New Dancehall Artist CD Out Today…Alayna September 11, 2009
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Tropical Records sets up the debut CD entitled Controversy by the incomparable dancehall pop sensation, Alayna.
Obviously compared to top pop dancehall artists like Lady Saw and Tanya Stephens, the brand new Tropical Records artist Alayna seems to have that same recipe and formula of raw beat coupled with raw lyrics. Much more of a brash attitude than the likes of Lady Saw and Stephens, Alayna’s debut CD Controversy demonstrates her robust vocals and lively delivery of her songs. Controversy is an album filled with ten brand new songs that are real and very enjoyable dancehall tunes. The first single being released to radio by Tropical (Records) is the hit song, I Know You Like It which has absolute cross over capabilities for radio play. Other standout songs on the full length CD are the Final Talk and V.I. and the Pretty Pussy Whine is getting a lot of attention at radio.
It is very obvious why Alayna has already burst onto the dancehall reggae music scene. Her live show and her debut CD shows that she is nothing less than an incredible brash and energetic music artist, that could no doubt play at that high level purveyed by what is dominated by male dancehall artists. The other thing Alayna brings dancehall music fans with her debut CD is an album of some of the most political, current, and insightful lyrics in reggae music history. Controversy is an amazing debut album with an uplifting vibe and with reflective messages in every song. Don Lichterman, the head of Tropical/Sunset says that the “the album is produced almost in a down tempo sort of way, yet the melodies give many songs that chance to cross over to a mainstream audience.” Lichterman says that “not only do I love the content of her lyrics, every song also grooves with her great melodies.” Alayna certainly pushes the envelope with her lyrics and that is “part of her beauty” says (Don) Lichterman. He also says that “she goes well above the norm with her intense lyrics,” and that her “music has a spiritual message and a social message.” Most of all with Alayna’s music is that she can play alongside the top dancehall music artists that are active today.”
Alayna’s debut CD is no doubt a daring, susceptible, in your face, flawed and overall is a multifaceted spirited CD not for your every day basic reggae aficionado. With Alayna and her attitude portrayed in her music, rather than falling back on predictable topics, she brings to the forefront current affairs and world leaders as a way to rebuke those of whom have not been that struggle in life. Alayna also portrays many shocking illustrations with real life scenarios that reverberate in every song 0n the Controversy CD. The music is in no way inconspicuous which is intentional and its way of allowing her to send that message in her songs, and coupled with vocals that are pristine, Alayna has delivered a s0olid CD to Tropical Records. “We basically picked up her remix CD and took out the radio interviews to create the Controversy CD,” says (Don) Lichterman and “this is a great CD with great songs from beginning to end.”
No Retirement In Reggae Music! September 8, 2009
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For many persons, age is just a concept. Nowhere is that proven more than the local music industry, where countless entertainers are on a musical mission that spans their entire lives.
Retirement age is 60 and 65 for women and men, respectively, with early retirement starting at 55. Music, however, disregards the norm, making it one of the few professions with a long life span.
In reggae music, there is a long history of artistes who have dedicated decades to the music business, a number of whom started out as children.
Pioneer Alton Ellis, who defined the lover’s rock genre, died last October at 70, after succumbing to a 10-month battle with lymphatic cancer. The singer, who was known for songs such as Dancecrasher and I’m Still In Love, was performing in Jamaica four months prior to his death. Many other reggae singers are performing and producing new music in their golden years. Burning Spear at 61 is still going strong, touring the world, as well as releasing two recent albums: 2008′s The Burning Spear Experience and this year’s Jah Is Real, which won a Grammy.
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, 73, co-produced his 2008 album, Repentance, and also last year reunited with producer Adrian Sherwood on an album called The Mighty Upsetter. He is also still releasing singles. Ken Boothe, Ernie Smith, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Bunny Wailer, Marcia Griffiths, among many others, can add their names to the list of artistes with long prosperous careers.
MUSIC IS LIFE
For most, passion and dedication to music are key to their longevity. Singer and musician Lloyd Parks is a Jamaican entertainer who has made music his life. Founder of Lloyd Parks and We The People Band, the 61-year-old told The Sunday Gleaner music has always been his dream and one he feels he could never retire from.
“No, I can’t retire. ‘Til the breath leave my body, music is a part of me. It’s like walking, talking, eating; you can’t do without it and that’s a fact, believe me,” he said.
Parks pointed out that his dedication to musical perfection has been a mainstay throughout his career. Currently, he is working on his next solo CD, soon be completed, as well as a gospel album. When the day comes that Parks find his fingers too tired to play his favoured bass guitar, he still intends to do music in some form by either producing or teaching his craft to others.
