a balanced heart and ily. Taiwo was a key member Rush, me and him are close dio, cd duplication with Light- mentality then my music will when we focussed more on the so he will play some of my hip scribe, and studio time where I be balanced and beneficial for hip hop and passed away in hop tracks here and there, but work as an engineer, so I have people. Yoga keeps me level late 2007. But that kind of gal- for the most part it doesn’t get to supplement. and with the deep breathing as vanised the unit again and we supported in the mainstream. well it enhances my breathing built this studio here and it was and ability to project my voice How do your spiritual politi- just constant music from there Who are your all time favour- and even with abdominals and cal and artistic beliefs express - albums and mixtapes and this ite hip hop artists? And your things like that so it’s very sort of thing. Bebble means themselves through your mu- much a part of the process. favourite reggae artists? “Sharp” and the rock signifies sic? the solidity. So the rock will al- Gza and Raekwon from Wu Tell me about what the rela- ways stay sharp and the music The main motivation for me to Tang, Common, Nas and Cani- tionship between reggae and will always keep the direction do music is to bring across a bus. Talking about Sizzla, Den- hip hop and what it means to one pointed while it’s always message. The message might nis Brown, Peter Tosh, Ini Ka- solid content and solid music. be different due to the vibe of you? moze, and Junior Gong. Those the production or just my vibe are my all time favourites. Your previous two mixtapes at the time but I try to stand out (pauses) For me it comes out with a level of content in my lyr- of the same milieu, the same - the transition 1 and 2 were You talk in your lyrics about energy source. African peo- hip hop. Was your plan to fo- ics. I find that a lot of the type doing music for the love of of information given in certain ple come from Africa. Some cus on hip hop then? it. Do you have to find other songs I listen to - particularly in of us came to the Caribbean, hip hop - I don’t find those mes- some of us went to the States. Definitely - I was still doing a ways to make a living? Is mu- All were taken and brought to sic something you do in your sages being brought across in lot of reggae songs then but reggae. So I try to go as deep these places. And the same it was still in a developmental spare time? as I can with my spirituality and revolutionary energy that was stage. But the hip hop we were my Rastafarian faith. Because being cultivated in the 50s, more confident with and con- I’m just reaching a stage in there is an evolution going on 60s, and 70s, it just manifested sidered ready for the streets the last few months where if I in consciousness right now and in two different ways. A lot of and for the underground vibe got an offer for a 9 to 5 job I’d people are rising so I think the the same things being spoken and thing. Hip hop is just some- probably turn it down. Things music needs to rise with that of, the fight for freedom, the thing that comes natural to me are rough in Jamaica. My fam- consciousness. People need fight for liberation, the strug- as well and that spurred our ily have been going through to know about yoga, about gle of poverty against oppres- confidence that we should put a rough patch for the last few Tai Chi, about energy, about sion, but it just manifested in out some music. We put out the years. But we still give thanks chakras, about meditation. Not a different bounce, a different Transition 1 while I was still in different communities. There’s stream stuff like Little Wayne for a place to stay and right now just saying these things but ac- groove. So what I try to do is Orlando and then after we did no real showcase for them and Rick Ross. You have a lot of I don’t have to worry about too tually doing and talking about just fuse the grooves together the Bebble album in Jamaica so you will have rappers out rappers but the thing about it many bills and things and we them from experience. and there are so many different when I came back in ‘08-’09 in Portmore who don’t really is that Jamaicans for the most have the studio. It rolls around styles with this type of music we released Transition Volume my mind but I don’t really that I just love and appreciate know what’s going on in King- part are not comfortable with Tell me about your Kemetic 2 which got a lot of good sup- ston. We hear there are rap- people rapping - particularly stress about that still. The mu- it when someone does some- port. pers in Mandevillle and it’s like rapping with a foreign accent. sic, just even getting dubplates Yoga. Is it complementary to thing unique. Like , the connections are not really That’s why there’s pretty much and keeping those things in your music? the man just has style, and he What is the Jamaican hip hop being bridged as they should no radio support for local rap- circulation, gives me a good is another one who did what I scene like? be. But hip hop is huge in Ja- pers. Boyd from Alric and Boyd income and doing little shows Yoga is something I try to do am doing now in fusing the reg- maica. Everybody knows from used to play local rappers back here and there - hopefully we every day. Yoga is about bal- gae and the hip hop. So I kind ancing and unification. Unify- It’s a very underground scene. Biggie and Tupac straight up to in the day with Holocaust and can line up some tours... I do of look to him as the prototype, ing the higher to the lower, uni- A lot of the rappers are from Wu Tang and Nas to the main- Beast and those guys but he’s some side hustles like selling and I know Protoje does as well. People complain about hip the groove which started a pro- tracks were my productions. hop infiltrating reggae but gression. Then I did Free From you make a kind of roots hip Chains which fully manifested Protoje, Dubtonic Kru, your- the sound because it had the self - do you see yourselves hop that no one seems to be roots, the hip hop and the lyri- complaining about. cism. I actually wrote that song as part of a new movement in on Common’s Resurrection - I music in Jamaica? It’s kind of funny because I actually wrote it to the that was literally expecting more beat. I was writing it with the There is a renaissance going on people to give that kind of re- mindset of writing a hip hop right now. I know it’s in align- view! But I think it’s because song but I did it in a way where ment with this whole 2012 shift it’s more rootsy and a lot of the it could be sung as a reggae that’s going on and it’s mani- complaints now about hip hop song with the melodies. I built festing in Jamaica in this way. fusing into dancehall is this a beat sampling Ini Kamoze and The music is definitely having new more modern sound of I sang it on it and the man them a revival with Uprising Roots, hip hop. That synthesizer and said it sounded good so we re- Dubtonic, Raging Fyah, Jah9, that one drum loop, where you alized we needed to do a pro- Proto, ChronixX, Kelissa, Cen’C find all the rhythms just sound ject on this. Protoje linked me Love, and I definitely consider the same and sound flat. So too and said “You need to put myself a part of it. I’m proud to when you come with the roots out some music” and when he share stages with these people now and you add that hip hop heard that song he was over- - the talent is overwhelming bounce to it, it’s a different whelmed and it just sprung for- right now. sound altogether. It’s still soul- ward from there! ful music from the heart. We’ve talked about a lot of Which producers apart from positive things but in the in- Tell me about the genesis of yourself contributed to the terests of balance I have to ask this hybrid project. project? you about something that a I have always been musically lot of people are quite fright- Julian King Biggs Morrison did ened of. Are you going to re- a split personality. There was the first track The Sound - from Ini Kabaka who does reggae the moment I heard it it had to lease an album which people and there was Ronnie Pyra- be the in-track! Louis Plant or have to pay for? (laughs) mid who does hip hop. And if LP did Feel Di Vibes, me and you listened to the two of them Proto were supposed to do a (Laughing) I think we’re look- you’d have no idea it was the combination on it but then we ing towards next year for an same person. But me and my ended up doing the Warrior album. I want to release some management team sat down track. That was produced by singles that we plan to put on around September of 2009 Zinc Fence which is ChronixX iTunes. I’m doing a lot of work and said “We have three dif- and Teflon. They also produced with some outside producers ferent paths. We can stick to I Alone and Real Music. Pay that linked me since the EP was reggae, stick to hip hop or we Check is a producer from Cali- released and like the music. can fuse them”. We did a song fornia who I linked through Vi- I’ve been working mainly with called Betta Mus Come with me cious Automatic which is my Urban Tree Music from Germa- -rope and California and can sell some songs on iTunes. I’m trying to get on more shows, and Koro-Fyah shortly after I manager’s cousin, he gave ny. I’ve been working with Cor- things. I want to spread out the trying to do a small tour in Eu- watched the movie of the same Vicious a beat and I recorded nadoor. He sends me beats all music as much as possible but I might put together another rope this year and just keep it name and it was like the begin- Prophecy on it. We did the hip the time. The links are building we don’t have much resources EP, it might be free, we’ll just moving. ning of a transition point. We hop version first and the reg- but definitely Urban Tree family here so if I can do work with see what happens, but I’m just Interview by Angus Taylor realized we found the sound, gae version after. All other and some others around Eu- other producers and get the going with the flow right now. the delivery, the lyricism and name out there, hopefully we It’s still in an exposure stage. Photos by Sabriya Simon Nintendo. From then on, big fans of the Basic Channel ing of soundscapes to form a nothing was ever the same. I records, and since we went song, the hypnotic repetition spent countless hours playing to their Hardwax store in Ber- and minimal muting or adding games on the computer and lin a lot we discovered their of sounds that made us feel at later on the Nintendo console Rhythm & Sound stuff, which home with dub immediately, that my parents got me and was the first time we really although we had never heard my brother. heard something like an off- it before. Techno is just us- beat,” explains Disrupt, and ing the same essential tech- When I talk to Disrupt – one adds: niques,” he says. half of the Jahtari label – it almost feels like we share a “When they later started to re- Disrupt uses his previous mu- common childhood interest in press a lot of Wackies records sical experiences in his reg- computers and video games. we were totally hooked to dub gae and dub productions. He and his partner Rootah and reggae. Lee Perry, King use their computer experience Tubby, King Jammy, Bunny “I love synth strings, espe- when they produce music to- Lee, etc.” cially the guys like day. Carl Craig, Robert Hood and Disrupt gives several reasons others were great with them. ------as to why he loves dub. They are almost never used A different in reggae, so it’s great to see approach “It’s seemingly slow, so there them work perfectly in there. are many gaps to fill with It’s also good to approach dub ------whatever you want. Faster mu- coming from the loose forms Together they started the sic doesn’t have those gaps. I of techno, away from the clas- Jahtari label in 2004. Initially also love the hypnotic quality sic verse-chorus-structure. releasing everything as free of it all. It very much works like Thinking in varying loops rath- MP3’s, but since 2008 they techno: layering soundscapes er than a fixed formula,” ex- also release vinyl. They’re es- on top of each other, free from plains Disrupt. sentially making reggae and any fixed song structure. It’s dub, usually with ultra-heavy a very free and universal mu- Apart from all these reggae bass lines. sic.” and techno producers Dis- JAHTARI rupt also mentions computer “We try to use different sound ------games as an important influ- “We try to use different sound aesthetics than the aesthetics than the classics, A common ground ence. classics, something that doesn’t come from the reg- something that doesn’t come from the reggae tradition, and ------gae tradition, and see what happens” Techno and house music is of- “Since we also played a lot of see what happens. Like 8 bit ten described as music forms computer as kids in the late ------reggae from that era, but mercial TV or radio. Vinyl sounds,” says Disrupt. also by classic video and still reigned and CD was just derived from dub. Jamaican 80’s and early 90’s, we grew Jahtari explores the producers also pioneered re- up with the brilliant game computer games made for about to get introduced. Neither Disrupt nor Rootah technology frontline mixing, or versioning as it is soundtracks from this era. sets such as Nintendo and come from a reggae back- called in reggae. Definitely a big influence as with old-school equip- Atari. United Reggae got a Kids played with physical ground, and they both discov- ment chat with Disrupt about his toys and games. No iPads, no ered reggae relatively late. well.” influences, the importance Teletubbies. But in the latter “I think techno took a lot from ------dub, consciously or not. If ------of technology and his all- part of the 80’s things start- “We originally come from De- German label Jahtari and its you listen to Basic Channel Digital laptop reggae time favorite video game. ed to change for my friends troit techno, the Warp releases founders Disrupt and Rootah records, and then to Rhythm and me. We were introduced and generally more electronic revised have taken the 80’s digital & Sound – done by the same I grew up in the 80’s. There to Commodore 64 – THE music when it was a bit more reggae craze to a new level. people – the similarities be------was no Internet and no com- computer at the time – and underground. We were also The music coming from the They’re not only inspired by come apparent. It’s the layer- Jahtari headquarter is not de- that was unheard of. Nothing scribed as digital reggae. In- else makes sense, there’s no stead they’re using a more point in repeating stuff that significant description – digi- has been done to death al- tal laptop reggae. ready. Technology gives you the tools to expand this front- “We came up with that term line, but not everything that’s quite a long time ago. It just new is necessarily also bet- says that we do reggae with ter. Funnily enough old synths a computer, as we couldn’t af- without any displays and pre- ford any other gear then, and set patches can often give you make it sound like a computer more experimental sounds too. You can do a lot of funny than new ones.” things to songs with a comput------er, things that the classic mas- ters couldn’t do in the 70’s, so Favorite video game it was time to explore this field ------more,” he explains. Thinking about how the mu- drum machines, filters, Game do with the label. The codex, sic from the Jahtari imprint However, they have now Boys and also build our own so to speak. Since we’re al- sounds, you definitely get the moved on. Today they instead synths from old Commodore ways looking for new artists feel of old meets new. The try to do as little as possible or Soundblaster chips. The we posted it on our site, to get bass lines are abyss deep, and with computers. sounds from those haven’t in touch with other people who some of the other ingredients really been used in reggae. think the same. This way we make you think about classic “Nowadays you spend too So let’s see what comes out got to know a lot of other mu- video games like Super Mario much time in front of comput- there. We should definitely sicians out there who are also Brothers. Even though this first ers anyway. Facebook, e-mail, come up with a new term for up for exploring the bounda- version of Nintendo’s pioneer- Youtube, iPhones, apps, etc. the sound, though. Voltage ries of dub some more,” he ing video game is probably my It’s just too much. It feels very controlled dub or something.” explains. all-time favorite, Disrupt has freeing to use real machines, ------other beloved choices for the to get a break from it. Also ma------top spot. chines will never have a driv- The codex Curiosity is key er or windows problem, you ------“It has to be the two first Mon------to do that very same stuff over that was the digital era of the switch them on and they work. Disrupt and Rootah are seem- In the Theory they write about key Island adventure games You feel just much more like the technology frontier and again. So we have to look for mid-late 80’s. Luckily today (all later ones don’t count). ingly structured and efficient. ways to dub things up in a way you can build analogue gear a musician than a computer If you visit the label’s web site that it is essential to con- Not only have they an amaz- technician,” says Disrupt, and stantly keep researching on that wasn’t an option back quite cheap yourself.” ing pirate story, a brilliant you’ll get a clear view of what then,” he says, and exempli- explains the shortcoming of a the label is about – both in that frontier. But Rootah and ------Simpsons-kind-of humor and computer: Disrupt mainly use old school fies: a great atmosphere. They also graphics and in words. They Explore the frontline have also taken the time to technology for creating music. got a brilliant reggae sound- “It’s a great machine, but it’s “Like computers. Or analogue ------track by Michael Z. Land. explicitly explain what they do synths and modular systems. missing one essential thing – and what they’re looking for. “We always try to do stuff to Being in the frontline of tech- Looking back, this was the you can’t really touch all the reggae that hasn’t properly That Kraftwerk-kind-of-gear is nology is essential to Disrupt. first time I ever heard reggae All of this is summed up in a very old school, but was very knobs there,” he says, and ex- three point Theory. been done before. To achieve You need to explore the fron- from a computer. I’d always plains further: this it wouldn’t make much expensive at the time, and tier and come up with new wanted to make proper heavy thus a Moog synth was almost “The Theory was first of all sense to use the same tech- things. Disrupt gives another dub versions of those tunes.” “That’s why we’ve now start- nology that for instance Lee never used in reggae. Synths example: for ourselves – to write down became big only in reggae ------ed to use