To Whom Respec' Is Due, Respec' It Must Go T'roo

It has been my great fortune to have witnessed some excellent reggae radio, here on the east coast.

A prerequisite to spending many years in the DC area was having access to excellent broadcasts, of which WPFW Radio was instrumental. In that time, this radio station representing Howard University was host to two icons of reggae radio: Papa Wabe, who presented "Shock Waves", which not only forwarded conscious reggae, but instructed with the "Rastafari Voices" segment... and Sydney White, whose weekend show exposed a young roots-rock lover to the bedrock of rock steady.

Though other influences are legion, these performers and Selectors helped define my inspiration and appreciation with Forwarding reggae music.

And, with respect, I begin today's program with "Natural Progressions", Mr. White's sign-on theme:



"Natural Progression" - Aswad - New Chapter [CBS]
"Natural Aggression" - Aswad - New Chapter Of Dub [Mango]

"Natural Mystic" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Countryman soundtrack [Mango]
"We Rock It" - Noiseshaper - CD single [Cat N' Roof Records]
"Music My Rock" - Bedouin Soundclash - MP3
"Run The Plan" - Groundation - Here I Am [Groundation Music]

"Dance Of The Vampires" - Scientist - ...Rids The World Of The Curse Of The Evil Vampires [Greensleeves]

"Your Teeth In My Neck" - Scientist - ...Rids The World Of The Curse Of The Evil Vampires [Greensleeves]

"Party Time" - Heptones - Best Of Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Fist To Fist" - Lone Ranger - Collection [DGV]
"Conquering Heart Dub" - Blue King Brown/Chris Macro - ReAmplify [Easy Star]
"Johnny Was" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Since I Throw The Comb Away" - Twinkle Bros - Since I Throw The Comb Away [Sunsplash Records]
"Struggling" - John Brown's Body - ReAmplify [Easy Star]
"Machete Strike" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [ROIR]
"Mystic Man" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"National Herb" - Lone Ranger - Collection

>"Ramble" - Rico Rodrigues - Countryman [Mango]
"Dos Lenos" - The Toyes - Viva La Rasta [Aztlan]
"Besame" - Pericos - Yerbabuena [EMI]
"Quem Aviso" - Djambi - Keep This Feeling

"Big Shot" - Noiseshaper - CD-EP

"Crystal Blue Persuasion" - Heptones - Deep In The Roots [Heartbeat]
"White Man In Hammersmith Palais" - The Clash - Clash On Broadway [EPIC]

Groundation at State Theater, Falls Church, VA Sept 17 (tomorrow)

It is said that if you don't know your past, you don't know your future; well Groundation knows its past, and they're stepping into the future. While capturing the essence of true Roots Reggae, internationally acclaimed Groundation aims to take the art of genre-bending to new heights by blending elements of both Jazz/Funk fusion and transcendental Dub in their progressive amalgam of sound.

The name 'Groundation' came from the Rastafarian ceremony of the same name. Its goal: using the vibration of music to get everyone on the same wavelength in order to forward positive consciousness.

Groundation was founded in the fall of 1998 when three long time musicians Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano), Ryan Newman (bass) and Harrison Stafford (guitar/lead vocals) came together in the jazz program of California's Sonoma State University to form the core of Groundation's fusion of style and sound.

They were later joined in 2000 by San Francisco based Jazz trumpeter David Chachere and the North Bay's Kelsey Howard on trombone. Groundation saxophonist Jason Robinson has gone on to become the head of the Jazz program at UC San Diego. Drummer Paul Spina (Claypool's Flying Frog Brigage, Will Bernard's Mother Bug) was replaced in 2008 with Reno-based Jazz/Fusion specialist Tekanawa Haereiti. Bay area percussionist Mingo Lewis Jr. (son of Santana percussionist Mingo Lewis) brings Latin and African infused rhythms, adding heady layers to Groundation's already stout syncopations. Jamaicans Kim Pommell and Stephanie Wallace, joining the group in 2007 and 2008 respectively, have helped take Groundation's harmonies and live shows to new heights and are featured lead vocalists on the new studio album.

Though Groundation has played in 30 countries on 4 continents in just the last few years (headlining huge multi-genre festivals in Israel, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco and Brazil to name but a few), 2009 marks a turning point in their development here at home. On their wildly successful coast-to-coast 2008 summer tour, worlds collided as Groundation's internationally seasoned high-energy show style met the American heartland, culminating in an historic tour. Once again, Groundation heads across America at a truly crucial time in our country's history with shows from coast to coast starting in the Fall.