Reggae singer and songwriter Bob Andy is of a similar sentiment that life is music. Having been in the business for 40 years and having penned and sung hits such as I’ve Got To Go Back Home and Too Experienced, Andy is still busy in the studio working on a yet-to-be-titled album for release this year. This album will be his first since 1997′s Hanging Tough. Andy also does a number of shows locally and internationally.
BLESSING
According to Andy, who is 65, music has been a part of his life since he was a child, having started learning to play the piano at 13 and penned his first song by 15. He said he was grateful music was an occupation that had allowed him to pursue his dreams to no end. “Music is one of those occupations that as long as you can turn a note and as long as you have the strength to travel, you can do it. It’s a blessing that you’re never too old to turn a tune,” said Andy.
What has also helped him, he said, to keep breathing life into his career is the work he put in from an early age, putting out songs that are still relevant and popular today.
RETIREMENT IN DANCEHALL
While reggae has a history of being kind to its veterans, it is not quite the same in dancehall. Whereas deejays such as Shabba Ranks, Super Cat and Yellow Man made their mark in the ’80s and ’90s, aside from a few sporadic releases from Shabba Ranks, the three haven’t maintained their prominence. One of the few dancehall artistes to ever voice the option of retirement was singjay Mr Vegas, who last year claimed to be retiring to spend time with God and his children. Months later, however, Mr Vegas returned with a more positive outlook and new songs, such as I Am Blessed.
Two of the most enduring dancehall acts have been rivals Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, the former celebrating a 30-year career this year. In a recent interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, the 36-year-old Beenie Man claimed to have dedicated his whole life to music and said he had no intention of retiring – opting to only get better with his craft.
“I am suppose to do what I’m doing, I’m di king of dis,” he said. “I did pop, I did soca, I did R&B, I did everything and I still come back to dancehall. Without dancehall, I wouldn’t be an international artiste. Without me being a dancehall artiste, I don’t think you’d have an Elephant Man or a Sean Paul or any of dem artiste deh.”
FACING REALITY
While the 37-year-old Bounty Killer doesn’t necessarily see himself performing the rest of his life, music will always be in his future. He noted that he had had a good 17-year career and there are few in dancehall who can boast of that accomplishment.
He does acknowledge though that that day will come.
“After a while, you’ll get bored of certain tings yuh doing over a period of time,” he said. “I’m still having a vibe and still excited about making music, so I don’t think about retirement. It’s still fun to jump onstage and see the crowd get wild; it’s still fun to go in the studio and record a song and see it mash up di dancehall. I don’t see myself retiring before di next 10 years. I think I have 10 years worth of gasolene left to give dem, if not more.”
An option the ‘Warlord’ has considered after the days of performing and recording is to possibly start his own label to sign, train and expose new talents.
Reggae Splash In Florida 9-5-09 September 3, 2009
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Reggae Splash DJ14K.com
REGGAE SPLASH 2009
The Golden Voices of Reggae
Featuring Live in Concert: Bernard Jackson (from the R&B group Surface), The Messenjah Luciano, Frankie Paul, Everton Blender, Isha Blender backed by Jah Messenjah Band. Music by Poison Dart.
Advance Tickets $25.00 (General Admission Standing Room Only)
Doors @ 8pm / Showtime @ 9pm
Chezidek Inna UK 9-9-09 September 3, 2009
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Chezidek Live In UK
Presents
CHEZIDEK CONCERTS UK TOUR 2009
‘ BRIGHTER DAY ‘
CHEZIDEK featuring FARMERS HEIGHTS BAND!!
UK TOUR
:::: WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER ::::
CONCORDE2, Brighton
DOORS: 9pm till 3am
£15
TICKET INFO: 01273 673 311 or 07780 587 852
More On The Door
With Additional support from:
JAH NAKIA // LONE WARRIOR // EMPRESS AYEOLA // RAS CLUE UP// BOCHINEL // WAYNE LYRICS // AYA WASKA // KING LORENZO // IYAH TYX // DJADEN ZOU // JAH MIRICLE // MR PELPER
DJ’s ON THE NITE INCLUDE:
JAH REVELATION MUZIK
SIR DADDY D (jamrock radio)
DJ WARM N EASY
TREVOR SAX (saxon sound)
AFRICAN SIMBA
WASSENEFFIN
KING ISCIOUS & FIRE FAMILY
DJ CHATMAN LEFTY & THE GODALONE FAMILY
Dancehall Artist Laza On NBA Live 2010 Video Game! September 3, 2009
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Long recognized as the premiere showcase for diverse and innovative new music, the NBA LIVE 10 Soundtrack features Laza, one third, of the celebrated Morgan family trio – LMS. Laza is the first reggae artist to be included in any NBA video game; an extraordinary feat. Commenting on Laza’s talent, his older brother and CEO of Dada Son Entertainment, Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan had this to say: “Laza has toured with Morgan Heritage both with LMS and as a solo artist and he has always had a stand out energy. Targeting the Hip Hop community, Laza brings a fire energy; he’s a great performer and he brings a new energy to the table, comparable to the likes of a Busta Rhymes and/or LL Cool J. Including “Crank It Up” in the video game NBA LIVE is a really, really big thing and we just want to let the world know what’s happening with Laza and that bigger things are yet to come.”
