Tribute to Jah Woosh... Jah Woosh & Ras Ibuna - Diverse Doctrine

I just found out that deejay legend Jah Woosh, real name Neville Beckford, passed away last month. He is reported to have died in the UK of cancer on February 11th, aged 58. He is probably best known for his late-seventies Channel One recordings, the Religious Dread LP in particular, though his initial releases early in the decade for producers like Keith Hudson, Phil Pratt, Blacka Morwell and Rupie Edwards were perhaps his freshest and most original. His work stands alongside the music of contemporaries Big Youth, I-Roy, Prince Jazzbo, Dennis Alcapone, Jah Lloyd, Prince Hammer and Dillinger.

 After a long stint as MC on Prince Lloyd's sound system Jah Woosh recorded his first tune in 1971, Angela Davis, on Little Roy's Prophesy riddim by Blacka Morwell. His first LP, Jah Woosh, was released by Rupie Edwards in 1974 on Cactus. He went on to voice LPs and singles for several other producers (Leonard Chin, Dudley Swarby, Dread & Dread, Brad Osbourne, Sidney Crooks) while setting up in self-production. The first of several of his self-produced LPs, Dreadlocks Affair with the Mighty Cloud Band, came out in 1976. He went on to release many productions on his Original Music label into the 1990s, working with Larry Marshall, Reggae George, Bim Sherman, Trinity, Flabba Holt and Horace Andy among others. The 1978 12'' with Ras Ibuna - Diverse Doctrine/Pay Dem Dues was an absolute roots classic. A move to the UK in 1979 began a long lasting collaboration with the musical collective Creation Rebel, recording the Marijuana World Tour LP and playing live. A creative association was also formed with Adrien Sherwood's On-U Sound and Jah Woosh contributed to several projects with Creation Rebel, New Age Steppas and Singers & Players, alongside fellow chanters Prince Far-I and Prince Hammer.

By the late 80s disillusionment with digital music and the industry sparked a move to Ghana where Woosh continued to run Original Music and do local things. He was coaxed out of 'retirement' from time to time in the 1990s, doing some sound nights and stage shows in the UK and releasing an album with Mixman (Fire Inna Blackamix) in 1993. He continued to perform live right up until last year. I was lucky to check him live in London twice in the 1990s, sharing the stage with various 70s toasters and singers. He was a lively performer and treated the audience to some classic mid-late seventies roots n culture with obvious enjoyment.... 

(Grove Music GMDM7A-B) Ras Ibuna & Jah Woosh - Diverse Doctrine/Pay Dem Dues 12'' 1978.



 
Jah Woosh Special - mixtape

Lion D - The Burning Melody 2009

Lion D - The Burning Melody 2009. Its taken me a while to hear about the conscious deejay Lion D from Italy but its been worth the wait as this debut album is serious!! I've been playing it more or less on loop for a week now and think its got to be the best set by an MC since NiyoRah's Purification Session or Norris Man's Home and Away in 2006. Its also the first album by the Italian label Bizzarri Records.

Lion D is a cultural deejay with original delivery and vocal style similar at times to Jah Mason, Fanton Mojah, Pressure, NiyoRah and occasionally Capleton. Most of the 21 tracks here deal with roots and reality and the focus is on Rastafari, unity, peace & love, struggle, higher consciousness. Tune like Show More Love, Love Is The Only Way, Rise, Money, Good Herb, Stay Conscious and the single Nah Like Da Way Deh. There are also four 'conscious lovers' tunes, including a nice duet with Miss Linda. Musically the focus is on bright, skanky one-drop and new roots riddim with a 'live' feel. Good mix of original and known rhythm tracks with the European preference for rocksteady-Wailers-style riddims. Good versions of Baba Boom, Cassandra & I Shot the Sheriff (on Rise - a wicked combination with Lutan Fyah). Nah Like Da Way Deh has an excellent, long saxophone dub, its just a shame there weren't more live horns on show throughout. The album rounds off with four decent bashment selections. To get a taste check the DJ Octa Lion D Mixtape here.

The Burning Melody is a brilliant first effort and landmark European release. I can't wait to hear Lion's anticipated second CD, Reap What You Sow, due out April 2011.