2009 also will see the release of the long awaited full length studio album "Here I Am." Following the release of "Rockamovya," the first Groundation side project featuring Grammy-nominated Jazz guitarist Will Bernard (Stanton Moore Trio, Dr. Lonnie Smith) as well as Jamaican Reggae legend Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace (Burning Spear, The Abyssinians the cult film 'Rockers') on drums, "Here I Am" is already generating considerable buzz throughout the international music industry and will surely go down as an early 21st century classic (U.S. release set for June).

Reggae music's commitment to an upheaval of our unjust social system and Groundation's livication of forwarding this message through a fresh, improvisation-based musical lens has created a truly unique movement. Groundation is the biggest, most respected American Reggae band in the world today...come join us and find out why.

The State Theater

Remembering Katrina... from across the Gulf

Tagging along with the Jazz department, and giving credit where it is due: the Crescent city, New Orleans. Four years after Katrina, there are glimmers of hope, but much remains to be done.

Would Jamaican music be the same without those static-y broadcasts across the water in the 50s and 60s?

Perhaps not.

Two hours of storm-related and Second Line Skank...

...and a massive Big Up to our friends at WWOZ Radio (particularly WTJU alumni, Tom "Bartender" Morgan).



"Reggae Sound" - Linton Kwesi Johnson - Reggae Greats [Mango]
"Machete Strike" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [I-Town]

"Lightning Flash Weak Heart Drop" - Big Youth - Beyond The Frontline [Caroline]
"Tidal Wave" - Frankie Paul - Tidal Wave [Greensleeves]
"Weather Report" - the Tennors - Rock Steady Classics [Nighthawk]
"Wild Gilbert" - Lovindeer - Why Don't We All Just Have Sex? [TSOJ]
"Sproing-A-Dub" - Burning Babylon - Beat Beat Beat [SoundShack]
"Below The B-Line" - Burning Babylon - Beat Beat Beat

"Louisiana" - Taj Weekes - Deidem [Jatta]
"Rough Out There" - Noiseshaper - Rough Out There [Echo Beach]
"Sufferer" - Aggrolites - IV [Hellcat Records]
"Stab You Back" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan Yah]
"Who Laughs Last" - El Tibby & the Stingers - MP3
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Tait & the Jets - Hole Me Tight [Trojan]
"Smoky Places" - Lynn Tait & the Jets

"Lee Dorsey" - Holy Cow - MP3
"You Never Miss Your Water" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
...and Patsy
"Roscoe Gordon" - No More Doggin' - MP3
"Man To Man" - Kendrick Patrick - The Trojan Story [Trojan]
"Cry Tough" - Alton Ellis - Duke Reid's Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
"Pressure And Slide" - Lynn Tait & the Jets
"Long Story" - Lynn Tait & the Jets

"I Can't Keep It To Myself" - Cool Riddims & Sistah Teedy - Pledge To My People [NYNO]
"Fixing A Hole" - Max Romeo - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Still Waters" - Jerry Jones - Studio One Soul [Soul Jazz]
"Follow Into Shadow" - John Brown's Body - Pressure Points [Easy Star]
"Doule Clutchin'/Pass The Dutchie" - Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin' - Zydeco [Putumayo]

"One Day" - Matisyahu - Light [Epic]
"Home, Home, Home" - Ken Boothe - Mr. Rock Steady [Studio One]

Jamaica World Championship Gold/Happy Birthday, Hawaii!

As stated in Friday's New York Times:

"Jamaica's Usain Bolt, set a new world record in the 200 meter final during the World Athletics Championships in Berlin on Thursday.

Melaine Walker, the reigning Olympic champion in the 400 meter hurdles from Jamaica, added the world championship by winning in 52.42 seconds, the second-fastest time in history."

The legacy continues.

On This Date, in 1959 (Friday, August 21st), Hawaii joined the Union as the 50th state. Still, "Hawaiian lands should be in Hawaiian hands". The rest of the country could learn much from the Aloha Spirit.

Read To Steal A Kingdom to find out why this is a bittersweet anniversary.