You are welcome to take advantage of this exclusive offer from Dada Son Entertainment and SAE Records to download the upbeat anthem Crank It Up for a limited time only. SPREAD THE VIBES!
Currently recording his first, solo album, Words Of A Poor Man Son, Laza has combined his own skills and personal experiences while enlisting the aid of Reggae producers Mr. Mojo (Morgan Heritage) and Shane Brown (Juke Boxx); in addition to legendary Hip Hop producers Salaam Remi, Clark Kent and Julian Bennetta of Family Affair Productions to create a unique mixture of Hip-Hop, Roots Reggae and Dancehall.
Since his days with LMS, Laza took on the deejaying (Jamaican style rap) role, having taken cues from a host of hip-hoppers including: Rakim, KRS ONE, Special ED, Jay-Z, BIGGIE Smalls and 2PAC Shakur. Likewise, he was also influenced by a slew of hardcore, dancehall toasters of the late 80′s and early 90′s such as: Supercat, Ninja Man, Capelton, Buju Banton and Sizzla resulting in a unique blend of raw vocals.
Slated for release later this year, Laza’s dynamic background will contribute to his equally eclectic musical style and sound on Words of A Poor Man Son. About it he simply says: “I can sound like an American and I can sound like a Jamaican; When the mixture comes together through music, it’s like magic”.
After almost a decade with LMS, Laza faces the challenges of any solo artist and comments: “It’s harder being a solo artiste ’cause I don’t have my brother or sister to fall back on; all eyes on me.”
NBA Live 2010 will feature Crank It Up, the first single off of Laza Morgan’s first, solo album, Words of A Poor Man.
For more click Laza and contact Teresa Castellucci for all media inquires 416.720.4061
Monterey Bay 14th Annual Reggae Festival Sept 4-6th! September 3, 2009
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People from all walks of life come to enjoy a variety of reggae music styles at the annual Monterey Bay Reaggaefest.
This year is the 14th time it’s been held over Labor Day weekend, and despite some years of hardship and having to skip one year along the way, the well-loved event put on by A&P Productions lives on another year to bring fans a well-designed, eye-opening, hip-shaking lineup to the beautiful Monterey Fairgrounds.
The headlining acts spread over three days (Friday through Sunday) on the main stage include Ky-Mani Marley, Kevens, Don Carlos, Israel Vibration, the Itals reunited, Prezident Brown, Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, and the original Big Mountain.
On the festival’s two stages there will be more than 30 bands sharning the vibes and rhythms of reggae music, from the tradition of rock steady to the innovation and exploration of reggae fusions with hip-hop, rock, jazz and drum ‘n’ bass.
The festival atmosphere is always mellow, and the tree-lined walkways of the fairgrounds are dotted with food, international crafts, music and reggae regalia vendors.
Andre Smith and his wife Pam (A&P Productions) have always worked diligently to make the event a family-oriented experience, where kids can play in jump houses and enjoy face painting, young adults can participate in 3-on-3 basketball games and tournaments, and those over 21 can enjoy a full bar and a beer garden as they take in the music and one of the more interesting
people-watching opportunities around.
DJ parties and after-festival parties add to the social scene at the festival, where musicians and festival attendees can intermingle and share stories.
Some of the other acts on Friday’s main stage lineup with the legendary Israel Vibration, featuring the vocal harmonies of Cecil “Skelly” Spence and Lacelle “Wiss” Bulgin, minus Albert “Apple” Craig from the original three-man front line, are Richie Spice, Spanner Banner and the seven-person review known as the Lion Camp.
The second stage Friday has Tri-Plex, Ras D, Fubar, MC International and DJ Supa Mario. Gates open at 3 p.m., and the action gets started at 3:15 p.m. Each night the music ends at 10 p.m.
