...and a Tribute to the Beckfords.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - 45 RPM [Voice Of The People]
"This Day" - John Brown's Body - This Day [Shanachie]
"Crystal Blue Persuasion" - Heptones - Deep In The Roots [Heartbeat]
"Love Along With Jah" - Johnny Clarke - 45 RPM [Clocktower]
"Never Give Your Heart Away" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Satisfaction Feeling" - John Brown's Body - This Day [Shanachie]
"Do The Reload" - Rico Rodriguez - Jama [Jama]

"Babylon Walls" - Corey Harris - Blu.Black [Telarc]
"White Collar Criminal" - Anthony B - Rasta Love [VP]
"Intifada" - Professor - Madness [Groundation]
"Retribution" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Not An Easy Road" - Buju Banton - 'Til Shiloh [VP]
"Brutal Out Deh" - Itals - In A Dis Yah Time [North Parade]
"King And Queen" - Corey Harris - Blu.Black [Telarc]
"Sufferer's Choice" - Roland Alphonso - 45 RPM [Doctor Bird]

"Zimbabwe" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Congo War" - Lord Brynner - Trojan Ska Box [Trojan]
"Africans To Africa" - Black Slate - Six Plus One [Top Ranking]
"Till Your Well Runs Dry" - Peter Tosh - Legalize It [Columbia]
"Take Five" - Val Bennett & the Aggrovators - Reggae Legends III [Rohit]

"Easy Snappin'" - Theo Beckford - Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music [Mango]
"Easy Snappin'" - Theo Beckford - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"Brown Girls" - Stanley & the Turbynes - 45 RPM [Doctor Bird]
"Chalice In The Palace" - U-Roy - Original DJ [Caroline]
"As Long As You Love Me" - Maytones - 45 RPM [GGs]
"Stay In My Lonely Arms" - Bob Andy - 45 RPM [RIO]
"Slow, Slow Ska" - Zodiacs - 45 RPM [Discovery]
"Jah Guide" - Peter Tosh - Equal Rights [Columbia]

Papa Was A Rolling Stone

Irie, Papa.

"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth/Augustus Pablo/Keith Hudson - Ride LIke Lightning [Trojan]
"Rolling Stone" - Trinity - At His Toasting Best [Gorgon]
"On The Road Again" - Katchafire - On The Road Again [Katchafire]
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" - the Pioneers - 45RPM [Trojan]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"One In Ten" - UB40 - Present Arms [DEP Int'l]
"Shining Dub" - Clive Chinn - X-Ray Music [Blood and Fire]
"Ganja Farmer" - Marlon Asher - Unconditional Love [VP]
"Herbs Pirate" - Itals - Calling Rastafari [Nighthawk]
"I Wish I Have A Wing" - Prince Far I - Black Man Land [Caroline]
"Madness" - Professor - Madness [Groundation]
"Babylon Burning" - U-Roy - Original DJ [Caroline]
"Lovers In A Dangerous Time" - Lucky Dube - Victims [Shanachie]
"To Survive" - Kiddus I - Rocking Rebel [MVD]
"Waking Dreamer Dub" - the Fire This Time - Dancing On John Wayne's Head [EXTREME]
"Ramble Dub" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"Soldier Take Over" - Yellowman - Reggae Greats: the DJs [Mango]
"Every Posse Get Flat" - Bloodfire Posse - Are You Ready [Synergy]
"Maxie Waxie" - Roland Alphonso/Caribjamer - 45RPM [Studio One]
"Rougher Yet" - Slim Smith - 45RPM [Coxsone]
"Oh Me Oh My" - Garnett Silk - 100% Silk [VP]
"Love Bump" - Lone Ranger - Full Up: Best of Studio One Vol 2 [Heartbeat]
"Devil's Triangle" - Skatalites - 45RPM [Deep Groove Sounds]