"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae [Rhino]

"Bush Rock" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [I-Town]
"Every Man Ought To Know" - Max Romeo - Open The Iron Gate [Blood And Fire]
"The Gold" - John Brown's Body - Re-Amplify [Easy Star]
"Joggin'" - Freddie McGregor - Tougher Tha Tough [Mango]
"Stay With You" - Tarrus Riley - Parables [VP]
"Cool & Collect" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant

"I Shot The Sheriff (Live)" - Bob Marley & theWailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Peace In A Time Of War" - Soldiers Of Jah Army - Peace In A Time Of War [SOJA]
"Fu Manchu" - Desmond Dekker - Rockin' Steady [Rhino]
"Just Can't Win" - Versatiles
"Dry & Heavy" - Burning Spear - Dry & Heavy [Mango]
"Natty Dread Kung Fu" - Dub Funk Association - Roots Of Dub Funk [Tanty]

"Is This Love? (remix)" - Bob marley/DUBMATIX - MP3
"It's Alright" - Aggrolites - IV [Hellcat]
"Tomorrow" - Ken Boothe - A Man And His Hits [Studio One]
"Let Me Down Easy" - Derrick Harriott - MP3

"Ramblin'" - Jazz Jamaica - Skaravan [Hannibal]
"Nubia" - Jazz Jamaica - Skaravan

"Men Who Ride Mountains" - Israel Wamakawiwo' ole - Island Roots [Quiet Storm]
"Fish & Poi" - Sean Na'auao - Fish & Poi [Fat Katz]
"Sovereign Land" - Iz/Hawaiian Style Band

"Coming In From The Cold (12")" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom
"Waiting In Vain" - Terence Simien - Tribute Sessions [AIM]
"Crying In The Chapel" - Elvis/Wailers - mashup MP3

USA Reggae Rock

In the past decade (or more), legions of USA-based reggae bands arose... particularly, thanks to the contact that the internet provided. John Brown's Body is one of the pioneers. Check the playlist, and the podcast: you may agree.

Labelmates Ten Foot Ganja Plant are pretty amazing, too. Their newest, Bush Rock, displays sounds like authentic Augustus Pablo and the Congos. And, who can't love a band named "Ten Foot Ganja Plant"?


"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]

"Speak Of The Devil" - John Brown's Body - Amplify [Easy Star]
"Push Some Air" - John Brown's Body - Re-Amplify [Easy Star]
"Do The Beng Beng" - Derick Morgan - The Trojan Story [Trojan]
"Feelin' Alright" - Aggrolites - IV [Hellcat]
"Intensified Festival '68" - Desmond Dekker - Rockin' Steady [Rhino]
"Soul Shakedown Party" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Cool & Collect" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [I-Town]

"Vanity" - John Brown's Body - All Time [I-Town]
"Love Is A Fire" - John Brown's Body - Among Them [Shanachie]
"Bush Rock" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [I-Town]
"Head Shrinker" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [I-Town]

"Joy In The Morning" - Dennis Brown - My Your Food Basket Never Empty [RAS]
"Queen Majesty" - Techniques - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Machete Strike" - Ten Foot Ganja Plant - Bush Rock [I-Town]

"What We Gonna Do?" - John Brown's Body - Pressure Points [Easy Star]
"Tribal War" - George Nooks - MP3
"Throw Some Water In" - Lee "Scratch" Perry - Roast Fish Collie Weed and Cornbread [Lion Of Judah]
"Larger Than Life" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt & The Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]

"Conquering Heart Dub" - John Brown's Body - Re-Amplify [Easy Star]
"Follow Into Shadow" - John Brown's Body - Pressure Points [Easy Star]
"Give Yourself Over" - John Brown's Body - Amplify [Easy Star]
"Rainbow Country" - Bob Marley - Roots, Rock, Re-mixed [Tuff Gong]

Yes. Really. Elvis Aron Presley. Lurking deep in my iTunes, there was no credit for this masterpiece.
At first, it seemed like it would be a "novelty" song... but it almost sounds "reverential".
"Crying In The Chapel" - Elvis/Wailers - MP3 mashup
"Selassie Is The Chapel" - Bob Marley - The Complete Wailers 67-72 [JAD]

John Brown's Body/IS Venue, Fri August 14th

Along with openers, Passafire, John Brown's Body appears this Friday at IS Venue, bringing epic reggae music to Charlottesville.

Years ago, at a tiny restaurant/venue in Fredericksburg, VA., I had the opportunity to meet and interview the then-frontman of the band, Kevin Kinsella. Not long before, their debut CD was released, All Time: rootsy, authentic, and seemingly recorded with the sonic "sensibilities" of Lee "Scratch" Perry.

Through subsequent changes in personnel and many more releases, their sound has gotten bigger and distinctive... and takes the music to a whole new place, as it should: Heavy. Message-driven. Authentic.

Check out "What We Gonna Do?" and "Follow Into Shadow" from Pressure Points, and "Give Yourself Over" from Amplify (not to forget the amazing remixes on Re-Amplify).

Then... Get Your Face In The Place.

Vampires

"Out the candle... tek off you bangle... turn your neck 'pon the right angle"." It sounds hilarious when Lone Ranger chants it. After all, he claims "Barney 'a de best inna de bizness... Barney chew your neck like a Wrigley's".