old school analogue what exactly it is you want to Perry used. He got all out of synths, modular systems, his gear that’s possible, and when they went cheap, and “Like when dubstep came, Interview by Erik Magni Livingstone and distributed I was just a diamond in the How did you meet Donovan by VP Records. Featuring a rough talent so music some- Germain? variety of producers such thing I did in my spare time out as Livingstone, , of natural love for it. It wasn’t He introduced me to a lady Paul “Cashflow” Mitchell, my main focus because edu- named Marcia Simpson who Christopher Birch and engi- cation came first. I’d just do was a good friend of Donovan neers including Laurent Tip- it voluntarily just like I’d play Germain but at the time I was py Alfred and Shane Brown, football voluntarily. But after a deejay and she only man- the album is set to drop Feb- I left school the passion for aged singers and not deejays. ruary 14th. The same month, it grew and kept on following So she said she had a friend two years after he toured me. Growing in the slum you and I would fit quite well in with Tarrus Riley across never want to become a non- his camp. When I heard it was Europe, he will return to progressive element involved I was like France and the in crime or violence so I just “Whoa! This is a great oppor- as a headliner. Angus Taylor occupied my time with music. tunity” because Donovan had spoke to a young man at ease Buju and all of the great artists with one-drop and dancehall How did get your break into go through him. When I did the rhythms, the science of mar- music? audition he wasn’t there so I keting and social network- did the audition with an engi- ing and, most crucially, the In Clarendon I was at a penny neer and left. Then he called weight of expectation his concert when one individual me a week later and said “You shoulders… from Kingston was there and have the talent, image, every- liked the vibes. So he started thing”. But he never had the You originally wanted to be bringing me to the studio in time to focus - I wasn’t the an architect. Designing build- Kingston because he was es- main priority because he had ings is similar to making mu- tablished. Then one day he Buju and everyone that was current - so after three years I I-Octane sic in that you create things said to me “I no feel like going studio today” so I just went by just told him I was going to go “Don’t take anything in the business personal- that people will remember. myself. That day something out into the world and see if I ly. As long as you have this approach you will Did you have big ambitions magical happened. I was could make it on my own and reach far” when you were young? locked out of the studio for he supported me same way. the entire day because I came That was how Arrows came in Yeah man. I actually did well in on my own. But then a random and I spent a couple of years Byiome Muir, who sings and ent family lacked the means years later that he had his school in that department but individual went to the studio at Arrows. I’m actually on my deejays in equal measure as to support so long a period first hit Stab Vampire in 2007. apparently the world boiled to do some work with his art- own now. I manage myself. I-Octane, grew up in Sandy of vocational study. Howev- A slew of heavily rotated sin- down back to money again. I ist and passed me outside at I do shows and pay for eve- Bay the musically fruitful er, this freed him up to focus gles and show bookings fol- mean you have enough youth ten in the morning. And when rything with cash out of my parish of Clarendon. A bois- on his music, until a passing lowed before the fine-locked with enough talent but if the he came out at six in the even- pocket. I have a nice team but terous, ambitious youth, he producer seeing him hang- vocalist made the transition financial backing is not strong ing I was still out there sitting I actually manage myself. I’m began attracting notice for ing around outside a locked to established star with an so they just have to settle for down waiting for an opportu- not signed to anybody. I’m an his musical abilities while Kingston studio led to an au- attention-grabbing perfor- half the amount they could nity to go in. So he was like independent artist. still at school, but his extra- dition for Donovan Germain mance at accomplish. I was in school “Yow, you is an artist? I like curricular performances took at Penthouse records. There 2011. Now he is poised to ce- but my mother never really the determination you have. How does it feel to be about a back seat to his studies as he took the name I-Octane ment his fame internation- had the money to finance my I pass you here and still pass he prepared for a career in ar- in reference to his energetic ally with the release of his to get your official first al- education so I after I left pre you back. Let me hear the ma- chitecture. Sadly his applica- temperament yet it was af- official debut album ‘Crying bum to the people? college with two year diploma terial you have”. tion for a student loan were ter he left Germain’s stable To The Nation’ overseen by I had to just stop. Musically rejected and his single par- for Arrows Recording three Shaggy impresario Robert Over the years I was working towards getting out an album with the album, mix it then get perspective but politics is like gaged with social network- but I just had to get the brand it out to release in Septem- religion to me and I don’t really ing that must be a conscious of “I-Octane” to a certain level ber but apparently we never do religion nor politics. Those decision. before I put out a debut album met the deadline so it was put things segregate the people so the people will know about and mash them up mentally, back to the second week of Yeah man. I wasn’t a fan of the the brand “I-Octane”. Now the creating crime and violence February - Valentine’s Day! Twitter thing. I’m not against people are familiarized with and war. They never give any it but I’m not a fan. I was in- what the brand has to offer, form of enlightenment or light Most of the material is new terested at first but people the time is right and we have so for me politics is a no-no but you still included Lose A sometimes use Twitter for the just put in hard work and are still. wrong reasons. For instance getting the debut album out Friend which was adopted as some man would just come and everybody seems to be an anthem during last year’s You collaborate with Agent on the street and write and excited about it. state of emergency. Were you Sasco, Tarrus Riley, and Al- tweet out “Mi see I-Octane in on the island at the time? borosie on the album. Did Orlando with a new girl”. They Tell me about the process assume things. They don’t of making the album. Were Yes, I was. I was away from it you get to spend any studio know if it’s a business meet- the rhythms already built or but it still affected the I men- time with them or were their ing or what? But they Twitter tally in terms of how the me- were rhythms built around parts recorded elsewhere? something like that out to the dia covered it in terms of going world and readers just take it you? out to the world. It’s different Alborosie had the track sent like how they read it. It causes when you’re actually there to problems because people use The process was hectic be- to him and he delivered it back when you just get it in a news- it for the wrong reasons so I cause at the time I was on tour. to I-Octane and we to’d and paper you read. You have a wasn’t a fan of it. So each time I went back to Ja- fro’d and finalised it. But Tar- different perspective, I think. rus Riley and were maica it was off the plane- in A whole heap of people lost the studio-record! Most of the in the studio and the vibes You’ve mentioned brand- their lives so it was a mournful were great. Tarrus Riley is a rhythms were created already. time for the country and it nev- ing several times. How im- I would select the rhythms or very experienced artist. I call portant is it to understand er looked good on the country him my big brother because we’d have musicians come itself so it affects everybody branding and marketing as in and make rhythms around he is a youth who has shown still. But these things happen me a lot of things. When we an artist today? songs that were written al- and we have to get past it. ready. That process resulted were touring he was the youth It’s very imperative to know in a complete album in the that came to me and said “I- You sing a lot about social is- that because whether you like space of a month. It was an in- Octane. Don’t cover the micro- it or not this is 80% business. dependent project at the time. sues but you’ve talked in the phone” because he is well ex- success as a music artist in that record will never move The rest is talent and mind- Robert was making the album past about not being a polit- perienced. Assassin is one of and never break. So you have set. Frame of mind is 10%, tal- and then shopped it around. A ical person, not being partial the leading dancehall artists the modern age? to have those things there, ent is 10% but it is 80% busi- couple of companies heard it and he is so experienced also. to any party or government. keep those things there close ness. You have a whole heap and loved and then VP came It was pure great vibes in the It’s very imperative because to you. Artists are busy but of great artists in the world on board and wanted to be a studio and natural energy so without the fans enough art- I am a youth who doesn’t re- whenever you have the time who are even more creative part of it. It wasn’t directed everything just came alive. ists lose it. They feel like they ally deal with politics still. I’m you have to show the fans you than some of the established by a record company. So it are the ones that are power- just concerned for the people appreciate their effort and artists right now but if you was hectic in the time space ful but without the fans you and that’s why I choose to do You seem very switched on are not business minded or because the album was sup- cannot become an artist. You their time also. certain songs that help the to social networking, you you are not marketable then posed to be released in Sep- could be the greatest artist people alleviate themselves keep your fans updated by it will not work. So you have tember. I was working from singing the best songs in the I notice you don’t have a from certain stress. The next to be a brand. People have to the end of June to July so we blog and Facebook. How im- world but if not one individual man might have a different Twitter. For an artist so en- see a brand. A brand like any only had a month to come up portant are these aspects to likes one of your songs then brand. So people say I-Octane views about aiming for Bob is a brand and no say I-Octane Marley status. Is the sky the is an artist but then even if I- limit for your ambitions? Octane is not on stage they I-Taweh can recognize that there is I- Yeah man. I want to reach Octane same way. the highest level as a musi- cal star. That’s why I keep What’s the best advice you’ve the Almighty close and pray Overload received in the business? for those things every day. Because the world itself is a B’s Jamaican reggae album were the first to record I-Taweh The best piece of advice was: rough world and reggae mu- countdown. ‘Overload’ was of- while on tour in 1999. These have an open mind to con- sic is the biggest music in the ficially re-launched in Jamaica are very much in the slow deep structive criticism. The busi- world, yet still underground last week - nearly a year after roots mode - and though they ness is a business so don’t because we don’t really have its original release. sound different from the slight- take anything in the business institutions and it wasn’t ly hip hop flavoured opener personally. As long as you properly developed. It’s a I-Taweh’s voice has been com- Runaway, what makes this have this approach you will global language like football - pared to Burning Spear but it album succeed is that all the reach far. Because you could everybody knows football and has a softer quality that also material from the various ses- go to the studio this week to every nation knows reggae recalls Pablo Moses. As a vet- sions over the years maintains do an interview and get locked music. But what happened to eran touring and session mu- a consistent mood. out of the studio for some rea- reggae music is you have the sician he was able to use his son but if you were to take that same people in the business links to gather a remarkable Where most debut long-play- personally you will write off who at first help it to reach a This record de- group of players for a debut in- ers drop only partially formed that studio forever. When after certain status and then in the cluding Bongo Herman, Horse- I-Taweh’s hard work and musi- a few years that same studio long run they are the same serves its chart mouth Wallace and Sly Dun- cian links have paid off. This re- might arrange for you to reach ones trying to tear it down. success. bar. Dean Fraser plays sax on cord deserves its chart success the next level but because you So you have to just know in the set’s strongest track The and should be in roots reggae Prayer which uses the immor- fans’ homes, all over the globe. took what happened before reggae music that you have I-Taweh out of St Ann’s parish tal chorus lines of Tony Tuff’s personally and the opportu- to try to sidestep all of those Jamaica, now resident in Cali- classic Deliver Me (although I- nity passed. For me now, you things there and just do you fornia, spent 17 years playing Review by Angus Taylor Taweh insists the resemblance have a whole heap of produc- and do it to your best ability. guitar and bass with marquee is coincidental). The title song, ers who never used to voice reggae acts like , currently in Richie B’s singles I-Octane. I linked them every Mystic Revelation of Rasta- top twenty, is a Spear-like re- day and they never used to fari and Everton Blender. But memory of a laden slave ship voice me but when I became Interview by Angus Taylor all the while he was crafting and appears alongside a sec- an established artist they his own songs and snatching Photos by Christian Bordey ond, hand drummed mix that were ready to voice me. But some recording time here and nods to I-Taweh’s period with I don’t take it personally be- there on the road. Following Count Ossie junior. Braveheart cause they are a big label and a spell in hospital in 2008 he tells of I-Taweh’s friend Gar- these are big producers, their decided to seize the day and field whose fearless nature led name is already out in the assemble his first solo album. to his being on the wrong side world, so I have to put those In an almost fairytale denoue- of the law and the wrong end of things aside and remember ment to his story so far this self a gun. that voicing for those produc- released old school roots re- ers has also enhanced me too. cord, of the kind received wis- Five tracks were voiced with dom says only appeals in Eu- the French group Broussai who You’ve talked in past inter- rope, hit number one on Richie Old Skool The Legendary Young Blood 3 Studio One Records was followed by the compila- ers and groups rose to interna- igan & Smiley’s pulsating Rub tions ‘Old Skool Young Blood’ tional prominence and virtually a Dub Style in a brilliant ex- in 2006 and 2009 as well as every artist in Jamaica wanted tended version complete with ’ debut album ‘Put to work for Coxsone in the 60’s sound effects. the Stereo On’ in 2010. and 70’s. Other highlights include Prince Now another slice of old meets Among the artists that recorded Jazzbo’s haunting Rock Fort new has arrived, and ‘Old at Studio One you’ll find some Dub and guitar virtuoso Ernest Skool Young Blood vol. 3’ picks of the household names in reg- Ranglin’s beautiful instrumen- up where its predecessors left gae music. You name them and tal Ranglin Doodlin’. off. The 14 tunes include a they’ve probably cut at least number of ’s finest one track 13 Brentford Road This compilation is a great re- cuts of riddims. The in Kingston 5, where the stu- launch of a very fruitful col- vocals are provided by sing- A great re- dio was located until it closed laboration and according to the ers such as Gappy Ranks and launch from down in 1979, when Coxsone press release there are more Courtney John as well as lovers got tired of the violence and to come in the end of the year. rock crooners Peter Hunnigale, Studio One and moved to Brooklyn, New York. Bring it on! Peter Spence, Sadiki and Bitty Soul Jazz. McLean. Some of the most acclaimed ‘The Legendary Studio One Re- Many artists, producers and la- artists that recorded at Studio cords’ is available on CD, 2xLP The riddims are played by The bels in the world of reggae mu- One is featured on the compi- and digital download. Supersonics – an outfit led by sic aspire on being the founder lation ‘The Legendary Studio master saxophonist Tommy of the genre. Who invented reg- One Records: Original Classic Review by Erik Magni McCook – and are beautifully gae and where it was invented Recordings 1963-80’ out now crafted. You simply can’t go could probably be a topic for on Soul Jazz Records. It has Old meets new wrong with music like this. It’s near endless discussions. been three years since the lat- George Price passed away 20 smooth, melodic and infec- est Studio One issue from Soul in fine style. years later and his sons Chris, tious. Just like Gappy Ranks’ One man who would certainly Jazz. And it is more than wel- Duke and Trevor took over the “ah ah ah ah aaaah” chorus in pop up in such a conversation come. In the early 60’s George “Peck- operations, and also started his Kooyah Kooyah. is Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, ings” Price relocated from Ja- to make their own productions producer and founder of Studio It contains a total of 18 tracks maica to the UK. He is said to built on riddims from mainly George Price should be proud. One, a business that covered that covers ska, rocksteady, have been a close friend of pro- Clement Dodd and the late His sons are doing a great job almost every aspect of the mu- reggae, dub and dancehall and ducer and label owner Clement Duke Reid. in keeping the reggae legacy sic industry – soundsystem, is something a sampler with “Coxsone” Dodd, a very valu- alive. pressing plant, auditioning, well-known and lesser known able connection when George Their debut album was Bitty recording studio, publishing artists and tunes. Price set up his own record McLean’s ‘On Bond Street’, Review by Erik Magni house and more. shop in London in 1974. which was released in 2005. It Included are The Skatalites Under his tutelage several sing- scorching Ball of Fire and Mich- Matic Horns Dub Investigation Musical Storm Dub City Vol. 2