The Master Mixer Takes You to Love School

"Love of a Lifetime" - Junior Tucker - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves Records]
"By Your Side" - Ghost - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"See it in Your Eyes" - Don Campbell - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"Police and Thieves" - Junior Murvin - 96 Degrees in the shade [Mango records]
"Running Around" - George Nooks - Lovers Bash [VP]
"Our Heart" - Glen Washington - Lovers Bash [VP]
"War in a Babylon" - Max Romeo - 96 Degrees in the Shade [Mango Records]
"Tenement Yard" - Jacob Miller - 96 Degrees in the shade [Mango records]
"Turn Them Round" - Michael Prophet - Gunman [Greensleeves]
"Gunman" - Michael Prophet - Gunman [Greensleeves]
"Gunman" - Brigadier Jerry - 100% Briggy_Jack Ruby [Addis Ababba]
"Bible over me" - Brigadier Jerry - 100% Briggy_Jack Ruby [Addis Ababba]
"Time Hard" - Brigadier Jerry - 100% Briggy_Jack Ruby [Addis Ababba]
"One More Night" - Busy Signal - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"Love Docter" - Romain Virgo - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"Night Shift" - Busy Signal - Reggae Gold [VP]
"To Sir with Love" - Dawn Penn - Lee's Gold_vol 1 [Attack Records]
"Happy Heart" - Etana - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"Brandy" - Freddie McGregor - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"What will it take" - Jah Cure - Songs for Reggae Lovers [Greensleeves]
"Longing For" - Jah Cure - Reggae Gold 2005 [VP]
"Walk Away From Love" - Bitty McLean - Reggae Gold 2005 [VP]
"Love Mood" - Beres Hammond - Reggae Gold 2005 [VP]
"Time Tough" - Maytals - True Love [Star Hill]
"Here I Go" - Frankie Paul - Donman [Heart Beat]
"I've Changed" - Singing Melody - Lovers Bash [VP]

A Revolutionary Soundtrack

I recall Tracy Chapman singing that it "sounds like a whisper".

Day-by-day. All Fruits Ripe.


"S90 Skank" - Big Youth/Augustus Pablo/Keith Hudson - Ride Like LIghtning [Trojan]
"State Of The Union" - Thievery Corporation - The Richest Man In Babylon [ESL]
"Burnin' And Lootin'" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Burnin' [Island]
"Jah War" - the Ruts - The Crack [Virgin]
"Time Tough" - Toots & the Maytals - Funky Kingston [Island]
"The Same Game" - Dave Barker - ...Meets the Upsetters/Prisoner Of Love [Trojan]
"Armagideon War" - Culture - Lion Rock [Heartbeat]
"Riot City" - Jerry Dammers - Absolute Beginners Soundtrack [EMI]
"Easy Now Star" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Lead Us" - Katchafire - On The Road Again [Katchafire]
"Sinking Ship" - Chris Leva - A Place Nobody Knows [Chris Lev]
"There's A Way" - Kiddus I - Rocking Rebel [MVD]
"Life In Living Colors" - Prince Buster - 45RPM [Prince Buster]
"1865 (96 Degrees nIn The Shade)" - Third World - The Reggae Box [Island/Hip-O]
"My God" - Rusty Zinn - Manifestation [9 Above]
"Every Time I Hear The Word" - Prince Far I - The Trojan Story [Trojan]
"The Wicked" - Reggae Boys - 45RPM [Pyramid]
"They Can't Make Us" - Black Slate - Six Plus One [Top Ranking]
"Get Up" - Jackie Edwards - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
"Revoution Rock" - the Clash - London Calling [Epic]
"The Winner" - Chris Leva - A Place Nbody Knows [Chris Leva]
"Go, Gal, Go" - Laurel Aitken - 45RPM [Black Swan]
"My Guy" - Sandra Cross - This Is Sandra Cross [ARIWA]
"Devil's Triangle" - the Skatalites - 45RPM [Deep Groove Sounds]