Totally the opposite of what the theme of this show is supposed to be. Many may be glamoured by the Children of the Night... but there are real vampires out there, feasting upon the living: Bankers. Insurance/Pharmaceutical Companies. Politricksters. Corporate Executives.

Come... grab a musical wooden stake.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"Coming In Hot" - Peter Tosh - The Toughest [Columbia]
"Too Hot" - The Specials - The Specials

"Dawn Is Breaking" - Dry & Heavy - Full Contact [BSI]

"Vampire" - Black Uhuru - Sinsemilla [Mango]
"Vampire" - Devon Irons - Arkology [Island]
"Barnabas Collins" - Lone Ranger - Barnabas (in) Collins (wood) [GG/Wave]
"Your Teeth In My Neck" - Scientist - ...Rids The World Of The Curse Of The Evil Vampires [Greensleeves]
"Vampire" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"Bumbo Klaat" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen

"Dracula" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Soul Revolution I & II [Trojan]
"Dance Of The Vampires" - Scientist - ...Rids The World Of The Curse Of The Evil Vampires

"Natty Champion" - Prince Far I - Sucker Punch [Trojan]
"Larger Than Life" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"Small Axe" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Shame And Scandal" - Peter Tosh - The Toughest [Heartbeat]
"It's Not An Easy Road" - Buju Banton - 'Til Shiloh [Island]
"Conquering Heart Dub" - Blue King Brown/Chris Macro - Re-Amplify [Easy Star]

"Ramble" - Rico Rodrigues - Countryman [Mango]
"Three O'Clock Road Block" - the Wailers - Countryman

"Dreadlocks In Moonlight" - lee Perry - Countryman
"You Should Have Known Better" - Justin Hinds & The Dominos [Trojan]
"The Wicked" - The Reggae Boys - 7" [Joe Gibbs]
"Crooked Beat" - The Clash - Sandinista [Epic]
"Redemption Song (Live)" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]

Art Of The Reggae Album

Today marks my return after three weeks of accommodating my alternate's schedules... and I'm glad to get back in the saddle.

In the meantime, before the playlist and podcasts appear, I'd like to share an amazing pair of websites that celebrate the Art of the Reggae LP, both of which were revealed when digging around the cybersphere to learn more about the legendary dub pioneer, Scientist. Exhaustive research and an obvious appreciation of roots music and culture can be found at:

42 Reggae Album Cover Designs: The Art & Culture of Jamaica

and

I Am The Gorgon!

As my history with reggae began with vinyl, in fact, my love of music, also... there is no substitute for a 12" square piece of artwork. And, as you will see, the visuals on reggae LPs are at once dramatic, soulful, sometimes cheesy, at times outlandishly cartoony, vaguely ominous, and completely distinctive... and, almost always disguising the power hiding in the grooves, inside.

Not the least is the creative expression of the artists: unaided my computer enhancements or clip art, this is human, media and imagination at its most earthy and compelling.

'nuff niceness.

DJ Dave... Come FORWARD!

"Death in the Arena" - Soul Vendors - Downbeat the Ruler
"Oh Mr. D.C." - Sugar Minott - Tighten up Vol 5
"Y Mas Gan" - The Abyssinians - Satta Massagana
"Roots Train" - Junior Murvin and Dillinger
"Sufferer's Heights" - Junior Dread
"Love Again" - Jackie and the Invaders
"Sufferer's Dub" - The Upsetters
"Take me Home Country Roads" - Toots and the Maytals
"Can't Enter Zion with Your Big Checkbook!" - Niney
"Mr. Brown" - Bob Marley
"Downpressor Man" - Peter Tosh
"Armagideon Time" - Dr. Israel
"Flash Gordon Meets Luke Skywalker" - Scientist and the Roots Radics
"One Two Order" - Tarrus Riley - Parables
"Ark of the Covenant" - Corey Harris - Zion Crossroads
"Rastaman Chant" - Ras Michel and the Sons of Negus
"Return of the Scorcher" - Sound Dimension
"Armagideon Time" - Willie Williams
"Armagideon Time" - The Clash
"Federated Backdrop" - Sound Dimension
"Can't Come In" - The Congos - Heart of the Congos
"Man in the Hills" - Burning Spear
"Family" - Tarrus Riley
"Armagideon Time" - Dave Grant
"Set up Yourself Dreadlocks" - Jah Stitch
"Solomon a Gunday" - Big Youth
"Good Memories" - Prince Jazzbo
"The Answer" - Lone Ranger
"Ali Baba" - John Holt
"I Killed the Barber" - Dr. Alimantado
"Barber Feel It" - Dr. Alimantado
"Liquidator" - Harry J All Stars

Independence...