The after-party Friday is at Blue Fin Cafe & Billiards on Cannery Row with live music by Omani, with special guest Winstrong. A separate cover is asked at this show, $8 or $4 with Reggaefest wristband.
Saturday gets started at noon, with DJ Robert Ranking and MC Rocky Allen Bailey rallying the faithful with their mixes and banter.
Music follows with Batch/Ras Attitude backed by the Zioneers, Messenjah Selah, Tanya Stephens backed by the Yellow Wall Band, and three big names to follow: Big Mountain, the Itals, and Kevens (more to follow on Kevens below).
The second stage starts off with MC Supa Mario, DJ Q and DJ Matdub, followed by bands Valley Roots, Emmanuel Selassie, Roots Natty, Dub-Wize, Batch/Ras Attitude backed by the Zioneers and Ras Indio from Belize.
Saturday’s after-party happens across the street from the fairgrounds at Planet Gemini with Big Mountain. Cover charge is $20, or $15 with Reggaefest wristband.
Sunday at the headliner-heavy main stage, the featured acts begin at noon, opening with International DJ Supa Mario, who will also act as MC.
Music acts follow with Sister I-Live/Mista Majah P., Chuck Fenda backed by the Yellow Wall Band, Prezident Brown, Ras Michael and the sons of Negus, Ky-Mani Marley and Don Carlos.
The second stage starts at noon with MC Makada and DJ Moi, followed by Midtones, Omani, Militia of Love, Arkaingelle/Blaak Lung backed by the Zioneers, DJ Don-ette G. featuring Winstrong and Malika Madremana and finishes with Stir It Up Band.
The Sunday closing after-party is in the Monterey Room on the festival grounds, featuring Chuck Fenda and a special guest. Cover is $15, $10 with Reggaefest wristband.
In a wide-ranging and frank interview with Miami-based rock reggae performer Kevens, the evolution and the popularity of reggae music was discussed and also what kind of path Kevens is on to bring a fresh sound and appearance to the music.
While the history of reggae reaches back to Jamaica and its Kingston ghetto rude boy beginning, the music did not reach an international audience until Bob Marley and the Wailers hit the U.K. in a big way.
It was his message of “One Love” and revolt over tyranny and war that resonated with the youth of that time, plus his songs spoke loudly through his rebellious nature, although he based his words on a dream of the world united by love and not divided by race or ethnicity.
And then it wasn’t until the mid-’70s/early ’80s when pop/rock musicians such as Eric Clapton with Marley’s song “I Shot The Sheriff,” and Sting with his band The Police had hits that integrated the music’s rhythms into modern rock, that the original reggae sound grew beyond the British market.
There it had been primarily recorded at Chris Blackwell’s Island Records studios and promoted heavily to the rock audience.
It was then that Marley became a globetrotting sensation, and on his coattails rode an army of harmonizing Rastafarian reggae performers.
And like all genres of music that the record labels get a hold of, eventually it is homogenized and packaged for a particular audience and all innovation is sucked out until the groups all sound alike and the music loses its spark and surprise.
While Kevens is quick to point out that he has huge respect and love for the greater reggae universe, he tells it like it is by refusing to sell out and by taking chances creating his music directly from his vision and with his tastes and insights first and foremost in how he chooses to produce his music.
“It took me years,” Kevens said about how he evolved from a DJ spinning an eclectic mix of dub, ska and progressive reggae in Miami to being a headlining performer. “When I had my band Le Coup with the Booker brothers (Bob Marley’s half brothers) before I went solo, I took two to three years off just to write, OK? So writing new material is one thing. Then you have to go out there and play, making mistakes, which I did a lot of mistakes. It’s only been like the past five years where I’m ready to go out there.
“And as you know, the record labels try to change you. I have the hardest time because they don’t go for this, what I do. My fans, they all curse me, they say, ‘Why are you in Miami, why aren’t you in England?’ Yeah, I go to England and I work in England doing commercials for so long. But I just love being in Miami. This is home for me.
“You know, I want my music to be more appreciated. I believe that you no longer have to go to Europe to make it. I have a strong belief that the tables are turning. There’s a lot of greatness in America musically speaking, and by God I’ll be known as a Miami artist, right here from Miami, Sunshine State. It is the music you ought to be listening to from England, but it’s from here.”
Having opened for rock titans Aerosmith to great response from the rock audience, Kevens has designs on bringing reggae back to greater prominence in the overall music market by appealing to a wider range of listeners with his fusion of reggae with rock, jazz and drum ‘n’ bass, as well as further developing his live act where theatricality works to get his message of “Positivity is a Necessity” across.