A Place Nobody Knows

"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood & Fire]
"We Need Love" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths and Rights [Studio One]
"Jam Rock" - Rico Rodriguez [2 Tone]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Rocking Rebel" - Kiddus I - Rocking Rebel [MVD]
"De Yah Pon Creation" - Black Slate - Six Plus One [Top Ranking]
"Misty" - Zoot Simms/Alton Ellis - Music Lab [45RPM]
"Ramble" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"A Place Nobody Knows" - Chris Leva - A Place Nobody Knows [Chris Leva]
"My God" - Rusty Zinn - Manifestation [9 Above]
"World Is Africa" - Black Uhuru - Sinsemilla [Mango]
"Congo Natty" - Bingui Jaa Jammy - African Reggae [Putumayo]
"Mituna" - Eric Kototanjah - Mituna [DOM]
"On The Road Again" - Katchafire - On The Road Again [Katchafire]
"The Winner" - Chris Leva - A Place Nobody Knows [Chris Leva]
"Can I Change My Mind" - Alton Ellis - Best Of Stutio One [Heartbeat]
"Rude Boy Prayer" - Alton, Peter & Zoot - Muzik City [45RPM]
"Bye Bye Bye" - Zoot Simms - Musical Fever [Studio One]
"Here Comes The Bride" - Prince Buster - Sings His Hit Song Ten Commandments [Reel Beat]
"I'm So Proud" - Joe White - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"Gun Man" - Dudley Sibley - Muzik City [45RPM]
"The Freedom Song" - Uniques - Best of... [Trojan]
"Million Dollar Baby" - Roy Shirley - Island [45RPM]
"Breakaway" - Rusty Zinn - Manifestation [9 Above]
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
"Where Time Goes" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan-Yah]

Dubbin' In The Wind

Two hours of reggae inspired by the Troubadour, Bob Dylan... including some of his own, recorded with the Riddim Twins, Sly & Robbie.
If you didn't hear the show, live, you can, here.

And, If you love non-commercial radio like this, you can contribute to its survival, here.


"Blowing In the Wind" - Ernest Ranglin
"Blowing In the Wind" - Dave Barker
"Rolling Stone" - The Wailing Wailers - One Love At Studio One [Heartbeat]
"It Ain't Me Babe" - Bob & Marcia
"Jokerman" - Bob Dylan - Infidels [Columbia]
"Subterranean Homesick Blues" - Sizzla - Jah Knows Best [RAS]
"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" - Arthur Louis - This Is Reggae Music Vol !! [Mango]
"Steel Bars" - Lucky Dube - Serious Reggae Business [Shanachie]
"Maggie's Farm" - Toots Hibbert - Is It Rolling Bob? [RAS]
"I & I" - Bob Dylan - Infidels [Columbia]
"Pass it On/Put It On" - Bob Marley - & the Wailers
"I & I Dub" - Bob Dylan - Visions Of Jamaica [RAS]
"George Jackson" - Steel Pulse - African Holocaust
"Serve Somebody" - Nasio & Drummie Zeb & the Razor Posse - Is It Rolling Bob? [RAS]
"I Shall Be Released" - Delroy Wilson
"I Shall Be Released" - Jacob Miller
"I Shall Be Released" - the Heptones - Sea Of Love [Heartbeat]
"Release Dub" - Inner Circle & Fatman Rhythm Section - Heavyweight Dub [Blood and Fire]

It's the last fund-raiser until the end of the year... and with the Virginia Governor killing NPR/community radio funding, the time has never been more important for you to show your support for our truly unique programming, available for streaming at anytime.
I've got two shows on Friday, May 13th:
Hawaiian eye: vintage Hawaiian slack key and slide at 9AM
Dubbin' In The Wind: Bob Dylan-influenced reggae at 2PM.

You can check out the schedule, and promo sound files here.

Thanks for listening... and contributing to the amazing diversity of Folk music at WTJU.