reer in the late 70’s working come back to life - whilst defi- with Dennis Bovell and Linton nite shades of the early 1970s Kwesi Johnson and then mov- Wailers can be detected in the ing on to record and tour with opening to ‘Guidance’. Stand UB40. out tracks include ‘Ayele’, ‘Show Me The Way’ and ‘Wake During the past years he has Up’. Good work from the ‘Inves- moved towards rootsy and tigation’ team. We look forward deep riddims and his previ- to more. ous album was the haunting ‘Increase the Peace’ for singer Review by Gerard McMahon and producer Mike Brooks, an album where he blew the hell out of a prime selection of vin- tage riddims.

‘Musical Storm’ is in the same great vein with several rel- icks of classic reggae and ska songs, but also a number of fresh originals. Henry Tenyue lets his raw trombone speak with a sensitive aggression over the hard edged, dubby heavy riddims. A musical The most recent instrumental Good work an attack on a host of society’s album that landed at the Unit- Out of the 36 tracks only two ills, extols the merit of revolu- storm is com- ed Reggae residence is trom- feature vocals. And it is sup- from the Inves- tion whilst holding tight to the ing. bonist Matic Horns aka Henry plied by Henry Tenyue himself tigation team. value of love and Jah. Tenyue’s 36 tracked double CD with no loss of quality. You don’t hear a lot of instru- ‘Musical Storm’ produced by Dublin City’s Dub Investiga- Guest inputs from Ras Tinny, ‘Musical Storm’ is a sparkling mental albums these days. But Gussie P and recorded with a tion’s new release is an impres- ‘Sox’ Carter and Sarah Gleeson musical feast that you can dine when you do they’re often quite host of talented musicians – sive 10 track CD entitled ‘Dub enable the release to present on for many months to come. good, as in the several enjoy- Sly Dunbar, Style Scott, Mafia City Vol. 2’. Comprised of a con- a varied and vivacious sound. able efforts from U.S. band 10 & Fluxy, Jah Shaka and Norman sidered ensemble of musical Indeed so forceful are some of ft. Ganja Plant or Neil Perch’s and Ralston Grant of the Twin- Review by Erik Magni instruments overlaid with crisp the tracks that the uninformed Zion Train. kle Brothers. vocals, the release launches could easily be forgiven for Henry Tenyue started his ca- thinking that Lucky Dube has Mystic Soul Da Professor I Am The One The Laboratory