-Buy at Amazon-

-Lion d on MySpace-

Trinity - Around The World 1983 (Yard International LP 001)

Trinity - Around The World 1983 (Yard International LP 001). Very hard to find LP by Trinity on red vinyl. First release on the UK label. Recorded at Channel 1 and King Tubbys Studio, engineered by Jammys and Scientist, mixed in the UK at Black Star. Backed by core members of The Revolutionaries & Roots Radics. Although this was released in 1983 the Sly & Robbie riddims seem to pre-date those of the Radics and the whole set sounds older, maybe 1980-81? Great rolling steppers style rhythms and some off the wall delivery from the deejay. Produced by Jah Woosh.

192kbps-43MB. Thanks to Iain for the rip.

--download--

2YK Lovers Bashment Mix

2YK Lovers Bashment Mix. 
 Irie collection of nineties lovers rock and nice-time reggae dancehall hits. Big tune like I Believe I Can Fly, Saddest Day, I Wish, Double Trouble, Love Me Truly and Junior Kelly's massive If Love So Nice. An early outing for Yogi aka Courtney John with Its Not Too Late. 

 

 

CD1: Riddim like Far East (Penthouse), Real Rock (Xterminator, Steelie & Cleavie & Stone Love), Joyride (Madhouse), Stir It Up (Mrosh & Bean Stalk), Mean Girl/I Know The Score (Gussie P) and Penthouse's rocking cut to Tempo. Late night blues vibes from Lloyd Brown on Matumbi's Point Of View.

CD2: Excursions on the African Beat (Stone Love, Fat Eyes, Penthouse), Digital B's Drum Song & Undying Love, More & More (Zulu), various cuts of Rope In and Penthouse's Tonight.  

Continuous mix. 159 minutes total.

--download--

DJ Kyle Supreme Revival Session

DJ Kyle Supreme of Jamaica mixes up classic Studio One, Treasure Isle and a few Trojan selections inna fine style. An essential blend of hit riddim and obscure tunes mostly from the late 60's and early 70's. Featuring: Joseph Hill (the original Behold), The Ethiopian, Lone Ranger, Bob Andy, Marcia Griffiths, Slim Smith, Don Evans & The Paragons, Dobby Dobson, Dennis Brown, The Sensations, Freddie McKay, The Silvertones and many more... Highly rated. 34 minutes.
Nuff respect DJ Kyle... pure irie vibes the man a promote!
--download--
dj kyle on myspace

Wise Man Riddim - Tenor Saw - To Love Somebody

Real Tenor Saw classic. Mix up on the Wise Man riddim 1988, Produced by Digital English and Barry Dread. Originally on the Night Life Posse label, reissued on Sip A Cup. A & B sides here with version; To Love Somebody, followed by the hit (Tenor Saw's last in his lifetime) Chill Out, Chill Out with General Doggie (Top Cat) and Uglyman's Talk Innit... BAD. 

9 minutes.

--download--

Sad news.... Smiley Culture dies age 48 - RIP SMILEY

Smiley Culture has died during a police drugs raid on his home. He is reported to have died from self-inflicted wounds when officers swooped on his home in east Surrey, looking for cocaine. The 48-year-old deejay is alleged to have requested to make a cup of tea before being taken in for questioning and then, while in the kitchen, stabbed himself fatally in the chest. He did have form; last September he had appeared before magistrates charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine though this news has come as a shock to most people.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission watchdog has been called in to investigate. The circumstances of Smiley's death in police custody “leaves Surrey Police with a lot of questions to answer,” blogged former Mayor of London’s Director for Policing and Equalities Lee Jasper. ''Surely Smiley was handcuffed as in normal practice during any raid to prevent the suspect disposing of evidence, harming officers or him. How is it that he managed to stab himself in handcuffs? Secondly how did he get hold of a knife when surrounded by police officers? He would have been closely monitored and guarded by police officers and an officer would have supervised his every move. Thirdly how is it, if we accept he did stab himself (and I have severe doubts about that) how is it he is surrounded by officers and yet they could not prevent him from doing so?” It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes of this inquiry.