...is useless without Inter-Dependence. e pluribus unum, y'all.

A special Shout Out to the Morally Superior, commencing with "Hipocrite"(sp). The bigger they come, the harder they fall... eh, South Carolina? Arizona? DC? Alaska?

"S-90 Skank" - BIg Youth - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Forward March" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
"Intensified" - Desmond Dekker - Israelites [TKO]

"Know Your Rights" - the Clash - Combat Rock [Epic]
"Message From A Black Man" - Heptones - Studio One Soul [Soul Jazz]
"The Village" - Gregory Isaacs - Reggae Legends III [Rohit]
"Enforcement" - Vin Gordon - Jamaica's Independence 30th. Anniversary [Striker Lee]
"Split Second" - Vin Gordon - Jamaica's Independence 30th. Anniversary [Striker Lee]

"Hipocrite" - Bunny Wailer - ...Sings The Wailers [Mango]
"Money Move" - Barrington Levy - Broader Than Broadway [One Time]
"Shame And Scandal" - Dr. Ring Ding & The Senior All Stars - Ska Island [Island]
"Half Idiot" - Marcia Griffiths/Cutty Ranks - Watch How You Flex! [Shanachie]
"The Gold" - Dubmatix/John Browns Body - Re-Amplify [Easy Star]
"Time Of The Season" - Scofflaws - Record Of Convictions [MOONSka]

"Zion City" - Laurel Aitken - The Blue Beat Years [MOONSka]
"Welcome To Montego Bay" - Queen Ifrica - Montego Bay [VP]
"Take Me To Jamaica" - Ziggy Marley/Toots HIbbert - Family Time [Tuff Gong]
"Take Me Back To Jamaica" - Jolly Boys - Sunshine 'N Water [RYKO]
"High Tide Or Low Tide" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - B Is For Bob [Tuff Gong]
"Java Plus" - Augustus Pablo - The Message [Prince Buster]
...also arranged and produced by Prince Buster
"Reincarnate" - Ras Tesfa McDonald

"Reflections of Don D" - Johnny "Dizzy" Moore

"Fixing A Hole" - Max Romeo - Easy Star's LOnely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Don't Let Me Down" - Marcia Griffiths
"Mad, Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Joy In the Morning" - The Gaylads - Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"Hold Them" - Roy Shirley - Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Give Yourself Over" - Goldilocks - Re-Amplify [Easy Star]

A Luta Continua

a musical telegram to the Opposition in the streets of Tehran... and a Remembrance Of Juneteenth, the Day Of Emancipation in Galveston, Texas, June 19th, 1865.

"Shah-Shah A Go-Go" - the Stranglers - The Raven
"Ai Bod Dub" - Llwybr Llaethog - Mewn Dub [ROIR]
"Ouelli el Darek" - Cheik Khaled - Sahra
"Let Me Cry" - Cheb Mami - Planete Rai [Declic]
"Rock el Casbah" - Rachid Taha [Barclay]
"Mustaspha Dance" - the Clash [Epic]

"Cool Down" - Silvertones
"Weather Report" - the Tennors - Rock Steady Classics [Nighthawk]
"Give Yourself Over" - Soldiers of Jah Army - Get Wiser [Innerloop]
"A Luta Continua" - Big Youth - A Luta Continua [Heartbeat]
"Give Praises" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan/Sancturary]

"Slavery Days" - Burning Spear - Reggae Greats [Mango]
"Slave Master" - Gregory Isaacs - Mr Isaacs [Heartbeat]
"Massi Massa" - the Tennors - Rock Steady Classics
"We And Dem" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Uprising [Tuff Gong/Island]
"Us And Them" - Frankie Paul - Dub Side Of The Moon [Easy Star]

"Reincarnate" - Ras Tesfa McDonald

"Is This Love?" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Dubmatix remix
"Talking Love" - John Holt & the Paragons - Hold Tight! Lynn Taitt & the Jets [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Better Must Come" - Delroy Wilson - Trojan Explosion! [MOJO]
"You Should Have Known Better" - Justin Hinds & the Dominos
"Happy Land" - Carlton & the Shoes
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Tight! Lynn Taitt &the Jets