with its easy going vibe. The most tation in it what so ever. striking thing about it all though Sparkling is the great silky smooth vocals The world of reggae is represent- chemistry in that Mystic Soul delivers with a ed by some solid modern roots very clean and vivacious delivery on Crazy World, A Mi De Yah Wid Da Professor’s that coupled with his boyish good You, Ride Een plus album stand laboratory. looks is sure to attract many fe- out track Sufferation which con- male fans. demns the struggles and violence Professor is a popular title in the that curse many inner city youths. reggae industry. You have Mad Mystic Soul started out life as Sorry is bright and breezy with Professor and Professor Grizzly. Winston Hall and grew up in Kit- something of a rocksteady vibe to But also three artists with just the son Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica it with Pledge and Good Friends title. Or almost anyway. before relocating to Waterhouse giving us a touch of lovers style, A lyrically and when he was nine years old. Here leaving just Coming Home which Groundation’s lead vocalist Har- musically di- he was a runner-up in the Tastee is an acoustic, heartfelt ode to rison Stafford has an alter ego Talent contest in the late 1980’s the land of his birth…Jamaica. called Professor and in the 70’s verse album before another move followed in and 80’s there was an Jamaican from a voice 1998, but this time to the United Overall a lyrically and musically engineer who also went by the that sounds States where he fine honed his diverse album from a voice that name. The latest addition is Da craft and thanks to childhood sounds like it should have a good Professor, who was born and like it should friend and DJ, Danny B, got an im- future ahead. raised in Kingston, but has also have a good promptu audition for Wayne Rus- spent time in Florida and New sell and Raphael Logan of Lyric- Review by Karl Pearson York. future ahead. Surge Records that brought us to the point we are at today. His debut album ‘The Laboratory’ Released in the summer of last is produced by Don Corleon – one His production is spiced up by singer handled the chorus and year Mystic Soul’s debut album ‘I As I say musically it merges reg- of Jamaica’s most prominent con- Da Professor’s interesting vocal another the verses. But no. It is Am The One’, is one of those al- gae with pop and soul with the temporary producers, and well- style, or styles. He can switch Da Professor all along. bums that I’m surprised we didn’t tracks Gone With The Wind and known for his slick, polished and from soul-styled singing to gritty get to hear more about. album title track I Am The One stylish productions, usually with deejaying in a jiffy. It must have been a great chemis- Now I’ll admit this album is prob- having more of an R&B feel as a tasty feel for pop melodies and try in the studio when this album ably not going to go down to well opposed to reggae. Man Fe Talk memorable hooks. Even though the album boasts was recorded, because ‘The Lab- with the hardened dancehall and which features a tough deejay three duets – J Boog, Ken Boothe oratory’ is yet another strong ef- roots crowd, but this album does chat from Red Fox, pounds along And Da Professor’s debut set is and Protoje – you can easily be fort from the Don Corleon camp. I believe have huge crossover on a hip hop beat with rock gui- no exception. It’s smooth journey fooled that it’s one more singer potential, as it, at times, slips tar, while on a lighter note Horny into Don Corleon’s blend of one on board on several songs. When Review by Erik Magni into that reggae/pop/soul Bitty Reggae is sensual and soulful drop reggae, dancehall and R&B. I listened to tunes such as By My McLean territory sort of thing and contains no brass instrumen- Side or the upbeat Party Non Stop I could swear that another one Errol Bellot General Smiley Meets Know Jah McPullish At Dub Cove Kris Kemist of Reality Shock perhaps less topical but none Records, the label behind fel- the worse for it. low album-latecomer Solo An uncompro- Banton’s ‘Walk Like Rasta’. A few songs will be familiar. mising roots Kemist’s crisp, tough roots Everything Possible is out on reggae album productions strike the balance 10” while a recut of Errol’s orig- between organic and digital, inal big single Babylon (which from General soundsystem and private lis- first appeared on the S&G im- Smiley. tening. In short: the perfect print in 1981 and has been re- environment for one of the corded on several occasions General Smiley, half of the suc- world’s greatest Rasta singers since) and label tribute Real- cessful deejay duo Papa Michi- to ply his craft. ity Shock surfaced on 2008 gan & General Smiley, a duo that sampler ‘Reality Shock Volume recorded the excellent album Rub The struggle to commit this 1’. But the majority, like the a Dub Style for 2012’s album mysterious, complex char- major key serenity of Militant and the immensely popular Dis- schedule is al- acter to disc is evident in the Souljahs and Time For Change, eases for Henry “Junjo” Lawes, ready off to a presence of opener Know Jah are previously unheard. To has teamed up with U.S. producer - which Kemist says he and the eleven vocals Kemist has McPullish for his new album. good start. Errol began recording 9 years added six dubs for an almost previously. The song’s mes- “showcase” feel. ‘General Smiley Meets McPullish In music, natural talent doesn’t sage however is still pertinent at Dub Cove’ – released in De- always equal exposure. The - telling young non Rasta fans Followers of the Gideon Zinger cember last year – is a completely ska pioneer Eric Monty Mor- of roots reggae that while they have awaited this moment a different story compared to the ris only recently released his maybe love “the drum and long time - and it is worth the bubbling grooves General Smiley debut album. Likewise, it has bass” many in the music are wait. 2012’s album schedule is recorded in the 70’s and 80’s. ley’s voice has changed during ever, it might just blow a fuse taken the phenomenally gifted after something more. Beauti- already off to a good start. the years and he doesn’t sound or two when sound systems set UK roots singer Errol “Gideon fully sung in a voice from the This is a modern roots and dub as vital as he did back when. It’s tunes such I Wish or Natty Natty Zinger” Bellot some 30 years of Luciano/Prince Malachi region Review by Angus Taylor album with sparse arrangements deeper and darker and not as me- on heavy rotation. hard hitting sides and memora- yet with its own distinct timbre, and heavy bass lines. And mean lodic as it used to be. It might also ble live appearances to unveil Errol’s messages tend to have heavy as in ultra-heavy. These have something to do with the Review by Erik Magni his first long-player ‘Know Jah’ this prescient quality - his su- thunderous bass lines could style, since he on this set some- (although Gussie P’s equally perb Jah Tubbys 45 Roots Gone probably be of service if you’d like times rather speaks than sings or excellent ‘Sip A Cup Showcase: International highlighted the to try and force the doors to Fort deejays. Greetings In The Name Of The worldwide popularity of classi- Knox. Most High’ could also claim the cal reggae to which the Jamai- McPullish and General Smiley title - being issued at almost can media has awoken only of The eight vocal cuts – where of have created an uncompromising exactly the same time.) late. The Blair-and-Bush-bash- one is a combination with Syl- and hypnotic reggae album that ing Hooligan, on ’s ford Walker – come with their doesn’t make an effort to please The former offering comes via One People Productions’ head- dub counterpart. General Smi- radio dj’s around the world. How- Reading’s guitarist/producer nodding One People rhythm, is Live at the Dancehall: The Best Turntable club Twenty Riddims and Baby and Give a Helping Hand.