Smiley Culture came out of the mighty Saxon sound system and Fashion label at the start of the 80s, alongside man like Papa Levi, Asher Senator, Tippa Irie and Daddy Colonel, and was an originator of the cockney fast chat style. He was the first British MC to get recognition for toasting in a British accent with his UK reggae hit Cockney Translation on the Real Rock. His 1984 pop chart success Police Officer was an tongue-in-cheek autobiographical tune about his getting caught in possession of sensi but let off when the bobby realised just who he was. It was great to hear dancehall (and the Answer riddim) on the telly and everywhere. It came with a crucial video too! Tippa Irie followed up Smiley's breakthrough with some chart success though mainstream interest in UK dancehall proved to be short-lived and little has been heard from Smiley Culture on record since the mid-80s (he was MC for various other sound systems - Buchanan, Black Harmony, Frontline & Coxsone Outernational). Smiley and the Saxon posse are rightly credited, however, with being among the most influential originators of the UK urban music scene and Smiley Culture's tunes are well remembered.

--Watch Police Officer on You Tube--
--Police Officer 12''--

Saxon 2008 ROGER ROBIN in Session

Old Time Something Come Back Again - Ska, Rocksteady & Revival Remakes 2009

Old Time Something Come Back Again. That classic old-time rocksteady revival sound hit BIG in 2009! A balance of good-time party vibes and roots & reality tunes here, nowadays artists and veterans. Fresh re-licks of enduring riddims like Rocksteady (Chet), The Whip (Luv Messenger), 007-Shanty Town (Pow Pow), Rudeboy, A Message to You (Supersonic Sounds), Sweetie Come Brush Me (God Bless), Love Line (G-String) and Show Love (Iration). Revisits Cherry Oh Baby (Digital B & Shocking Vibes) from the 90s... Version a fall like rain... Mojo Morgan makes a solid solo contribution on Rude Bwoy while Taxi Records' singer Courtney John takes us way back.....

 

Continuous mix 79 minutes. Relist
-download-

Nu-Roots Reality 2008 - Look A Solution

Reality 2008 - Look A Solution. Vital one-drop roots mix from 2008. Must find a better way... Nu-roots artists sing out. Nuff version,  dubwize.

CD One: Riddim like: Nylon (Jukeboxx), Zion Way (VIS), The Solution (Big League), Journey (Danger Zone), Oscillator (Jukeboxx), Paradise (357), Rub A Dub (No Doubt). Capleton rip up a storm on People Want Change. Culture and Anthony B revisit the Two Sevens Clash.

Cd Two: Riddim: Do Good (Tads), Drop It (No Doubt), Old Pirate - Redemption Song (Annex), Alarm Clock (Lustre Kings), Every Tongue Shall Tell (King Judah). I-Wayne sing Free The People over both Promised Land & Satta. Classic 90s D. Brown on Clive Hunt's Rope In and Techniques' Just Friends. Concludes with Garnett 'Arch Angel' Silk's evergreen Love Is The Answer (extended mix) on the Unchained.

Continuous mix.158 minutes. Repost

-download cd1-
-download cd2-

Review - Reggae Britannia BBC 11/02/11

Review - Reggae Britannia: Documentary & Concert BBC 11/02/11.

With the sad decline of general interest in reggae in the UK over the past 10-15 years and continued problems in the domestic industry, here was a rare and welcome opportunity to highlight this still vibrant and creative musical force and remind the wider public of its rich heritage on national TV. I've been moved to comment.

The documentary started well enough though it soon became apparent that the format was to be (the now well over-used) music-historiography. The programme narrates the development of UK reggae from its earliest beginnings as imported by the West Indian communities, through its growing popularity in general society, to its direct influence on the homegrown ska and urban genres that followed and centres around interviews with various reggae, ska and rock luminaries. Despite some great footage, the music is sometimes given too little opportunity to tell the story itself with a predictable over-emphasis on narration. Short musical samples fade in and out, sometimes inappropriately, but one can only, nonetheless, enjoy seeing and hearing such musical greatness on telly...

The earliest phases, sound system, the Trojan years, the advent of roots music and the emergence of a UK reggae sound are well reported but as punk, 2tone and 'white reggae' gained prominence in the 70s, so our attention is drawn more and more to that music. While The Specials, The Clash, The Police, Eric Clapton, The Beat, Pauline Black and others made undeniably superb music and contributed massively to our social integration, British reggae artists tend to be overlooked. We see crucial early footage of Aswad, Steel Pulse and UB40 but other leading groups, legends like The Cimarons, Matumbi, Black Slate, Misty In Roots, Capital Letters, Black Roots, Pablo Gad, King Sounds, Pato Banton, Macka B, Mad Professor, Bloodfire Posse, Papa Levi, The Naturalites & Realistics, Creation Roots (the list goes on) are not even mentioned. Cho!! We gain solider ground once lovers rock and Fashion/Saxon are highlighted. Dennis Bovell reminds us that ''lovers rock is the UK sound'' and we see some irie clips of Sugar Minott, Janet Kay and Carol Thompson but, again, so many are overlooked... Peter Hunningale, Louisa Marks, Sandra Cross, Don Campbell, Kofi, Amazulu, even Maxi Priest! Good to see Tippa Irie in action on Saxon though its a shame no mention is made of the late-80s raggamuffin sound wars and no connection made to house music and the birth of rave, jungle, bassline & grime sound systems. The popular UK dub scene of the 90s is also totally ignored as is pirate radio. Adrien Sherwood's On-USound label and bands like Dub Syndicate, African Headcharge and RDF deserve a mention, and does anyone remember Dominic?