"A Day In The Life" - Michael Rose/Menny More - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]

playlist, 5 June... a prelude to a Splendid time

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - Junior Jazz - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"With A Little Help From My Friends" - Luciano - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Unity" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Rough Out There (Tokyo Tower Mix)" - Noiseshaper - Real to Reel [Echo Beach]
"Rasta Shout Again" - Mr. Irie - MP3
"Meditations" - African Connection - Ghetto Knowledge [Easy Star]
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight[Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Smoky Places" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight[Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Fixing A Hole" - Max Romeo - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Baby I Love You So" - Jacob Miller - DJ Andy Smith Greensleeves Document
"King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown" - Augustus Pablo - DJ Andy Smith Greensleeves Document
"You Are No Good" - MIchael Prophet - DJ Andy Smith Greensl
"At The End Of The Day" - Trumystic - Dub Power [TMG]
"At The End Of The Day (DUB)" - Trumystic
"Gun The Man Down" - Prince Buster - The Outlaw [Prince Buster]
"Us And Them" - Frankie Paul - Dub Side Of The Moon [Easy Star]
"Version"
"What We Gonna Do?" - John Brown Body - Pressure Points
"What Comes Around" - Ruff Scott - Easy Star Vol 1
"How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" - Sharon Jones/Ticklah - MP3
"Left With A Broken Heart" - Paragons - Unearthed Gold Of Rock Steady [Ossie]
"Small Garden" - Zoot Simms - Studio One 7"
"Nice Time" - Lynn Taitt & The Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Airbag" - Horace Andy - Radiodread [Easy Star]
"Can't Stop Us Now" - Viceroys - Can't Stop Us Now /Lynval Thompson Productions [Easy Star]
"A Day In The Life" - Michael Rose/Menny More - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band

A Splendid Time

In the legacy of Jamaican music, certain bands arose as studio rhythm sections of renown, providing the musical landscape for untold dozens of vocalists... in the fashion of Motown's Funk Brothers, and STAX Records' Booker T. & The M.G.s. Names like the Skatalites, Roots Radics, Sly & Robbie, and even Bob Marley's Wailers Band scored the musical underpinnings for phenomenal music, maybe not so apparent to most Americans, but to the world.

From this tradition comes Easy Star All-Stars, formed on our own shores in urban-exotic NYC... the "House Band" of Easy Star Records. For over ten years this venerable unit has backed many of the kingpins of reggae music in their newer solo offerings, and in remarkable tribute albums in the past few years... notably, re-workings of Pink Floyd (Dub Side Of The Moon), Radiohead (Radiodread), and most recently, the Beatles (Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band). In the packed, humid environment of the IS Venue in Charlottesville, VA., an adoring public got to find out just how remarkable is their sound, in this particular guise.

The logistics of including all off of these star vocalists in a touring band being unrealistic, the Easy Star All Stars relied on their own prodigious talents (and those of Kirsty Rock of Trumystic, the openers), both vocally and musically, in presenting original and very familiar music. The ambitious "tribute" undertakings of the Easy Star Records vanguard (Michael Goldwasser, Eric Smith and now-local Lem Oppenheimer) might cause the unschooled to think that there were big musical shoes to fill, with the adaptation to reggae. But, if crowd reaction is any indication, the call-and-response dispelled that notion, Friday night.

And, though the heart of a reggae band is it's rhythm unit, it's the brass section that punctuates this amazing performance (Jenny Hill, hailing from the pinnacle of roots brass sections, Burning Spear's Burning Brass, and Buford O'Sullivan of 3G Ska stalwarts, the Scofflaws). From the familiar "English" horn figures from Sergeant Pepper, to classic reggae riffs, to gusty blues blasts... they Brought It Home.

In short, this was not just a "show"... but, an Event.

As fortunate as was Charlottesville to benefit from this performance, who's getting the best bargain from the Easy Star All Stars? The upcoming audiences of England's Glastonbury Festival: Three nights... three stages... each night focusing on each of those "tribute" albums.

Lucky Brits.

Easy Star All Stars at IS Venue, Tonight.

Venerable reggae innovators Easy Star All Stars will be debuting tracks from their newest release, Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band CD, tonight... and, no doubt, be mining their previous hits from Dub Side Of The Moon and Radiodread. All Stars, to be sure.

Opening will be Trumystic, fronted by Kirsty Rock... herself, an Easy Star alumni.

A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed For All.

Thank You, CVille Weekly...

...for the timely interview, and Lem Oppenheimer of Easy Star Records, for the shout out.

Judge Not

Insane ranting about the supreme court nominee prompts yet another theme about "justice". Racism. Intelligence. Gender. Those with sin have no problem with casting stones, it seems.

If extremists on both sides of the spectrum can find their voice, where are the moderates?

