Initial impressions of the ensemble on stage were of lounge music. But only if your lounge is painted a deep terracotta, you have a nightly group of Latino beauties dressed in tight black dresses tossing back large glasses of red wine until four in the morning threatening to steal your soul and replace it with a never ending madness of melancholy and passion.

From beginning to end there was no defining lead person, all of them extremely adept at their relative instruments with attention shifting from sax to keyboard to bass to guitar to the singing. The band had left any egos at the front door to concentrate on the music.

Dave Webster’s head was lost in the sound created by his keyboard nodding in time to the audience’s reciprocating appreciation, so smoothly and timely executed. This was complemented by Sherman Watson on acoustic and lead vocals, a charismatic presence despite his shambolic appearance. The drums and bass provided the backbone of timeless soul shaking grooves and the funk needed, holding back to add a more subtle flavour to the slower numbers. The bass guitarist was all over his instrument, especially when the strap fell off his shoulder appearing to propose to the drummer on one knee for the rest of the song. The horn section added that final harmony. The sax was (I can’t believe I’m writing this) a tranquil yet also a powerful force driving the band, while at other times entirely uplifting.

A refreshing change to guitar bands, their maturity and obviously studied dedication to their craft created layers of warmth of sometimes up beat jazz and reggae to despairing sadness. Think Ruben Wilson, gypsy violins, Miles Davies, filterless French cigarettes, The Bosstones, bull fighting and Ray Manzerick and you’ll probably wonder what the hell I’m talking about.

There appeared to be a fairly large fan base with them and rightly so. It was not just a gig but a celebration and a chance to party.

A joy to watch and even better to listen to.

By: Chris Catley – Live Music Direct

Das Contras on Myspace
Das Contras Official Website

Lucky Dube (August 3, 1964 – October 18, 2007)

A few years ago a good friend introduced South African reggae artist Lucky Dube’s music to me – and I immediately fell for his voice and vocal harmonies. We share some fond memories – hanging out, listening to Lucky Dube and discussing his lyrics.

There was another time when some other friends of mine invited me along with them to see Lucky Dube supporting Black Uhuru at the Roxy in Boston. Now after Lucky Dube’s untimely death in Johannesburg, South Africa, I realize now more than ever how fortunate I was to have been able to see him play live. Especially at a Black Uhuru show, with Sly and Robbie – at a venue like the Roxy. I was dancing all night at that one.

When I found out that he died I couldn’t believe it and was quite upset. Shocked really. I choke up every time I hear his music now, and will find it difficult getting used to the fact that I won’t be able to see him play again.

Watch Lucky Dube – “House Of Exile” video:

House Of Excile YouTube video link

Lucky Dube Official Website

By: Jenny May

Corey Harris has recently released his latest album, ‘Zion Crossroads’ on Telarc Records. The CD is a “celebration of roots reggae, Ras Tafari, Ethiopia, and the African continent” and has received many accolades for being one of the best reggae albums of the year.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Corey Harris released his debut solo acoustic album, ‘Between Midnight and Day’ in 1995 on Alligator Records. His debut was a delta blues style which was well received and soon after, he had an opening slot on tour with Natalie Merchant.

Since then Corey has continued to explore his musical roots, releasing more albums which included a move to Rounder Records for his 2002 release, ‘Downhome Sophisticate’, an album that “added layers of African and Latin music” – and he’s played genres ranging from funk to R&B, roots, reggae and hip-hop. Harris has toured in Guinea and Mali, West Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

In 2003, Corey Harris appeared in the Martin Scorsese documentary, Feel Like Going Home, an installment in the blues series that aired on PBS. In the film, Harris explores African-American blues on a journey that begins in the Mississippi delta and eventually takes him to Mali, where he discovers still more layers of African music to add to his repertoire.

Now with his 2007 release, ‘Zion Crossroads’, Corey has found his niche once again with an outstanding reggae release and is currently on tour in the US including upcoming shows in France and Australia. With his busy schedule, he’s taken the time out to answer some questions for Band Weblogs.