There is, in fact, nothing at all said about UK reggae beyond Jazzy B and Soul II Soul (sic) in 1988 and the dismal closing statement reads ''... and though reggae as we knew it had passed away, its musical descendants  survive and flourish''. This mirrors Lloyd Bradley's assertion (in his book Bass Culture) that quality reggae more or less died with Bob Marley, highly contentious in the eyes of most followers of Jamaican-rooted music. Such views would only be aired here in Britain. Reggae is as relevant and popular worldwide as ever. Stage shows and festivals are regularly well attended by ever widening audiences and the business is better funded in Europe, Latin America and the US (and money is made too). It is puzzling as to why decline, characterized by the demise of Jet Star Records and buyout of Greensleeves, has been so marked in the UK or why the major broadcasters fail to spot and promote any of our contemporary British reggae talents. Why do our first rate artists, people like Lloyd Brown or Roger Robin, The Rasi-Ites Band and rising stars like Guppy Ranks not even make it onto late night TV & radio shows like Joolz? We have very few UK artists of their vocal caliber in any musical genre, style or fashion on telly, innit! London used to be the 2nd capital of Reggae. It is now a backwater. Reggae Britannia sheds no light on this.

This golden opportunity to really push the music and get the message out, that reggae is a current and continuous movement here in the UK, one that reaffirms and builds on its great past. That we need to embrace it as an important segment of our musical spectrum and give it the coverage it deserves (and badly requires). And that we have major reggae talent here in the UK now, has been squandered. This over-Anglicised presentation tells it from a big label viewpoint and places way too much value on commercial success, condemning UK reggae to the 'musical history' recycle bin. My disappointment is complete. We need a genuine, grassroots exploration of the subject, one that really promotes the contemporary and  places it in a proper global perspective. Maximum respect to those who continue to support the music.

The BBC concert that followed was good to watch but hardly crucial. It was great to see legends like Dave Barker, Dennis Alcapone, Big Youth and especially Ken Boothe once more. For me the special highlight was seeing Brindley Forde. Bwoy, its been too long... Dennis Bovell was MC for the night. Winston Reedy,  Janet Kay, Carol Thompson, Rico, Nevelle Staples, The Selector and Ali Campbell were also there. There is little musical improvisation (apart from strings and an occasional big horn section) and a general big people's music vibe - a trip up memory lane, that, while pleasant enough, only goes to reinforce the idea that reggae is old music for old people. Once again, where were our younger artistes?

Directed by Jeremy Marre.

Narration by Ruby Turner.

--see documentary & concert on i-player--

King Volts - Live at the Tumble Inn, Bradford 1987

King Volts - Live at the Tumble Inn 1987. The legendary Newcastle/Bradford reggae band onstage in Bradford. Brisk, dub-heavy live sound. Solid, irie festival vibes.

King Volts formed in 1982 in Fenham, Newcastle and were regulars on the Northeast gig circuit during the mid-80s. Anyone see them at the Riverside? The band moved to Bradford in 1986 where they quickly built up a local following while traveling to play at free festivals. Key members emigrated and, sadly, the band split in 1987. 

Volts reformed for a great reunion gig in 1988 at the 1in12 Club, Bradford, another memorable night.

Respect to Igger, Martin, Cess, Steve, John, Andy, Micky, Diccon, The Rootsman, Larry and everyone. King Volts are still fondly remembered. If any of you come on here, link up, leave a comment.... Paul.

 Taken from the original PA tape. 58 minutes. Shame I lost the old Newcastle Demo tape.

Thanks to Iain for ripping this, bless man...

--download--

Bingie Trod-Maroon-Spiritual War-Kiana-Frontline

Beat the kette drum an mak dem run wey....