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"Rock Steady" - Alton Ellis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]

"Judge Not" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Sounds Of Freedom [Island]
"The World Has A Feeling" - The Three Tops - Run For Cover: Killing Rock Steady Shots [(Unknown)]
"Want Some Freedom" - African Brothers - Want Some Freedom [Easy Star]
"I Want Justice" - Delroy Wilson - Wailers And Friends [Heartbeat]
"False Preachers" - Itals - In A Dis Yah Time [VP]
"You Don't Care" - Itals - In A Dis Yah Time [VP]
"Rougher Yet" - Itals - In A Dis Yah Time [VP]
"Long Story Version" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"Bad Mind" - Etana - Rock Steady [VP]
"Fire Bun A Weak Heart" - Bushman - DJ Andy Smith's Greensleeses Document [VP]
"War Is In The Dance" - Frankie Paul - DJ Andy Smith's Greensleeses Document [VP]
"Propaganda War" - Tak Weekes - Deidem [Sanctified Sounds]
"Tribal War" - George Nooks - 7" [Joe Gibbs]
"Get Up, Stand Up" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Sounds Of Freedom [Island]
"The Wicked" - Reggae Boys - 7" [Joe Gibbs]
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"Getting Better" - Mighty Diamonds - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" - Alton/Hortense Ellis - Alton/Hortense Ellis [Heartbeat]
"Wherever I Lay My Hat" - Delano Stewart - 7" [Highnote]
"Left With A Broken Heart" - Paragons - Unearthed Gold Of Rock Steady [Ossie Music]
"In My Room" - Pericos - Yerba Buena [EMI Latin]
"When I'm Sixty-Four" - Sugar Minott - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]

"Street Life" - Richie Spice - MP3
"Creatures Of The NIght" - Bushman - MP3
"Street Life (Version)" - MP3
"Everything Crash" - Ethiopians - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"Botheration" - Meditators - 7" [Trojan]
"Keep On Pushing" - Lloyd & Glenn - Run For Cover: Killing Rock Steady Shots [(Unknown)]

"Mr Jailer" - Jah Cure - CD single [DZMG]
"None Shall Escape The Judgment" - Johnny Clarke - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]

Dr. Strangelove

Dueling press conferences on "torture", yesterday. One, hesitant, considered, resigned to repairing the irreparable. The Other: insane, recycled lies... supplanted with new ones. Either way: the "High Ground" is lost.

We begin with a music lesson about Paul Bogle, sacrificed for the Morant Bay Rebellion.

the "just"... pay.

the Unjust... play. For a while.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]

"96 Degrees (1865)" - Third World - Reggae Box [Hip-O]
"So Much Things to Say" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Exodus [Island]
"Mr. Jailer" - Jah Cure - CD single
"Rat Race" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
"Hurt My Soul" - Joe Higgs - Lynn Taitt & the Jets: Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Smoky Places" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Lynn Taitt & the Jets: Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"Bad Lamp" - Richie Spice - Gideon Boot [VP]
"Words Of Divine" - Sizzla - MP3
"Pressure Drop" - Toots & the Maytals - The Harder They Come [Mango]
"No One" - Adele Harvey - From R&B To Reggae [Cousinsrecords]
"Hold Down Miss Winey" - Glen Adams - 7" [WIRL]
"Umbrella" - Sylvia Tella - From R&B To Reggae [Cousinsrecords]
"Morning Ride" - Yellowman - Mister Yellowman [Shanachie]

DJ Dave, Come Forward!

"Lean with It" - Mr. Vegas [Taxi]
"The Enemies" - Pinchers [Digital-B]
"Sweet Jamaica" - Luciano - Jah Is My Navigator [VP]
"One Two Order" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]

Goldfinger, returns:

"Skavoovie" - Skatalites - Skavoovie! [Shanachie]

"Fixing A Hole" - Max Romeo - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Don't Let Me Down" - Marcia Griffiths - Reggae Anthology [VP]
"A Day In The Life" - Michael Rose - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]

"Speak No Evil" - Uniques - Best of... 67-69 [Trojan]
"Mad, Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Lesson Of Love" - Uniques - Best of... 67-69 [Trojan]
"Napoleon Solo" - Lynn Taitt - Lynn Taitt & the Jets: Hold Me Tight [Trojan/Sanctuary]

Soul Food

The first track, an obvious Lee "Scratch" Perry take on King Curtis' "Memphis Soul Stew". It's a rundown of new and old, particularly the excellent new release Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band: the tribute, not only palatable, but remarkable.