Corey Harris interview with BandWeblogs.com
Compiled by: Dave Tommo

Dave Tommo: Hi Corey. I’m listening to your ‘Zion Crossroads’ album and I love it. It’s my favourite type of reggae music. I read that you started out playing the blues. What made you cross over to reggae?

Corey Harris: Thank you. I don’t think of crossing over…Reggae and Blues are the same root, different branches. What made me cross over to Reggae? Living and travelling in Africa, knowing Selassie, Garvey, The Writings of Walter Rodney.

You play brilliant old school reggae, who are your biggest reggae influences?

Joseph Hill, Burning Spear, Sylford Walker, Augustus Pablo, The Gladiators.

I love your song, “Sweatshop”. What advice would you give to people who are shopping for clothes?

Try and be conscious in your purchases.

Who are your biggest blues influences?

Son House, Charley Patton.

What is your favourite type of relaxation?

Meditation, Bible Verses.

Do you cook? If so, can you tell us a meal that you like to cook up when at home?

–Raw papaya smoothie with ice, peanut butter, soy milk, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg
–Rice with yellow lentils and thyme
–Lightly steamed pumpkin, bok choy, carrot, onion, garlic with bragg liquid aminos and Mrs. Dash to taste
–Salad with walnuts, Blood Oranges, sprouts, avocado, Olive Oil, balsamic vinegar

Do you always gig with the same musicians?

Yes, same crew.

What other reggae bands have you played with or supported?

None. Have opened up for Burning Spear and Wailers.

How do you like playing in the UK and do you have plans to tour here in the future?

I would very much like to play the UK, but have not had any invitations yet to play there. I am ready to go.

What album are you listening to at present?

Utterance by Tuff Lion.

What album would you suggest for a first time reggae fan to listen to?

Any Trojan Reggae Compilation is a good start.

If aliens landed and said “take me to your leader”, who would you introduce them to?

I-Self!

What is the best thing about being alive?

Love and creation.

Where was your best gig and why?

The best gig is the next one…

For more information about Corey Harris, tour dates and to purchase his CDs, go to:

Corey Harris on Myspace

This year’s Oslo World Music Festival theme is “Strong Women Voices” and female artists from different corners of the world are well represented. The Spanish flamenco artist Estrella Morente opens the festival

Among other artists are Cesaria Evora, Seun Kuti & the Fela Egypt 80, Rachid Taha and the fast rising South African jazz singer, Simphiwe Dana. “It feels good to be part of Oslo World Music Festival this year”, says Ras Nas, whose real name is Nasibu Mwanukuzi. Ras Nas will also be releasing his long awaited follow up CD ‘Dar-Es-Salaam’. The CD contains nine tracks with a mix of reggae, afro and dub poetry.

Other African artists that have taken part include Salif Keita, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Oumou Sangare, the late Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diobate.

Ras Nas with an eight piece band plays at Belleville in Oslo, Saturday, 3rd November, 2007.

Kongoi Productions
www.kongoi.com

Mikey Murka first came to the attention of reggae fans worldwide way back in the the early 80’s. Having grown up in Jamaica, Mikey moved to London as a teenager and began singing on the legendary Unity Sound.

In the height of Reggae’s ‘digital era’ in the 80’s Mikey worked the dancehalls with fellow Unity Sound artists such as Kenny Knotts, Errol Bellot, Selah Collins, Richie Davis, Peter Bouncer, Demon Rocker & Flinty Rankin (the Ragga Twins) performing regularly alongside the likes of Coxsone, Saxon and other top sounds of the day. On stage Mikey has supported artists including Sugar Minott, Mikey General, Tippa Irie, Daddy Freddy and many more.

Following Unity Sound’s sucess in the soundsystem circuit, they began releasing records. With them Mikey recorded a series of hit tunes, including anthems such as “Control the Dancehall”, “We Try” and perhaps the most well known “Ride Pon the Riddim” which reached top 3 in the reggae charts, earning Mikey international recognition. Countless Mikey Murka tracks appeared on various compilation albums, the most famous of which include Unity Sound’s ‘Watch How The People Dancing’ LP and John Dread’s ‘Jamaica Affair’ Vol 3, where Mikey appears alongside Big Youth & King Kong.