Three classic nyahbingi chants; Bingie Trod, Maroon & Spiritual War, that reflected rising levels of creativity leading into that last real period of Jamaican roots music par-excellence (2005-08, in my opinion). Artists like Jah Cure, Richie Spice and Fantan Mojah perform at their very best over these beautifully crafted rhythms. Truly sublime... Gyptian's breakthrough anthem Serious Times is here. 2 heavyweight roots riddims, Kiana & Frontline, also.

Bingie Trod 1 - Bascom X, Jah Cure, Elephant Man, Azolade, Ed Carabao, Bushman & Luciano. Bingie Trod 2 - Buju Banton, Junior Kelly, Richie Spice, Sizzla, Zebra, Chrisinti & Norris Man (South Block). Maroon 1 - Jah Cure, Fantan Mojah, Jah Mason, LMJ, Ultimate Shines & Bongo Herman. Maroon 2 - Norris Man, Sizzla, Perfect, Richie Spice & Bongo Herman (Down Sound). Spiritual War - Gyptian, Chrisinti, Spanner Banner, Turbulence, Joshua, Anthony Cruz, Chuck Fender & Leroy Smart (Frenz). Kiana aka Creator - Capleton, Luciano, Bob Andy & Junior Kelly (Al.Ta.Fa.An). Frontline - Admiral Tibet, Turbulence, Natural Black & Chezidek (Addis).
 

--download--

Lovers Rock & Dancehall Hits from the Nineties

Lovers Rock and Dancehall from the 90's
Compilation of MASSIVE reggae hits.

Riddim track ike Its Growing, Love of a Lifetime, Practice What You Preach, Full Up, Stars, Penthouse's Taxi and Swing Easy.

Continuous mix. 158 minutes.

--download cd1--

--download cd2--

Born in the Time - One-Drop Selections 2008

Born in the Time - One-Drop Selections 2008. Conscious one-drop nu-roots mixtape from mid-2008. Hoping for a better tomorrow... One of my favortites...sound so nice, jus' gotta blog it twice... lol. Riddim like Chaos (Jukeboxx), Outta Road (Cross the Water), Red Razor (Lustre Kings). The Taxi Gang nice it up on the Bad Treatment.

Groundation & Apple Gabriel - Praises

Midnite - His Majesty

Batch - Green Gold

The Uplifter - Marijuana

 First Born Riddim / Richie Spice - Trouble In The World /

Chrisinti - Overstand / Sizzla - I'm Free

Josie Mel - Concentrate Yourself

Fantan Mojah - Stay Positive

Anthony John - Meditation Spree / Lutan Fyah - Word Sound & Power

Screwdriver - Good Old Days / Version

 Acao & Natural Black - Chiguen

 

Continuous mix 2hrs

Drop Leaf-Jah Is Love-Passion-Heavenless

 7 tracks, 4 one-drop riddims from 2004-06: Drop Leaf, the rootsy Jah Is Love, rocksteady flavoured Passion and the deadly Heavenless.

Drop Leaf 1 - Luciano, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Turbulence.  
Drop Leaf 2 - Morgan Heritage, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Jah Cure, Gentleman, Nina Sky, Vybz Kartel, Beyonce.  
Drop Leaf 3 - Bounty Killer, Tanya Stephens, Collie Buddz, Mary J & Ja Rule, TOK (Don Carleon & JR).
Jah Is Love/As A Friend - Turbulence, Sizzla, Chezidek, Abijah (Xterminator).  
Passion - Chrisinti, Turbulence, Chuck Fender, Bascom X, Major Chris, Richie Spice, Capleton, Luciano (NAP).  
Heavenless 1 - Morgan Heritage, LMS, Turbulence.
Heavenless 2 - King Kong, Anthony B, Choppa Chop, Chronicle, Burro Banton (Massive B & Pound Daddy).

-download-

8 RIDDIM MIXES - Wolves & Leopards Green Valley Psychology He Speaks Deep Roots Spring Prions Jah The Whip African Beat

Separate version excursions on seven crucial roots riddims from between 2003-09 + Under Mi Sensi/African Beat from 1995 - Barrington Levy, Beenie Man, Yami Bolo, Capleton, Singing Melody, Sanchez & Buju Banton (Time 1, Stone Love, Gargamel & Fat Eyes)..