"Soul Food" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - ...Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Why Am I Treated So Badly" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - ...Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"Wrap Up A Draw" - Richie Spice - Gideon Boot [VP]
"Catch A Fire" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [Irievibrations]
"Slave Driver" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Catch A Fire [Island]
"Realization" - Dubconscious - Realization [(Self)]
...live @Tree Studios
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - ...Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Smoky Places" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - ...Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"A Day In The Life" - Michael Rose/Menny More - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Don't Let Me Down" - Marcia Griffiths - Reggae Anthology [VP]
"Fixing A Hole" - Max Romeo - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"She's Leaving Home" - Kirsty Rock - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"I Should Have Known Better" - Skatalites - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Nice Time" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - ...Anthology [Trojan/Sanctuary]

"Mr. Jailer" - Jah Cure - CD single [DZMG]
"Stand Up for The Right" - Stateside Lion/Myztik Vibrations - America's Reality [(Self)]
"All Is Vanity" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"The Scorcher" - Errol Dunkley - 7" [Trojan]
"Rastah Man Chant" - Sizzla - Biggest One Drop Anthems 2008 [Greensleeves]
"Rasta Man Chant" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Countryman [Mango]

"Work Song" - the Slackers - Better Late Than Never [MOONSka]

"Get On The Ball" - Roy Shirley - Lynn Taitt & the Jets [Trojan/Sanctuary]
"Run Man" - George Agard - 7" [Trojan]
"Is Life Worth Living?" - Prince Buster - ...Sings His Hit Song Ten Commandments [RCA/Sony]
"Queen Majesty" - Techniques - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Chalice In The Palace" - U-Roy - Original DJ [Caroline]

"Within You And Without You" - Matisyahu - Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Peace Conference Inna Western Kingston" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]

Of Local Interest

Sunday, May 17th, James Madison's Montpelier estate will be presenting "A Freedman's Farm Tour And Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour" opposite the grounds on Rt. 20, west of Orange, VA.

Taken from the Montpelier guide pamphlet, "Tour The Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, born a slave at Montpelier. Then take a walking tour of the 1863-64 Confederate winter encampment site." 540-672-2728, ex 442

As written in a brochure for the Farm, "The Gilmore Cabin stands as the first preserved and interpreted freedman's home in the United States." Amongst many historic ironies, including how the Father of the Constitution was bound by contemporary economics in the ownership of slaves, is the fact that the original cabin was built from lumber salvaged from the aforementioned Confederate encampment.
A fitting tribute to enonomy... and survival.

And, standing proud across the road from such opulence, we are truly reminded that "he who does not learn from history is bound to repeat it." Or, as Marcus Garvey said, "A man without a knowledge of his history is like a tree without roots."

Crazy Baldheads

The original "baldheads", the skinheads, were British lovers of ska and rock steady. Their look was co-opted first by National Front racists, then neo-Nazis... now, by Wall Street vipers.

A natural progression, methinks.

"With A Little Help From My Friends" - Luciano - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]

"Crazy Baldheads" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
"You Should Have Known Better" - Justin Hinds & the Dominos - 7" [Trojan]
"Offshore Banking Business" - Members - At The Chelsea Nightclub [The Members]
"The Wicked" - Reggae Boys - 7" [Amalgamated]
"Starring Dub" - Dub Specialist - DUB [Heartbeat]
"Dubbing Lecturer" - Dub Specialist - DUB [Heartbeat]

"Hurt Us No More" - Buju Banton - Rasta Got Soul [Gargamel]
"How Can I Be Ungrateful" - Fanton Mojah - Stronger [Greensleeves]
"Chase The Devil" - Max Romeo - War Inna Babylon [Island]
"30 Pieces Of Silver" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [Groove Attack]
"Mixed Up Moods And Attitudes" - Jacob Miller - Mixed Up Moods [Top Ranking International]
"False Witness" - Kingstonians - 7" [Doctor Bird]
"Liquidator" - Upsetters - 7" Tougher Than Tough [Mango]

"Herbs Pirate" - Itals - Calling Rastafari [Nighthawk]
"Jah Will" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"Pick Myself Up" - Clinton Fearon - A Love I Can Feel [Mossburg]
"Is This Love" - Bob Marley/Dubmatix - MP3 [Dubmatix]
"Skavoovie" - Skatalites - Skavoovie! [Shanachie]
"Police Woman" - Skatalites - Skavoovie! [Shanachie]

"I'm Indebted To Someone" - Alva Lewis - 7" [Island]
"A De Pon Dem" - Hopeton Lewis - 7" [Island]
"Promised Land" - Shine & Bagga - 7" [Studio One]

"Cry Blood Africa" - Burning Spear - Fittest Of The Fittest [Mango]
"Mighty Long" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan Yah]
"Let Me Down Easy" - Derrick Harriott - Johnny Greenwood Is Your Selector [Trojan]
"Runnings" - Dub Specialist - DUB [Heartbeat]