After a long break from the game, Mikey Murka has returned hotter than ever, this time teaming up with young producer Kemist Kris of Reality Shock Records. Since his return Mikey has been collaborating with various labels and producers including Unitone Soundimentional, One Harmony Records, Messenjah Music, Tigerman Records, Section Urbaine Prod, Crucial Sounds, Kougar Records, Mungos Hifi & Jahtari to name a few, as well as performing live to audiences in the UK, Jamaica, Germany & across Europe.

Mikey Murka has also been working closely with Reality Shock Records to complete his debut solo album ‘In The Name Of Love’ in which Mikey displays his talent and versatility both singing and deejaying on a diverse selection of riddim tracks from the likes of Mafia & Fluxy, Gussie P, Disciples, Jerry Lyons, Unitone Soundimensional and many more. The album also features UK artists Deadly Hunta, Marga and rapper Silk.

Buy: Mikey Murka – ‘In The Name Of Love’ album

Mikey Murka
Reality Shock Records Official Website
Reality Shock Records on Myspace

“These polished professionals bring an album to the table that not only possesses superior lyrics but infectious calypso/reggae beats that will have you shaking your shins and jumping up for an impromptu dance no matter where your cubicle may be located” – Silverfish Magazine

Since the November release of their much-acclaimed debut album ‘Independence’, Kobo Town has been performing at venues and festivals throughout Canada, most recently and they are currently preparing for a busy summer of touring throughout Canada and the United States. They were recently joined by the Mexican-Canadian collaboration The People Project for a nationwide broadcast on CBC Radio One’s worldly, genre-bending program “Fuse.”

Founded by singer-songwriter, Drew Gonsalves, Kobo Town is a six- piece outfit which explores the rich musical heritage of Trinidad and the Anglo-Caribbean. In their music, bottle and spoon rhythms, syncopated flute melodies, strumming cuatros, and heavy reggae bass lines engage and underscore the tradition of satirical storytelling that lies at the center of Trinidad’s foremost lyrical art.

Kobo Town is a member of the MusicDish Network, a complete artist development program, leveraging brand development, saturated and relationship marketing, digital distribution and industry outreach to support emerging artists’ and bands’ careers.

Montreal Jazz Festival
Kobo Town on Myspace

Formed in 2001 with keyboardist Martin Moeller, Grimy Styles expanded to their current quartet with Matt Beebe (guitarist), Jacob Benenate (drums) and Chris Nerren (bass) to record their live debut, ‘Restoration of the Bathouse’ in 2004.

As Grimy Styles refines their self-proclaimed “melting pot” sound, they use the dub roots reggae genre as a platform to develop what has become their signature sound. “We call it global dub music because it’s exactly that,” explains Moeller. “Whether it’s Middle Eastern or American Soul or Jamaican Reggae, Afro pop, Afro beat – it all comes together.” Furthermore Grimy Styles applies a progressive approach to their live performances using cutting edge mixing techniques and unique onstage signal processing, rewarding both the careful listener and recreational dancer with imaginative soundscapes. “You feel the music in your heart and your head or your hips and your legs,” clarifies Beebe. “With no vocals in dub music, it’s open to your own interpretation.”

Their new album, ‘Rewind’ captures a bold, panoramic vision of dub now synonymous with Grimy Styles. Seeking to create an album that carried the spontaneity of its dub predecessors yet remain deeply rooted in structure, Grimy eschews the dub tradition of one-take processing on a rhythm track for slightly less conventional studio techniques. Slamming an old spring reverb on the floor, plucking the strings of a shabby upright piano, or running takes backwards through the tape machine was all part of a normal day’s work for the band during the Rewind sessions.

Intricate descriptions of ‘Rewind’ aside, the music is very easy to listen to. “Something we were going for was to create an album that works as a ‘household LP’: You can throw it on without having to think about it and know you’ll have nice background music,” says Moeller. He adds that if you really want to tune in however, you should put on headphones and “you can probably find new things every time you listen to it.”