The Turntable Club was the place to be in Kingston in the Five Tracks of 2011 70’s, and Winston “Merritone” Exciting year or are some of the older vet- the past year. Riddims such as Blake was the man in charge. erans going to push their way Overproof and Adde Produc- The CD booklet includes a thor- for dancehall. back in? Assassin aka Agent tions’ Summertime have been ough interview with him, where Sasco has consistently been getting significant amount of he tells his story and gives a 2011 has been an interesting the best deejay on the riddims plays. glance of a music industry full year for dancehall (what year he has voiced - what about him? of hope and enthusiasm. isn’t). Many significant events In fact, is Jamaica still leading This current list is not just based have occurred which have left dancehall? Who and where do on the amount of plays, down- ‘Live at the Turntable Club’ is the world wondering what is in we look to now for the dance- loads, or forwards the tracks a piece of music history made store for the genre in 2012. hall sound? have been getting throughout available for the first time in al- 2011, but also a chance to mark most 40 years. Who is going to step up and In light of all of this, as peo- the lesser recognised - but take the crown for Dancehall ple’s eyes turn to the rest of the with just the same amount of Review by Erik Magni King now that is world for dancehall, it’s impor- quality - riddims that were re- currently otherwise occupied? tant to note the fantastic tracks leased throughout Jamaica and Is it really going to be Popcaan, that have been released over Europe.