Green Valley - Luciano, Capleton, LMS, Gentleman, Michael Rose, Richie Spice & Sizzla (Stephen Stanley 2005). Wolves & Leopards - Chrisinti, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Yogie (Courtney John), Capleton, I Jah & Uplifter (Observer 2005). He Speaks - Anthony B, Tony Curtis, Josie Wales, Vybz Kartel, Sizzla & Zumjay (Free Willy 2004). Psychology - Chrisinti, Luciano, Sizzla, Lukie D, Jah Mason, Turbulence, Chris & Champani (Rising Sun 2005). Deep Roots Spring - Beenie Man, Cali P, Dubdadda & Tippa Irie (Nitty Gritty 2003). The Whip - The Ethiopian, Admiral Tibett, Mark Wonder, Uton Green & Elijah Prophet (Luv Messenger 2009). Finally, Prions Jah - Nerious Joseph, Ras McBean, Lorenzo &  Nassadjah (Zion Gate 2003).

-download-

Mash Down Inequity Worker - Conscious Roots Mixtape 2009

 

Mash Down Inequity Worker Mixtape 2009

 

 

Chant down greediness and corruption. BIG one-drop and roots riddim. Bigga judgement! Version galore... Also a special tribute to Lucky Dube led by Gramps Morgan. Riddim like: Billie Jeans (Fury Bass), Band Change (Maaad Sicck), Birthday (NotNice), Genesis (Cousins), Craven Puppy (Cousins), The Session (Maximum Sound), Alton Rock-Rocksteady (Fireball). Commentary from Peter Tosh

Continuous mix 78 minutes
-download-

Lutan Fyah Live Rehearsal with the One Drop Band

Wicked footage of Lutan Fyah blazing it up again. In rehearsal with the One Drop Band. Everything tight. Nuff respect to the Fyah for the perseverance. The man chat crucial from long time...

Rising Son - Peace Man/Jah Suckie - Peace Inna Jamdung 7''

Rising Son - Peace Man/Jah Suckie - Peace Inna Jamdung. Set of four pre-releases. Rising Son (sometimes known as Rising Sun) meets Lester Johnson on the Ta Shi label. Pure roots and culture from 1976. Peace man, peace man, peace man, mi seh peace youth man... Counteraction from deejay Jah Suckie with Peace Inna Jamdung. Dread version. All-time classic... One of the 1st pre-release I ever owned on vinyl. Also from Rising Son, Every Man Must Have A Home & Jah Jah Robe on the New Flower imprint complete with versions. Hard to find...
-download-

Phil Pratt All Stars - Showcase Super 1969-76

 Phil Pratt All Star Showcase. 
The best of Sunshot. Comprehensive selection of killers on the legendary Sunshot and Channan Jah labels. Draws on the influential producer's output during the early reggae era, the transition from melodious rocksteady to the more militant roots music. With the Sunshot Band (the future Revolutionaries) and Bobby Kalphat providing cutting edge rhythm tracks, Pratt was able to call on the leading vocalists and deejays of the day but, like close contemporaries Lee Perry, Glen Brown, Sidney Crooks, Bunny Lee and Niney, wasn't afraid to experiment and give opportunity to lesser known artists. His sound is notable for enduring vocal quality over choppy, solid roots riddim. Of interest here is the emergence of  of the 'flying cymbals' drum sound. Good balance of singers, deejays and version. Great riddim like Strange Things, What About the Half, Black Magic Woman, Envious, Talk About Love, Artibella, Heart is Gone, Going the Wrong Way, etc...

 Continuous mix. Total 280 minutes.

-download cd1-

-download cd2- 

BIG UP CAZZY a big thanks for the comments. Keep sharing the links... ;)

Gregory Isaacs.. RIP the Cool Ruler, Lonely Lover, Hot Stepper, Jah Tooth...

25/10/2010. Gregory Isaacs died this morning in London after struggling with illness. The Cool Ruler, who was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago, had since toured extensively abroad and then traveled around Jamaica before returning home to London this summer to spend time with his wife, Linda, and his family. "Gregory was well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed," Linda was quoted as saying on the BBC website, "He will be greatly missed by his family and friends." It is still deeply shocking and disappointing news for all fans of reggae music and is a great loss. 