Having recently shared the stage with the likes of dub legend Mad Professor and Lee Scratch Perry, an internationally acclaimed innovator of the dub movement, Grimy Styles has rapidly risen to the forefront of the Austin music scene with a growing, loyal fan-base. Grimy hopes to expand their following beyond Austin with their upcoming tour.

The tour launches in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 13, and has nearly nightly shows booked throughout the Western US. Grimy Styles closes the tour in the comfort of their hometown Austin, Texas on June 30.

For tour details, visit Grimy Styles: www.grimystyles.com. To listen to selected tracks, and for more information on ‘Rewind’ visit Grimy Styles on Myspace: www.myspace.com/grimystyles.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Blue King Brown is a band with a message. Their lyrics are politically tinged and their sound, as bassist Carlo Santone said during an interview last year, is “inspired by music from around the world”. They want to do something new to the roots genre and bring a contemporary edge to it. I think they’ve succeeded here – and are probably one of the best bands to go out and see play live.

With their music and politics in mind I feel comfortable including singer Natalie Pa’apa’a and Blue King Brown in a similar category as Bob Marley, Zack de la Rocha, Santana and Pete Seeger. They’ve toured with other jam band, world roots and reggae bands such as Michael Franti, John Butler Trio, The Cat Empire and Damian “Jr Gong” Marley.

Watch the Blue King Brown video for “Water” (Off of their Stand Up album)

Blue King Brown is set to play Live Earth in Sydney, Australia on July 7, 2007.

Blue King Brown 2007 tour dates are as follows:

*Dates could be added or changed. Go to Blue King Brown’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

May 20 2007 GREENROOM FESTIVAL (OSAKA) OSAKA (JAPAN)
May 21 2007 CLUB QUATRO-NAGOYA NAGOYA (JAPAN)
May 26 2007 GREENROOM FESTIVAL (YOKOHAMA) YOKOHAMA (JAPAN)
May 27 2007 DUO MUSIC EXCHANGE (SIDE SHOW) TOKYO (JAPAN)
Jun 9 2007 THE DREAMING FESTIVAL WOODFORD, Queensland
Jul 3 2007 MAKE POVERTY HISTORY: ZERO SEVEN ROAD TRIP BENDIGO, Victoria
Jul 7 2007 LIVE EARTH SYDNEY
Aug 4 2007 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS BYRON BAY, New South Wales

Blue King Brown Official Website
Blue King Brown on Myspace

“Get up, stand up: Stand up for your rights!” – Bob Marley ; Peter Tosh

By: Jenny May

Holland tour dates are as follows:

April 17th, Cafe de Stiels – Haarlem
April 18th, Het Bluescafe – Apeldoorn
April 19th, Het Hjigend Hert – Breda
April 20th, Jerry’s Muziekcafe – Veldhoven
April 22th, Het Meterhuis – Haarlem

Karlex soulfully fusses the vibes of his native island with funky guitar sounds and heavy bass, in a unique blend called Afro Groove. “Ghetto Fabulous” has been making waves in France since its release  in September 2006. The album was selected by “Arte TV” as an October Event and by “Radio Africa No 1” as Album Of The Week leading up to  the release. Karlex was invited to perform on his song “I’ve Got News  For You…” France 2’s ‘Live Acoustic’, while also being chosen by  Acoustic Fuel as a ‘Daily ReFill – In Celebration of Black History Month.’

“Karlex brings in smooth and mellow sounds with a deep blend of funk, reggae, and soul. From the get go with conviction he brings in a caribbean folk flow with the deep track ‘Ghetto Fabulous’.” Catask Music & Entertainment

For more information on Karlex, visit http://www.myspace.com/karlex  or http://www.sonicbids.com/karlex

Karlex is a member of the MusicDish Network, a complete artist development program, leveraging brand development, saturated and relationship marketing, digital distribution and industry outreach to support emerging artists’ and bands’ careers.
http://www.musicdish.net

WHEN: Thursday March 22th at 9:00 PM
WHERE: Club Balattou
4372 Boulevard St-Laurent (corner of Marie-Anne)
Métro – Mont-Royal
Phone: 514-845-5447