The Master Mixer Gives It Up for The Moms

"You Are An Angel" - Carlton And The Shoes - From The Archives
"Let's Talk Love" - Sonya Spence - Reggae Songbirds
"Babylon Trap Them" - The Meditations - Deeper Roots
"What A Bam-Bam" - The Meditations - Deeper Roots
"Never Fall In Love Again" - The Versatiles - Jackpot of Hits:Rocksteady
"Never Fall:version" - Instrumental - Jackpot of Hits:Rocksteady
"Girl I've Got A Date" - Alton Ellis - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"La -La Laa" - Alton Ellis - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"Do It Right" - Three Tops - More Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"Don't Stay Away" - Phyllis Dillon - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"Moonlight Lover" - Joy Landis - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"Proverbs" - The Mighty Diamonds - The Best Of Mighty Diamonds:Time Square
"Kouchie" - The Mighty Diamonds - The Best Of Mighty Diamonds::Time Square
"Undying Love" - tThe MightyDiamonds - Best Of Diamonds
"My Girl" - Techniques - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"Traveling Man" - Techniques - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"How I Wish It Would Rain" - Techniques - Hottest Hits [Treasure Isle]
"Nice up The Dance" - Michigan And Smiley - Nice Up The Dance [Studio One]
"Armagideon Time" - Willie Williams - Six The Hard Way [Studio One]
"Having Fun" - Meditations - Deeper Roots
"Dark End Of The Street" - Pat Kelly - Bunny Lee Rocksteady
"My Whole World Is Falling Down" - Ken Parker - Nice Up The Dance
"Born To Love You" - Slim Smith - Platinum [VP]
"Ain't Too Proud To Beg" - Slim Smith - Platinum [VP]
"Launch An attack" - Tapper Zukie - Deep Roots
"Oh Lord" - Tapper Zukie - From The Archives
"She Is Royal" - Tarrus Riley - Parables [VP]

Sounds Like A Revolution

...the kick-off event to the 2011 Folk and Roots Marathon Fund-Raiser for WTJU/Charlottesville (May 9-15).

8PM, Saturday, May 7th
Random Row Books
315 W. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA

Word. Sound. Power.

Your Papers, Please...

"Hey, Mr. Cop... ain't got no birth certificate on me"_ Bob Marley, "Rebel Music"

Donald Trump ain't no cop.
A clown, perhaps.

Clowns don't need to see no birth certificates.

"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Rebel Music (Three O'Clock Road Block)" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Natty Dread [Island]
"Iron Sharpen Iron" - Culture - Harder Than The Rest [Shanachie]
"White Collar Criminal" - Anthony B - Rasta Love [VP]
"Love Not Money" - Solo Banton - MP3
"Retribution" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Higher the Monkey Climbs" - Justin Hinds - Skatalites And Friends: Hog Inna Cocoa [Orange Street]
"Smart Countryman" - Prince Buster - Sings His Hit Song Ten Commandments...
"Deliverance Must Come" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45 [Reel Music]
"Storm" - Gregory Isaacs - Mr. Isaacs [Blood and Fire]
"Conquering Lion" - Yabby You - One Love One Heart [Shanachie]
"Lightning Flash Weak Heart Drop" - Big Youth - Beyond The Front Line [Caroline]
"Play with Fire" - Gov't Mule - Mighty High [ATO]
"Sheep & Goat" - Jackie Brown - Very Best Of Jackie Brown [JBM]
"Terminator Dub" - Dubmatix - MP3
"Reggae Pension" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Connection" - Cas Haley - Connection [Easy Star]
"Reggae Fever" - Steel Pulse - Reggae Fever [Mango]
"Dos Lenos" - los Toyes - Viva La Rasta [Aztlan]
"Piste" - Israel Foundation Band - MP3
"Marilou Reggae Dub" - Serge Gainsbourg - Aux Armes Et Cetera [Mercury]
"Just Me" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Joy In The Morning" - Gaylads - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
"Happy Land" - Carlton & the Shoes - Studio One 45
"Time Has Come" - Sim Smith - This Is Reggae Music [Trojan]