Gregory was at home on all type of riddim. Starting out in the early reggae era with harmony group The Concords (1969-71), he soon made his name as a soloist with his distinctive, fragile vocal style, recording both classic love ballads and cultural/topical Rasta sufferah anthems. He soon took control of his own music with his African Museum label, producing 3 absolute classic late-70s albums; Cool Ruler, Mr. Isaacs and Soon Forward. His international profile was boosted by his highly charasmatic role as Jah Tooth in the 1980 Rockers movie and continued to grow in the early 80s dancehall era as he enjoyed a worldwide hit with the 1982 album Night Nurse. More success came in 1988-90 with a string of killer tunes for Gussie Clarke and Two2Friends, including Red Rose For Gregory and the mighty Rumours. Combinations with Ninjaman, Dennis Brown, The Mighty Diamonds and Junior Reid, among others, helped maintain currency in the dancehall well into the 1990s. He was a distiguished live performer and I was lucky enough to see him several times. He was sometimes mobbed onstage by the ladies who'd come armed with red roses for him! Gregory Isaacs was close friends with the late, great Dennis Brown, often duetting, sharing albums and touring with him.

There is no definative best recording or period as the Lonely Lover released real classics in each genre time and time again. His best work, though, came out between 1973 and 1989. The 1978 lp Cool Ruler is probably my favorite album of all time, bar none!

Gregory Isaacs in Rockers

Born Free Nyah - One Drop 2007

New roots one-drop mixtape from 2007. Born Free Nyah... Its all about freedom and liberty, Positive livity. Ruff riddim like Flabba's Steady Rock, Wild fire, Mr Bassie, First Born & Big League's Sun is Shining.

Continuous mix. 78 minutes.
-download-

RIP Lincoln Sugar Minott - 25/5/1956 - 10/7/2010

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sugar Minott, the honey-voiced singer, soundman, promoter and producer has died, aged only 54. He passed away on Saturday 10th at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston after a short illness. His wife Maxine Stowe has not yet disclosed the cause of death though two months ago Sugar had cancelled a tour in Canada after suffering chest pains. This is exceptionally sad news for all lovers of Jamaican music and sympathies and tributes are sent out from around the world...

After several years in the African Brothers vocal trio, Lincoln 'Bugga' Minott started out doing fine solo roots sides in 1975 for Studio 1 and recorded two classic lps for Dodd before quickly going into self-production by 1979. A fine string of albums were released throughout the 1980s, both self-produced and for a variety of other labels, as well as a constant string of 45s. He, alongside man like Barrington Levi and Half Pint, helped define the dancehall vocal styles to come. His early 80s work with UK producers like Dennis Bovell was highly influential in developing the honey-sweet, ultra smooth brand that was UK lover's rock and his rich voice was perfect for such balladry. Some wicked tunes were recorded in the US at Bulwackies also. While Sugar took on all styles, he continued to publish fine roots sides throughout his career, tackling problems of injustice, poverty and violence, though he always maintained a balance of themes on albums.

Sugar's promotion and productions made important contributions to the reggae industry, particularly in the mid-80s. His Black Roots label and Youth Promotion sound system were used to nurture and showcase young talent. Man like Junior Reid, Little John, Michael Palmer, Captain Sinbad, Echo Minott, Barry Brown, Triston Palmer, Tenor Saw and Bimbo all got the opportunity to record and perform alongside more established names. Many went on to have successful careers though Sugar has expressed frustration with business aspects in interviews.

He was always at his highest element as a live performer, however, and I was privileged to see him in action several times, most recently in December 2009 up in Edinburgh, Scotland where he gave a fine, lively performance - the freshest I'd seen him in years. We were treated to hits from across the years in the full spectrum of musical styles. Hit song like Buy Up The Bar, Tune In, Ole King Cole, Mr. DC, A House Is Not A Home, People Got To Know, Easy Squeeze, Lover's Rock, Vanity, African Girl, No Vacancy, Feel The Rydim, Dancehall Stylee and the MASSIVE Good Thing Going and Herbman Hustling... and many more. He always had a great instinct for the crowd and got everyone rocking from the 1st note. It felt like he could go on singing all night though time was limited due to it being a Sunday night. TOP RANKING entertainment from one of my all-time favorite singers... Now he's gone, who gonna nice it up, nice it up?

-THANKS AND MAXIMUM RESPECT SUGAR-

Sugar's last album - A New Day - is pure NICENESS!!!

Hear it at www.sugarminott.com

Youth Promotion Live Sound Tape 1985 Pt.1 & Pt.2 - various guest artists.