The Montreal show comes on the heals of their successful Canadian Music Week showcase performance at the Trane Studio in Toronto on March 8th as well as special concert, “Music Is The Weapon,” at Ottawa’s Barrymore’s Music Hall on Saturday March 10th in support of Canadian Friends of Sudan and Burma.
Kobo Town produced and self-released their debut album “Independence”  in November 2006. Co-produced by Lyndon Livingstone (David Rudder, Andre Tanker, Mighty Scrunter) and Drew Gonsalves, the album was named by Blogcritics as the best International album of 2006. CBC  Radio One’s “Fresh Air” and “Big City Small World” radio shows also  chose the record among their Top 10 lists for 2006.

In addition, The Live Music Report had this to say about the record  after placing it on their Top 10 list of outstanding 2006  discoveries: “It is daunting to attempt to describe a CD created by a  poet with the eloquence of Trinidadian-born Drew Gonsalves. His ‘St. James’ would fit nicely in an anthology of Caribbean and Caribbean- born poets that would also include the works of Linton Kwesi Johnson. Some heavy material, but there is levity too — and rhythm! Lots of  sounds to savour.”

IndependentsOnly wrote, “Intoxicating calypso rhythms held straight  with a reggae backbone is the best way to describe this Toronto based  group’s sound… ‘Independence’ shows how music can be the voice of  the people and that the message always rises from ashes. One of the  most beautifully intelligent releases…ever!”

Drawing heavily upon the sounds of traditional calypso, roots reggae  and dub poetry, the album is a collection of stories which offer a  running commentary on a wide variety of social and political themes  including domestic violence, homelessness, globalization, the war on  Iraq, and the various frustrations and betrayals of the post-colonial era.  Named after the vibrant and turbulent neighborhood in old Port- of-Spain, Trinidad, where calypso was born, the group strives to  recover the social conscience, satirical storytelling and strong  acoustic/organic rhythms that characterized Trinidadian music in the past. For members of the eight-piece outfit, the name suggests an origin as well as a destination.

For more information or to hear advance tracks from the album, please visit, http://www.kobotown.com or http://www.myspace.com/kobotown

Kobo Town produced and self-released their debut album “Independence” in November 2006. It was named by Blogcritics as the best International album of the last year. CBC Radio One’s “Fresh Air” and “Big City Small World” radio shows also chose the record among their Top 10 lists for 2006. Finally, The Live Music Report had this to say about the record after placing it on their Top 10 list of outstanding 2006 discoveries:

“It is daunting to attempt to describe a CD created by a poet with the eloquence of Trinidadian-born Drew Gonsalves. His ‘St. James’ would fit nicely in an anthology of Caribbean and Caribbean-born poets that would also include the works of Linton Kwesi Johnson. Some heavy material, but there is levity too — and rhythm! Lots of sounds to savour.”

“Intoxicating calypso rhythms held straight with a reggae backbone is the best way to describe this Toronto based group’s sound… “Independence” shows how music can be the voice of the people and that the message always rises from ashes. One of the most beautifully intelligent releases…ever!” – IndependentsOnly

Drawing heavily upon the sounds of traditional calypso, roots reggae and dub poetry, the album is a collection of stories which offer a running commentary on a wide variety of social and political themes including domestic violence, homelessness, globalization, the war on Iraq, and the various frustrations and betrayals of the post-colonial era. Named after the vibrant and turbulent neighborhood in old Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where calypso was born, the group strives to recover the social conscience, satirical storytelling and strong acoustic/organic rhythms that characterized Trinidadian music in the past. For members of the eight-piece outfit, the name suggests an origin as well as a destination.

Independence was co-produced by Lyndon Livingstone (David Rudder, Andre Tanker, Mighty Scrunter) and Drew Gonsalves at the Razorshop in Maraval, Trinidad. Independence will be available for download through CD Baby, iTunes, Music Discovery Network, Calabash Music and select online retailers. For more information or to hear advance tracks from the album, please visit, http://www.kobotown.com.