At The Feast

"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music [Mango]
"Easy Now Star" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Rat Race" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
"Retribution" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Signs of the Times" - Oliver Smith - Work Sound 'Ave Power [Heartbeat]
"You Can't Blame The Youth" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"White Collar Criminal" - Anthony B - Rasta Love [VP]
"Destiny" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"Can't Buy Love" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
"We've Got Love" - Freddie McGregor - Zion Chant [Heartbeat]
"You Never Know" - Corey Harris - Zion Crossroads
"Painkiller" - I-chelle and the Circle of Light - Oasis World Radio Sampler X [Oasis]
"Your House" - Steel Pulse - True Democracy [Rhino]
"Love Along With Jah" - Johnny Clarke - Clocktower 45
"Right Track" - Phyllis Dillon & Hopeton Lewis - Duke Reid's Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
"Sock It To Me" - Roland Alphonso - Pyramid 45
"At The Feast" - The Congos - Heart Of The Congos [Blood and Fire]
"To Toil" - Kiddus I - Oasis World Radio Sampler X [Oasis]
"100 Weight Of Collie Weed" - Carlton Livingston - Greensleeves 45
"I & I Survive" - Bad Brains - 12" 45 [Bad Brains]
"Natty Dread Kung Fu" - Dub Funk Association - Roots Of Dub Funk [Tanty]
"East Of Bacchus Marsh" - The Technician - Roots Of Dub Funk [Tanty]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Buddy Bye" - Johnny Osbourne - Dancehall 101 Vol 3 [VP]
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Shu Be Dup" - Twinkle Brothers - Free Africa [Caroline]
"It Will Be Alright" - the Ethiopians - Owner Fe De Yard [Heartbeat]
"Ramble Dub" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"Little Nut Tree" - Melodians - Rivers Of Babylon [Trojan]
"Moodorama" - Roland Alphonso - Solid Gold From The Vaults-Vol 3 [Trojan]

Give To Caesar What Is Caesar's

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Money Worries" - the Maytones - Rockers [Mango]
"Poor Man's Prayer" - Mighty Diamonds - The Roots Is There [Shanachie]
"Johnny Dollar" - the Rolands - Crucial Reggae Driven By Sly & Robbie [Mango]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Be Thankful" - Bunny Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]
"Dubbin' In The Backseat" - Bunny Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]
"Life In Living Colors" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Come To Me" - The Black Seeds - Solid Ground [Easy Star]
"Money Maker" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"Keep It Up" - John Holt - Typhoon 45
"Keep On Moving" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution Vol 1 & 2 [Trojan]
"Keep On Moving Version" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution Vol 1 & 2 [Trojan]
"To Toil" - Kiddus I - Oasis Radio Sampler #1 [Oasis]
"Don't Try To Rob I" - Lynval Thompson - Ride On Dreadlocks [Blood and Fire]
"Fire Fe The Vatican" - Max Romeo - Open The Iron Gate [Blood and Fire]
"Half Idiot" - Marcia Griffiths/Cutty Ranks - Watch How You Flex! [Shanachie]
"Reggae Pension" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Sock It To Me" - Roland Alphonso - Pyramid 45
"Japan Special" - Lloyd Brevett - African Roots [MOON Ska]
"Space Light" - Lloyd Brevett - African Roots [MOON Ska]
"Too Experienced" - Eddie Lovett - Trojan Originals [Trojan]
"Too Experienced" - Barrington Levy - Love The Life You Live [VP]
"Passion Love" - Melodians - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"Girl You Rough" - the Overtakers - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbaet]
"Don't You Know" - the Pioneers - Amalgamated 45
"Rude Boy Rock" - Lionrock - CD single [Deconstruction]
"Connection" - Cas Haley - Connection [Easy Star]