Tracks A reggae legacy prime when this was recorded. The backing is provided by the Stylo G – Call Mi A Yardie made avail- always reliable Soul Syndi- Stylo G made a real mark on the UK dancehall scene this spring with Call Mi A Yar- able. cate. And the riddims are raw, die. Produced by his brother Kody (an ex-member of UK funky outfit Crazy Cous- sparse and with a no-nonsense ins), it has also potentially been one of the most re-mixed tracks of the year. VP Records’ subsidiary 17 North approach. Just guitar, bass and Parade has just re-issued ‘Live drums engineered by King Tub- at the Turntable Club’. It’s the by, Dennis Thompson and Errol Vybz Kartel – Go Go Wine first ever live album recorded Thompson. Even though he’s currently incarcerated, it’s important not to overlook the amount in Jamaica, and was originally of quality tunes that Kartel has released over 2011. June saw the release of his al- issued on Trojan in 1975. Delroy Wilson and Big Youth bum Kingston Story on Mixpak Records. Go Go Wine is one the most widely played rock their hit songs, while Den- songs from the album. Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson nis Brown performs the well- and Big Youth were all in their known Cassandra along with the lesser-known Rock With Me Popcaan – Clean Riddim: Matrimony Kartel’s protégée is tipped to be the next big deejay in dancehall. His track, Clean, Produced by: Washroom Entertainment on Snap Back riddim (TJ records) has been getting plenty of plays, wheels, for- Cuts to check out: Assassin – Yuh A Wife, Lady Saw – Matrimony wards, backwards and whatever else comes in between. Riddim: Blaze Fia Produced by: Music Terro 3000 – Haters Cuts to check out: Assassin – We Love Di Gal Dem, – Turn Mi On Up and coming Jamaican deejay brings us his own take of the Ward 21’s classic track, Haters. Even though this track has not reached as widely as the others in- cluded in the list, Terro 3000 is certainly one to look out for. Riddim: ?Question It Produced by: Truckback Records Cuts to check out: Red Rat – Red People, Lady Saw – Caan Do Mi Up Cham – Wine Pon Di Buddy Best known for his 2006 hit Ghetto Story, Cham brings us this raw and very catchy track. Released late into 2011, this is sure to be played far into 2012. Riddim: Hotta Clapz Produced by: DJ Frass Productions Cuts to check out: Assassin – Cruise & Go Round Dem, – Come Home Riddims Riddim: Contra Produced by: ZJ Chrome In no particular order, here are twenty of the best dancehall riddims from 2011. Cuts to check out: Vybz Kartel – Sex & The City, Mavado – Do Road

Riddim: Ninety Riddim: Summertime Produced by: Kubiyashi Prod Produced by: Adde Productions Cuts to check out: Kenyatta - Clarks, Konshens ft Fadda Fox – Life and Death Cuts to check out: Vybz Kartel – Summertime, Popcaan – Ravin’

Riddim: Pepper Riddim: Mad Organ Produced by: Di Genius Produced by: Curtis Lynch (Necessary Mayhem) Cuts to check out: Agent Sasco – Nothing At All, Mavado – Pepper Cuts to check out: Maxi Priest & Tippa Irie – Like This Like That, Million Stylez – Milli Swagga

Riddim: Bar Mitzvah Riddim: Barb Wire Produced by: Skatta Productions Produced by: Q45 Productions Cuts to check out: – Wine Fi Di General, Chino – Fi Di Gyal Dem Cuts to check out: Mr Vegas – Certain Law, Assassin – Profile Pic

Riddim: Star A Star Riddim: Summer Fling Produced by: TJ Records Produced by: Chimney Records Cuts to check out: Assassin – Dem Fear We, Lady Saw – Wife a Wife Cuts to check out: Mavado – Final Destination, Tarrus Riley – Summer Fling Riddim: White Label Produced by: Equinoxx Riddim: Firewire Produced by: Lockecity Entertainment Cuts to check out: Spice – Fix Me, Kemikal – Hey Girl Cuts to check out: Sizzla – Launch Out, Major Mackrel – More Gal A Road Riddim: Spot Check Produced by: Wundah Productions Cuts to check out: Stylo G – My Style, G Starr – Spot Check Our Favourite Riddim: Overproof Produced by: JA Productions Reggae Albums 2011 Cuts to check out: Mavado –Settle Down, Daniel Beddingfield – Sometimes You Just Know As voted by in choosing their favourite al- honourable mentions are in- bums of 2011 (we decided “the cluded. This list is unranked, Riddim: Big Dog some of our best” was asking for trouble!). but feel free to suggest which Produced by: Boardhouse Records team. Only those that showed up on albums were better than oth- Cuts to check out: Assassin – Dem Bad In A Gang, Lady Ali – New Style both their private lists were se- ers and which ones have been Angus Taylor hates making lected for the final top 20. How- overlooked. No reissues or Riddim: 12 to 12 end of year lists. Erik Magni ever, we have also included compilations have been count- loves them. So this time we de- a list of essential albums that ed. There is a special section Produced by: Christopher Birch and DJ Smurf didn’t make the list so that all for free downloads at the end. Cuts to check out: Konshens – From 12 to 12, Agent Sasco – Wi Bazzle cided they should join forces

Riddim: Beat Box Stephen Marley Produced by: Jam 2 Productions Revelations Part One: The Root Of Life Cuts to check out: Cecile – I’m So Fly, Lady Saw – Better Off The second half to this two part concept series never surfaced this year as initial- ly promised. But part one was a beautifully crafted tribute to Stephen’s father’s era of music and his finest platter yet. Review by Siobhan Jones Sizzla The Scriptures Every culturally minded album by Sizzla is hailed as a return to form but this one actually was: a wobbly opus using digitally enhanced Jammys rhythms from his son John John. The tracks actually felt like they had been chosen for a reason while Sizzla’s controversial falsetto never sounded better on the Beach Boys/Animal Collective- like Jah Is My Shield.