Saturday night at the 14th annual Monterey Bay Reggaefest will be a rockin’ reggae experience with the 6-foot-4-inch Kevens decked out in his hip attire and his most radical band, which lifts the house out of its stupor with guitar jams and jazzy trumpet solos.
Kevens is a force on stage not to be missed. He is currently at work completing his first album as a solo artist, so stay tuned for that coming probably in the new year.
Dancehall Artist Red Rat @ SOB’s On Labor Day 09 September 2, 2009
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Red Rat aka Double R Live
Hosted by 93.5 FM LinkUp Radio broadcasters David “Squeeze” Annakie and miss Jeanille Bonterre
LinkUp Radio’s own DJ Kevin Crown and Hot 97 Boston’s DJ Paul Michael blaze the hottest in Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Hip Hop and R&B
Doors open @ 6pm, $10 admission before 8 pm on the guestlist. List closes at 8pm sharp, so get there early!
RSVP to get on the guestlist by emailing names to rsvp@jamrockmagazine.com, or text the word “JAMROCK” to 25827
Steely Of Steely & Clevie Has Passed Away September 2, 2009
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RIP Steeley!
Reports surfaced that Steely was recuperating from Tuberculosis and kidney related problems.
Steely and Clevie have worked with artistes such as The Specials, Gregory Peck, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Sean Paul and No Doubt.
Steely debuted as a keyboardist with Sugar Minott’s Youth Promotion collective in the 1970s.
Steely and Clevie first played together at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark Studios during the late 1970s.
In 1986, the duo was the house band at King Jammy’s Studio, which became the centre point of late-1980s reggae, by which time Steely & Clevie were established production leaders with an immense slew of 12-inch and dub singles.
The duo formed the Steely & Clevie label in 1987.
Our respects goes out to the family of Wycliffe Johnson as his contribution to Dancehall will live on!
Anthony B In Australia 9-12-09 September 1, 2009
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Anthony B In Australia!
In 1992, Anthony B left his home-town and set out to make his fateful mark on Kingston’s music scene. He rebuked the trend of girl and gun lyrics popular at that time and remained faithful to words of spiritual consciousness and social conviction. He started working with singer Little Devon, who introduced him to Richard “Bell” Bello, of Star Trail Records, producer for Garnet Silk and Everton Blender. Bell saw the talent of the youngster and shared his commitment to conscious music. The partnership produced a slew of records and releases, such as “Repentance time”, “Fire pon Rome”, “One Thing”, “A De Man”, “Rumour” and “Raid di Barn”. Anthony B followed up with critically acclaimed albums such as ” Real Revolutionary”, “Universal Struggle”, “7 Seals”, “Black Star” and “Untouchable”. He also struck out on his own to start his own label, Born Fire Records in 2002. He produced 3 albums independently; Street Knowledge, That’s Life and Life Over Death. In addition he released two collaboration albums “Too Strong” with Sizzla and “Three Wise Men” with Sizzla and Luciano.
Mek sure you catch this star perform if your in Australia between the Sept 1 and the 14th.
Ras Penco: Jamaicas New Star! September 1, 2009
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Reggae sensation Ras Penco has enjoyed a tremendous run this year, first hitting number one in Jamaica with his single “Thousand Miles,” and will cap off the summer on an even higher note with exciting performances, a new hit single in hand and a video shoot in the works.
The culture crooner is preparing to return for his second bout at New York’s reggae summer staple Irie Jamboree, put on by Irie Jam Radio 93.5 FM in the New York Tri-State region, on Sunday, September 6.
“It feels good to return to Irie Jamboree because I’m coming back on a different level,” reveals the young star. “More people are familiar with my single now and know who Ras Penco is. It’s going to be good to come to New York and perform for all the people who will come out for the big Labor Day celebration.”
Directly after Irie Jamboree, Penco will head to Los Angeles to shoot the video for his new hit single, the romantic pop ballad “Be By My Side.” The video is sure to propel the tune even more, as it is already receiving airplay in Jamaica.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be doing my second video,” smiles Penco. “I’m still holding the vibe of ‘Thousand Miles,’ and want to give the people that same energy and sentiment. It’s going to be even better.”
Penco’s video for “Thousand Miles” continues to enjoy rotation in and out of the Caribbean, including on BETj and VH1 Soul. (Watch the video: www.sflcn.com/multimedia.php?id=rmG5kp6Ov0o ) With the crossover sound of “Be By My Side” and the Hollywood-based production team at the helm of the upcoming video, he’s sure to have another major hit on his hands.