Politricksters

So... the US GOP thinks that shutting down the government is a funny idea. It'll please their "base".
Well, folks... it's not about the budget. It's about moral totalitarianism... and letting multinational corporations off the hook, paying their share. If you've got a Congressman... tell them what YOU think. They might even pay attention... if they want to stay there.
If anybody's paying attention, that is.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Watch the Hypocrites" - Twinkle Brothers - Free Africa [Caroline]
"Hypocrite" - Bunny Wailer - Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers [Mango]
"Mad Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Cold Concrete" - Mighty Diamonds - Live And Learn Smashing All Stars [Live & Learn]
"The Village" - Gregory Isaacs - Reggae Legends III [ROHIT]
"We Shall Overcome" - Prince Buster - FAB 45
"Inna Eden Dub" - Dubmatix - MP3
"To Toil" - Kiddus I - Oasis World Sampler Vol 1 [Oasis]
"Chant A Psalm" - Steel Pulse - True Democracy [Rhino]
"Step It On The Rastaman Scene" - Easy Star All Stars - Dubber Side Of The Moon [Easy Star]
w/Ranking Joe
"Easy Now Star" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Connection" - Cas Haley - Connection [Easy Star]
"Trod The Hard Road" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"100 Weight Of Collie Weed" - Carlton Livingston - Greensleeves 45
"100 LB. Weight" - 10 Foot Ganja Plant - Midnight Landing [ROIR]
"Your Love" - Peter Austin - Caltone 45
"Licking Stick" - Desmond Dekker - Beverly's 45
"Fu Manchu" - Desmond Dekker - Beverly's 45
"The Chase" - Yvonne Harrison - Caltone 45
"What Kind Of World" - Barrington Levy - 12" Jah Guidance
"Timothy" - Roland Alphonso - Respect to Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Once Upon A Time" - Jacob Miller - Top Ranking 45
"Love & Unity" - Ken Boothe - Beverly's 45
"Unite" - Ras Digby - Soul Beat 45
"The Toughest" - Vietnam All Stars - RIO 45
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]

Easy Star All Stars/The Green/Cas Haley at the Jefferson... review

It's been over ten years since Easy Star Volume One found its way into the studios of Charlottesville, Virginia's WTJU... thanks to the improbable migration of Lem Oppenheimer, one of the founding fathers of the New York-based label. It's also pretty safe to say that central Virginia is not the first place people think of when authentic roots reggae comes up in conversation... or becomes a town to host the infancy of yet another world tour extravaganza.
But, we sure got lucky, that way.

In the late 90s "roots" reggae was in something of a forgotten treasure: even then, so many of its defining performers had passed on too soon, and the fiscally-conservative and digital-driven Dancehall had pushed it into the shadows. Benzes, Bimmers and the Butterfly were a lot easier to "sell" than music that can make you "think while your feet just go" (to pervert a lyric by the once-popular Tom Tom Club, the Talking Heads spin-off that actually gave some recognition to the music).

Easy Star Records bucked that trend: In their back-to-basics approach, their first stroke of genius was building a bona fide "studio band" in the time-honored tradition of Jamaican music since the 1960s... and the examples set by Motown and Stax Records. Real instruments, real innovators, and roots realities... that was the stamp of approval, and what set them apart from the beginning. That first CD, mentioned above... fronted by Jamaican stars and talented newcomers, instantly raised the bar for reggae performers and studios, and signaled a return to what defines the music's greatness...

...and, it all came home to central Virginia, last night.

There are tour companions, and there are perfect bills. This current entourage is certainly the latter. All three of the acts featured in this newest set of troubadours have nailed down their performances early in the game, and, whether consciously created or not, reflect the world. Everybody, from everywhere. It's a mirror. It's an illustration of how reggae is inclusive, and speaks beyond its beginnings to a global feeling.

The opener, Cas Haley, won't ever be mistaken for Jamaican. He reminds me of people I know and see, everyday. And luckily, for me (one who rarely, if ever, watches commercial-infested, network television), his talents are brand new... and prodigious... and an excellent way to begin an evening.
Alone but for a syncopated and percussive acoustic guitar, his astonishing delivery and power ignited the enthusiasm of the ever-growing crowd with cut from his newest, Connection. A solo revelation... that is, until he was joined by the second act, Hawaii's The Green.

(I can't escape from injecting politics when it comes to reggae: it's the backbone of the music. If there are any doubts about how such an exotic location can spawn the genuine Word, Sound and Power and the feeling of the Wailers and Burning Spear (to name but a few), I can name a few books to correct that illusion: To Steal A Kingdom by Michael Dougherty, and, more recently, Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell. Hawaii was not willingly made fiftieth State, to put it mildly.)