Takana Zion Rasta Government The Guinean chanter’s longplayers have gone from strength to strength and this was his masterstroke. Lyrically simple (but hey, the man speaks multiple lan- guages), the messages were manna to roots reggae fans worldwide. Hollie Cook Hollie Cook Punk had a curious relationship with reggae in the 70s. But today the ethereal voiced daughter of sex pistol Paul Cook created a head swimmingly retro lov- ers rock debut with unstoppable engineer Prince Fatty that pleased purists and public alike. Alpheus Joggo From Creation Modern Rockers Vol. 1 When British Studio One prodigy Alpheus said he would never sing another mod- Yet another strong rootsy album from the Netherlands. Clarence Seedorf’s broth- ern reggae song it sounded bizarre. But that was before he and producer Robert er Joggo’s direct and desperate tone along with several sing-along choruses made Sanchez unleashed this note-perfect recreation of the days of Coxsone and Phil this a very memorable set. Pratt in the ska and rocksteady era which took the critics of Europe by storm. Uprising Roots Band Earl Sixteen Skyfiya The Fittest The debut album from one of the several bands that have surfaced in Jamaica in Dubby Dutch double team JahSolidRock and Not Easy At All trumped this list with recent years. This is eerie roots reggae that pays homage to pioneering Jamaican two releases last year. This time they kept their hand in with a full showcase ef- groups such as Culture and The Gladiators. fort from prolific roots internationalist Earl Sixteen. Luciano Richie Spice Rub a Dub Market Book Of Job His third full-lengther in less than a year, and Luciano continues to work with pro- The unmistakable voice of Richall Bonner over Penthouse and other rhythms was ducers outside Jamaica with great success. This one was produced by Vienna- an early favourite from Jamaica in 2011. My Life, a remixed adaptation of Randy based Irie Vibrations and holds many familiar Luciano ingredients – beautiful har- Crawford’s Street Life, was an instant modern classic, while Richie’s singing on the monies and grandiose choruses. Raging Fyah production Black Woman had a distinctly West African vibe. Sara Lugo Protoje What About Love? The Seven Year Itch The little lady from outside Munich with the room-silencing voice decided not to ’s talented singjay son’s eclectic radio-friendly introduction si- make a straight reggae album for her debut. Even so, it was a prodigious state- lenced the doom and gloom merchants who had been writing off Jamaican music. ment that played on the close relationship between soul and reggae, and an- The last-minute removal of strongest track Our Time Come (due to clearance is- nounced the rising of a new star. sues over its Burning Spear sample) was a disappointment but the rest still held its own. Life Teachings I-Taweh I Wayne’s Third Record for Loyal Soldiers caused a dilemma for liberal listeners. Overload His proscriptive lyrics seemed preoccupied with sexual behaviour but the music Again the naysayers were silenced when a St Ann’s parish roots reggae artist took was stronger than anything he had released before. the Richie B album chart number one spot. Veteran session musician I-Taweh Cun- ningham’s story - like his record - was one of the most inspirational of the year. J Boog Backyard Boogie Perfect The Hawaii based singer’s cracked-voiced crooning seemed well at home on the Back For The First Time more Jamaican sounding rhythms of his second disc. This versatile, hugely popu- Another St Ann’s man, the ever dependable Perfect, linked up with Californian lar artist delivered one of the best slices of “island pop” this year. rhythm team Lustre Kings for a record that hit his highest heights since 2008’s Born Dead With Life. More of a grower than that album it was a unanimous choice Ziggi Recado in our office nonetheless. Ziggi Recado Ziggi’s third album showed a brand new side to him. This was an adventurous blend of reggae, soul, hip-hop, funk and even rock. In some cases it would have sounded disunited, but it’s actually a cohesive whole. Midnite Kings Bell Tarrus Riley and Friends On their fifth album in 2011, and about the 45th during their career, Midnite is more accessible than ever before. But it doesn’t mean that Kings Bell offers ex- travagant harmonies or na-na-na’s. It’s still the same Midnite, but - thanks to Check these photos of Tarrus producer Andrew Bassie Campbell and his top Jamaican session musicians - with Riley, Beres Hammond, Marcia clearer melodies and more memorable hooks. Griffiths, Luciano, Louie Culture, and more in Kingston. Raging Fyah Judgement Day Emancipation Park, located in the heart of New Singer Ray Darwin’s former band mates have found a new singer, and on their Kingston came alive on Thursday, December promising opening set they play skanking, uplifting reggae as it was played in 23rd with Tarrus Riley & Friends annual free the 70’s. concert. The event which has been growing in popularity over the years was even better this year. The venue was jam packed with patrons Little Roy who came to see their favorite artiste perform Battle For Seattle and were also treated to several surprise guest The reggae covers industry took a bold step beyond the safer choices of Easy artistes. Star Records. Little Roy’s second album in 2011 deservedly moved him into the Most artistes were backed by Tarrus Riley’s mainstream as he highlighted the uplifting quality to Kurt Cobain’s songs across Black Soil band and several other musicians who a series of Nirvana covers. It’s the second appearance on our list from producer/ contributed their talent. On several occasion engineer Prince Fatty whose daring concept showed he is as interested in taking reggae forward during the concert the audience was brought to as looking back. their feet as they were honored with several of Jamaica’s top artiste each performing on stage Other essential albums that didn’t make the list at the very same time. For many in the audience this has not been witnessed on stage in recent (i.e. we couldn’t agree!) times. Among some of the artistes who graced Reggae Regulars - If Only the stage were , Romain Virgo, Tappa Zukie - X Is Wrong Beres Hammond, Louie Culture who showed Gappy Ranks - Thanks & Praise that he still has tons of energy to perform, Lu- Little Roy - Heat ciano, Pinchers, Tarrus Riley, Tony Rebel and Deadly Hunta - Speak My Mind many more. Etana - Free Expressions Joey Fever - In A Fever Based on the performances that night, the audi- Ray Darwin - People’s Choice ence at Emancipation Park were treated with a Alborosie - Two Times Revolution superb Christmas performance that will be em- Warrior King – Tell Me How Me Sound bedded in their minds for some time to come. Free downloads Collie Buddz - Playback EP Report and photos Kabaka Pyramid - Rebel Music EP by Steve James Mark Wonder and Zion Roots - The Dragonslayer Mandinka Warrior and Mr Williamz - Dancehall Nice Again Jahmali – Sounds with a Purpose