In case you’re not familiar with the Dragon’s Den it’s a weekly, hour long program with five successful entrepreneurs on the panel who determine whether or not they want give the potential partner the money that they request in return for a percentage of their business. Sometimes this can result in cringe worthy viewing as many people who think they know what they’re doing, oftentimes get stripped down and made to look the fool if they don’t know their figures.

Levi Roots had an original entrance to the Den as he walked up the stairs singing and playing his guitar to the catchy Reggae Reggae Sauce jingle that’s still going around my head today. He was able to walk away with the £50,000 that he requested to manufacture his spicy and jerk Reggae Reggae Sauce.

The two Dragons that went in on the deal were Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh who together will receive 40% of the company’s shares. Not a bad deal considering Levi (Keith) has been using his own kitchen to manufacture the sauce – with most sales made at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Watch the video of Levi Roots pitching his Reggae Reggae Sauce on Dragon’s Den:

I’ve just entered a competition to win a bottle of the sauce, because I can’t wait for it to arrive in stores. The last time I had proper Jerk Chicken was when I was in Negril, Jamaica and I’m looking forward to trying Levi’s Reggae Reggae Sauce. I just love saying that!

Reggae Reggae Sauce Website
Dragon’s Den on the BBC

By: Jenny May

The band will celebrate with performances in NYC and Toronto this week. The first of which is their record release party at the monthly Listen Liberally showcase hosted by online publisher MusicDish Network and indie radio promotions and PR company Organic Entertainment. The party kicks off at Club Midway, located at 25 Avenue B in Manhattan, beginning at 7PM.

Drawing heavily upon the sounds of traditional calypso, roots reggae and dub poetry, Independence, is a collection of stories which offer a running commentary on a wide variety of social and political themes including domestic violence, homelessness, globalization, the war on Iraq, and the various frustrations and betrayals of the post-colonial era.

Named after an historic community in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where calypso was born, Kobo Town strives to recover the social conscience, satirical storytelling and strong acoustic/organic rhythms that characterized Trinidadian music in the past. But while the group’s singer-songwriter Drew Gonsalves expresses a wish to “celebrate the musical and artistic traditions formed over the long years of our
turbulent history”, the tales that fill the album could be told
anywhere.

The title of this album is intended to be hopeful and ironic at the same time: some of the songs offer a critical look at the
“independence experiment” and its various failures and betrayals in Trinidad and elsewhere, while others aim to celebrate the musical and artistic traditions formed over the long years of our turbulent history. One track Abatina tells the tragic story of a girl trapped in an abusive marriage by her family’s class aspirations, while another, St. James, uses a flood of rhymes and images to evoke both the desperation and celebratory spirit of a struggling neighbourhood in
Port-of-Spain. And underlying the songs are bottle and spoon rhythms, syncopated flute and violin melodies, strumming cuatros, and heavy reggae bass lines which indicate a marriage between West Indian musics old and new – a dialogue between a fading folkloric tradition and the sounds that prevail in our time.

Independence was co-produced by Lyndon Livingstone (David Rudder, Andre Tanker, Mighty Scrunter) and Drew Gonsalves at the Razorshop in Maraval, Trinidad. Independence will be available for download through CD Baby, iTunes, Music Discovery Network, Calabash Music and select online retailers. For more information or to hear advance tracks from the album, please visit, www.kobotown.com.

What the press is saying:

“…a pan-Caribbean mix of reggae, rock steady, calypso and funk whose vibrations dictated dance.” Joyce Corbett, The Live Music Report

“Toronto’s hottest new Calypso-Reggae-Jazz ensemble” Shawna Marlay, AfroToronto.com

“Kobo Town is set to unleash a new musical style on the world with a fusion of old and new traditions from the West Indies. Lead singer/songwriter Drew Gonsalves’ vividly melodic lyrics backed with a heavy bass and rhythm section inspire people to move both physically and spiritually.” Karam Debly, Canadian Music

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Drew Gonsalves has crafted cutting messages through thoughtful lyrics that beg to be absorbed.” Chris Page, Ottawa XPress

Located at 1014 W. Georgia Street @ Burrard, Vancouver, Canada across from the Royal Bank Center. Outdoor seating available, kitchen open until 12 midnight!!

Hedonic Entertainment