It may have escaped notice by many, but Hawaii has a rich, recent tradition in reggae music.
The Hawaiian Style Band (which included traditional Slack Key's First Family, the Pahinuis) and it's most notable alumnus, the late, great Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, set the tone... and, his adaptation of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" jumped from what some would consider a novelty into a worldwide smash. The aforementioned Pahinui Brothers. Sean Na'auao. THC. Robi Khakalau. Those were my first revelations... and that's just scratching the surface.
Tight, sweet harmony. Seamless, chest-thudding, crucial bass-and-drum interplay. Skank, scratch and soul of guitars and keys. Roots reggae and dancehall. Strong, all-original selections, without the need of an obligatory Bob Marley cover. That's what this newest generation has to offer. They're tireless... and a tough act for the headliners to follow.

That is, unless you're the Easy Star All Stars.

Having evolved from a crack studio outfit into amazing tour veterans, they've long since crossed over from "college" radio playlists into bigger radio venues. Tackling masterpieces by musical icons like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and, incredibly, the Beatles seemed audacious, at first. This is music woven into our DNA.
But, they pulled it off: while staying true to the originals, re-routing the rhythms into a one-drop reggae beat wouldn't have been convincing without mastery in the traditional bass-drums-guitars-keyboards unit... and the genius of filling in what could have been "gaps" with swing and punctuation by one of the best two-piece brass sections out there.
It might be a stretch to call them a "super group"... but, with their pedigrees, not by much.

And, that's why people filled the beautiful, restored movie palace that is the Jefferson Theater.

But, we got more.

Yet to be released (unit April 5th), their newest project, First Light, is built of completely original music... and it was well worth the wait. Lucky enough to have a listen prior to release (and the opportunity to present it on "Reggae Vibrations, earlier that day), it's phenomenal from start-to-finish. But, I had first-impression favorites. Interwoven with the show's crowd-pleasers, there they were: the title track, "Don't Stop The Music", and particularly "Reggae Pension"... lifted up with a massive bassline, reminiscent of Beres Hammond's first solo gem, "Groovy Little Thing".

Oh, yes it was.

Whether by design or providence, the Easy Star crew has assembled a line-up that must be experienced. It's a testament to the singers and players that the live performance took their studio work to a whole new level, which is saying something. That's as it should be.

If they appear anywhere near where you are--Go. Find out for yourself.
The Heartbeat of Reggae Thrives.

Tonight

If the Easy Star All Stars and revue come to your town... you'll be kicking yourself, forever, if you miss it. Check the podcast (or the WTJU Tape Vault link) for a personally satisfying show.


"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster [Prince Buster 45]
"One Likkle Draw" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Stoned Out Of My Mind" - Mighty Diamonds - Channel One: Hitbound, The Revolutionary Sound [Heartbeat]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Better Tomorrow [VP]
"People Talk" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Blackman Redemption" - Meditations - Ghetto Knowledge [Easy Star]
"Forwarding Home" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"Persitence" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"Easy Now Star" - Meditations - First Light [Easy Star]
"Alive" - Trumystic - Dub Power [TMG]
"Never Gonna Give Jah Up" - Sugar Minott - Ghetto-ology [Easy Star]
"79 Rock" - Revolutionaries - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Wake Up" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"Cookie Jar" - Iration - No Time For Rest [Fresh Grounds]
"Hi Town Ting" - THC - Jah Music [THC]
"I've Got The Handle" - Jacob Miller - Jacob Miller Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [EKO]
"Wariera Hill Rock" - Jacob Miller - Jacob Miller Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [EKO]
"Reggae Pension" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Groovy Little Thing" - Beres Hammond - Beres Hammond [WKS]
"Don't You Know" - John Holt - Justice 45
"How Long Do I Have To Wait For You" - Sharon Jones - Ticklah remix [Daptone]
"Skafinger" - the Toasters - Enemy Of The System [Asian Man]
"Life In Living Colors" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Tonight" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Studio One]
"Dancing Shoes" - Bunny Wailer - Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers [Mango]
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]

Easy Star All Stars @ Jefferson Theater, Friday April 1

Supporting their to-be-released, brand new album, First Light, Easy Star All Stars crucially grace the stage at Charlottesville, VA's Jefferson Theater on this Friday, April 1st.