Reviews by Angus Taylor & Erik Magni

Cat Coore and Benjy Myaz in Kingston Embrace The Positive

Check these photos of Cat Coore and Ben- jy Myaz at Kings Pla- Born Free Records presented this za in Kingston with event in Delray Beach, Florida on Boris Gardner, Beres December 18th 2011 with Mam- Hammond and more. adee, KEHV, Cen’C Love and more. It was a balmy winter evening on December 18, 2011 in Delray Beach as we stepped into Pineap- If you’re looking for a new hang ple Groove for “Embrace The Positive” featuring out spot during your next visit Mamadee hosted by Bornfree records. Lance-O to Kingston, try Mike’s Bar in and the Kulcha Shok crew had it on lock playing Kings Plaza on Constant Spring conscious reggae music making sure the vibes Road. It’s a laid back pairing of were set before the show was to start. parking lot chic with MTV Un- plugged type performances Delray Beach’s own Jerry “Screamin’ Demon” Lee- served with mouthwatering man came on stage to warm the people up with local fare and the requisite ac- the blues. Singing songs like Feels Like Rain and companying beverages. Roast a cover of Marvin Gaye’s Mercy Mercy Me had the fish is the signature dish but people singing along with him. other options are available. Tonight was the night for Bornfree Records to Depending on the time you showcase their roster of artists. We were all in for get there, appetizer or des- a treat as KEHV premiered his video for Love Will sert could take the form of the Find A Way and we were immediately transfixed. soulful sounds of musicians of KEHV “The Prince of reggae soul” serenaded us the calibre of Ken Boothe, Bo- with acoustic versions of his songs Conscious ris Gardner, Ernest Wilson, A.J. Farmer and Caribbean Souljah amongst others. Brown, Lenn Hammond, Benjy Myaz or Cat Coore; some of the Aspiring artists Aima Moses and Adam “The artistes that have graced the Teacher” Barnes were followed by Bunny Wailer’s stage in recent times. The en- children. Cen’C Love and her brother Asad took the Gutierrez and drummer Joe Fagan took it as their tertainers usually perform to stage. Cen’C who’s voice is very reminiscent of an time to shine jamming with energetic guitar riffs tracks or go acoustic. Erica Badu with a pinch of Jamaican seasoning re- and drum rolls that had the crowd whistling and minded us all that tonight was a night of love and screaming. peace as she sang of the empowerment of women This energy carried on as The Resolvers took the with her song Casanova. We were reminded once So…add Mike’s Bar in Kings stage with the intention to keep this party going. again of the importance of inner beauty and self Plaza on Constant Spring Road Ojay and Sahara Smith made their presence felt confidence with a powerful accapella version of to your social calendar for a with their strong voices alongside a blaring horn her song These Lies. Tuesday night. Dress code is section and heavy ska/ reggae influence they casual. Admission is FREE. Kevens with his eclectic synergy of drum and sang tunes such as Soulfire and Special Delivery bass, reggae and rock was up next, he took con- that had the crowd dancing the night away. trol his song Take Control suggested; and had Finally the time had arrived for Germany’s Mam- Report and Photos by everyone in pineapple groove with their hands adee to take the stage! For those of you who aren’t Steve James in the air grooving along with the music. During sure who this wonderful artist is - let me give the finale of Put Your Hands Up, guitarist Ronny you a quick lesson... Mamadee was born in East Germany to a German mother and a African father while growing up she always had a vision to pur- sue a career in music - in 2002 she became one of the feature background vocalist for German inter- national reggae sensation - Since then she has toured internationally and now she was here in South Florida! Opening up her set with brand new single Beauti- ful Soul the theme of love and light and optimism was cemented. Before performing her song Good Days she gave a warm smile and thanked every- one for coming out and embracing the positive. The aura that Mamadee carries with her envel- oped the entire room and it was obvious that she came to pineapple groove to spread the message that she very clearly wishes to express - the unity and one perfect love for one another. Patrons could see that performing Hope was joy- ous for her as she clapped her hands along with the people in the club. Strutting the stage as she sang and pumping her fist along with the drum- beat showed that she was really enjoying her- self on stage and performing for the people of South Florida. An historic moment occured half way through the show as she asked the people to “give it up ” for Conrad Eric Glaze, otherwise known as Bornfree. He took the stage, the con- nection between the both of them was one of true love and you could tell there was compassion with the mixture of his spoken words and her sultry singing as they delivered their collaboration Who I Am for the first time. Africa Is Calling was a proud performance for Mamadee, you could tell this was her homage to her african roots - moving her arms and hands flu- idly and swaying her body to the rhythm singing from the heart as she closed the show. In conclusion, “Embrace The Positive” did exact- ly what it set out to do. There was a tremendous show of talent and positivity which Bornfree Re- cords represent. We all left the venue with a lov- ing energy and positive vibration that could not be denied. Report by Sarah Soutar Photos by Gail Zucker Rebel Salute 2012 Launch Tony Rebel annual festival was launched on 3rd January. If the launch of Rebel Sa- lute 2012 is anything to go by then the 19th staging of one of the most conscious reg- gae shows on the musical cal- endar will be a stellar event. Held at the Wyndham Kingston, the prelude was like a meeting concert in itself as several ar- tistes turned out to show their support for Tony Rebel and his Flames Production Company. The show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Janu- ary 14th at the Port Kaiser Sports Complex, St. Elizabeth. As this is the 50th anniver- sary of Jamaica’s Independ- ence the promoters plan to pull out all the stops to make this staging a memorable one. Artistes who are scheduled to perform some of whom will be gracing the stage for the first time or the first in a long while are , , Max Ro- meo, , Eric Don- aldson and C-Sharp Band. Other big acts expected include Tarrus Riley, Johnny Clarke, , Capleton, Stephen Marley, Luciano, Maxi Priest and to name a few. If you are ever in Jamaica, this event is a must. Report and Photos by Steve James his all to every performance, Anthony B Anthony B in Los came onstage to Peter Tosh’s famous song Angeles , delivering the song with power and strength. With such a vast repertoire to choose from, Anthony had quite a long set Anthony B played at The Dub list of 20 songs. I was able to acquire Antho- Club, The Echoplex in Los Ange- ny’s set list at the end of the show (he saw les, USA on January 4th. me take it and laughed), so you can peruse the list to see your favorite songs. His high Anthony B has quite a musical history with kicks and jumps while still singing amazed about 25 albums, over 1000 singles and ap- the crowd, who sang along with him through pearances on over 100 albums over the last many of his songs. I had lots of fun taking 14 years. Born Keith Anthony Blair, on March photos throughout the set, trying to cap- 31, 1976 to very spiritual parents, in Clark’s ture his high energy! He chose to save his Town, Trelawny, Jamaica, he has brought to biggest hits for last as he held his lighter the music industry spiritual consciousness high for Fire Pon Rome and then launched and social convictions not unlike one of his into Raid the Barn. There was a “pull up” greatest influences, the reggae legend Pe- as he started Raid the Barn and he ran off ter Tosh. In 1992 he made the trek to King- stage for a few moments coming back to ston, Jamaica and soon linked up with well delight the crowd completing the massive known music producer Richard “Bello” Bell hit. He did a couple more songs during the of Star Trail Records which produced such encore which left the crowd with love and massive hits as Raid the Barn and Fire Pon light and fully satisfied with his awesome Rome. Anthony B started his own record la- performance. bel in 2002, Born Fire Records. His current tour is promoting Anthony’s latest album, I made my way backstage to put away ‘Rasta Love’. my camera and say a brief hello. Antho- ny, charming as ever, gave me a big hug I timed my arrival at The Dub Club perfectly that put a smile on my face for the drive as I got there about 20 minutes before An- home. His self-produced new CD ‘Ras- thony’s set, which allowed me time to set ta Love’ is fantastic! Pick it up and sup- up my equipment and get into place for a port this wonderful artist. Don’t miss spectacular show. Anthony B is a magnifi- him if he comes to your town! Respect! cent performer to watch as his energet- ic moves fill the stage with action as he Report and photos by Jan Salzman chants his conscious lyrics. Always giving Anthony B and Junior Toots in San Francisco

‘Greeting’s in the name of his majesty, Emperor Haile Se- lassie, Jah Ras Tafari!’ Hear- ing that never really gets old, does it?

On a warm winter’s night on January 12, 2012, at San Fran- cisco reggae hot spot, The In- dependent, Jah was definitely that was welcomed by all. movement. “Rastafari spread in the building. Lighting up the teachings of love and the night in no small fashion All in all, Junior Toots wowed peace.” This was ever present was Junior Toots, backed by and amazed the crowd and as he swaggered into ‘Coming the Fyah Squad Band, a tradi- myself. We chanted for an en- In Hot’. And later on we got a tional reggae 4-piece. True to core, which unfortunately nev- full dose of Anthony B’s signa- their name, their riddems were er came, but left us all wanting ture power, energy and sheer locked tight, allowing Junior more, and I’m gonna get some. madness as he ripped through Toots to shine. 20 minutes The crowd filled in, chalice and a wild version of Never Wanna into his set, we had seen three spliff’s filled the air, and in Lose You. Several hits from totally different looks from true Anthony B style, he took Anthony’s massive catalog Toots, embodying ska, dance- to the stage, leaping furiously rounded out the night, all skill- hall, and straight up roots reg- like some kind of Rasta drum fully laid down by his world- gae. Junior Toots commanded major shaman, instantly whip- class band. By the end of the the stage, dancing and gyrat- ping the packed house into a set, I was tired and sweaty ing fiercely, truly connecting frenzy. His trademark staff from ritualistically dancing with the audience, as seen flying in the air, towel in back for most of the night. With by the energetic call and re- pocket giving the crowd the Anthony B’s seeming end- sponse. gymnastic performance that less releases and tireless tour is 100% Anthony B. Out in sup- schedule, he has been and will By the time he got to Physi- port of his most recent album, be an artist to watch for some cally Spiritually from his new ‘Rasta Love’, we were treated time. The man is possessed, in album, ‘A Little Bit Of Love’, to his unique sound that tran- a good way, and to my eyes, Toots was on fire, working scends traditional dancehall, on a higher plain. Can’t wait to every corner of the stage, his bordering on progressive reg- hear, and see what he comes voice well warmed, yet raw, gae, his positive message was up with next. real. Junior Toots was joined ever present. “With reggae on stage by Sol Atash, who music, it doesn’t matter your Report by Jerome Forney sings back up on Seek The race, class or creed,” said the Photos by Lee Abel Truth in Farsi, which brought a member of the Bobo Ashanti different element to the show branch of the Rastafarian MAGAZINE

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