After three uncompromisingly original takes on classic rock masterpieces (Dub Side Of The Moon, Radiodread, and Easy Star's Lonely Heart's Dub Band), this time it's all originals. From the Originators, Easy Star Records.

Opening, labelmate Cas Haley and Hawaii's The Green.

...and there will be a ticket giveaway during this Friday's session of "Reggae Vibrations", 2-4PM, Eastern.

See you there.

Better Tomorrow

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - MP3
"City Of The Weak Heart" - Earl Zero - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Sonny's Lettah" - Linton Kwesi Johnson - Independant Intravenshan [Island]
"Battering Down Sentence" - Bunny Wailer - Reggae Greats: Strictly For Rockers [Mango]
"Leaving Babylon" - Bad Brains - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Turbulence" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"No Worry Your Mind" - Pato Banton - Positive Vibration [Pato Banton]
"Trod The Hard Road" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"So Much Trouble In The World" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival [Island]
"Us And Them" - Frankie Paul/Easy Star All Stars - Dub Side Of The Moon [Easy Star]
"The Wicked" - Reggae Boys - 7" 45RPM [Amalgamated]
"Dystopia" - Bill Laswell - Version 2 Version: A Dub Transmission [ROIR]
"Wild Goose Chase" - Steel Pulse - World Crisis [Elektra]
"Natural Progression" - ASWAD - MP3
"Slave" - Lucky Dube - Slave [Shanachie]
"Watching The Wheels" - Matisyahu - Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur [Warner Brothers]
"Ai Bod Dub (To Be Dub)" - Llwybr Llaethog - Mewn Dub (In dub) [ROIR]
"All Night 'Til Daylight" - Jacob Miller - Dread, Dread [Liberty]
"Cool It" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"Just Tell Me" - Toots & the Maytals - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"This Feeling" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"S.W.A.L.K." - Mikey Dread - Best Sellers [RYKO]
"Earth Rightful Ruler" - Augustus Pablo - Earth Rightful Ruler [Message]

Hope For Japan

"Illiterate Dub" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher]
"Sounds& Pressure" - Prince Buster [MP3]
"No Nuclear (Holocaust) War" - Peter Tosh - No Nuclear War [EMI]
"Tribulation" - Bim Sherman - Tribulation [Pressure Sounds]
"Nuff Respect" - Nahki [MP3]
"Until We Burn In The Sun" - Bedouin Soundclash [MP3]
"King Of Kings" - Jimmy Cliff - Anthology [Universal]
"Master Plan" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
"Standing Firm" - Jacob Miller - ...Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [EKO]
"Dub #5" - Mute Beat [MP3]
"Dawn Is Breaking" - Dry & Heavy - Full Contact [BSI]
"Ethiopian Feeling" - Cimarons - PeopleSay [Esoldun]
"Don't You Know" - Pioneers [MP3]
"Bag A Wire Dub" - King Tubby - X-Ray Music [Blood and Fire]
"Cockney Translation" - Smiley Culture - A Fashion Statement [RAS]
"Police Officer" - Smiley Culture - Mash Up the Place [Rhino]
"Rondo Mondo" - Edward II - Wicked Men [Rhythm Safari]
"The World Is Like A Mirror" - Josey Wales - No Way No Better Than Yard [Greensleeves]
"JD3" - Bill Laswell - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell [ROIR]
"Black Stick Rock" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher]
"Weather Report" - The Tennors - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"Leaving On The Train" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"Live It Up" - The Natives - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"Willow Tree" - Alton Ellis - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"In Paradise" - Jackie Edwards and Julie Anne - Tighten Up 5 & 6 [Trojan]
"Can't You See" - Ken Boothe - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"Happy Reggae" - Prince Buster - The Message [Prince Buster]
"Time Has Come" - Slim Smith - Trojan Reggae: The Golden Years

Sublime News: Lost Video Footage of Bob Marley...

...from early footage in the 70s reappears.

Better News: the Queen Mum

...was a Ska lover.