Riddims, Rasta and Redemption: Reggae Wednesdays night 1

Inasmuch as he starred in several Pantomimes, the late Randolph "Ranny" Williams (also lovingly known as "Mas Ran" was not widely acknowledged as a singer, nor would he have been expected to have much facility with the reggae genre (he passe about 6 months before Bob Marley, but at the gae of 68)

So it was ironic yet fitting that under  the light of a new moon (and man-made props), the Centre named in his honour hosted fantastic expositions of the very essence of the reggae genre - the percussion-driven Afro-centric rhythms of the likes of Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus.

Complete with life-size screen backdrop, and full production credits, the Ranny Williams stage seemd tailor-made for the regal Ras Michael dressed in a peach caftan and trousers with immaculate white sneakers. He regaled the constantly growing audience with tracks such as "Birds in the Treetop"  "Give love" and "None A Jah Jah Children Nuh Cry"
ably supported by both his son and grandaughter, the latter a vocalistto watch in her own right.

They were preceded (and aided) by the Warrior Love band, who have been stalwarts for the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in its annual presentations of Reggae Month, now finding, since last year, a permanent home at Ranny Williams.

Before them, the night started in rousing fashion, with the Akwaaba Drummers, comprising some of the most accomplished percussionists working in Jamaica today. A lone female dancer sought o accentuate and translate some of the energy being generated by the instruments, which included the "kitchen cabinet" a homemade percussion and multi-phonic creation of writer-musician-artist M'bala.

When this writer left, the audience had been treated to a sterling display by a unique multi-generational cast: the likes of trombone virtuoso Nambo Robinson and  drummer extraordinaire Desi Jones alongside youngsters such as Shiah Coore (son of Stephen "Cat" Coore), saxophonist Sheldon Palmer and Desi's son Joshua on bass. their expanded repertoire  took in soul (the Isley Bros. "Livin' for the Love of You") as well as r n' b (the Whispers' "And The Beat Goes On") and contemporary reggae.

Above it all, "Mas Ran" flashed a toothy, silvery grin of approaval.


The Reggae month calendar featuresa wide range of musical and other cultural events throughout february. For details, visitthe JaRIA website at www.jariajamaica.com

Reggae Month launched

There was music too, of course, and lots of speeches and conversation, but this was the visual highlight of Tuesday night's Reggae Month 2015 Media Launch in Kingston. I'll have updates and reports on reggae Month events as they unfold in February

Holt's Volts to reverberate in Trelawny

Reggae giant the late John Holt

Organisers of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival have tapped some of the best roots rock Reggae stalwarts to present a Tribute to the Late John Holt. Few singers have influenced generations of reggae acts than John Holt, the consummate lovers rock artiste. The tribute features nine acts is a pulsating Reggae party on Thursday, January 29 at the Trelawny Stadium.

Holt died in October in London at age 69, leaving a remarkable catalogue of music. That legacy will be recognised on opening night of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on January 29. The lineup includes singers Errol Dunkley, George Nooks, Judy Mowatt, Cornell Campbell, vocal group The Tamlins and deejay Josey Wales all backed by Lloyd Parks and We The People Band, each artiste will dedicate part of their set to Holt. Also on Thursday night is soca artiste Oscar B with his band Oscar B and Vibes, promising an energetic, fun-filled performance.

According to the Jazz team, Holt's enduring career and massive cache of hit songs influenced the selection of acts on opening night. 

 

Holt hailed from Greenwich Town, a fishing community in Kingston with a rich music heritage. He set the pace for other singers from the area by winning the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour contest multiple times in the 1950s while still a student at Calabar High School.

He had numerous hits in the rocksteady era with harmony trio, The Paragons (On the Beach, The Tide is High and Danger in Your Eyes), before going on to an even more successful solo career.

As a solo act, Holt racked up hits such as Stick by Me, A Love I Can Feel, Ali Baba and Police in Helicopter. The latter announced Holt as a dancehall performer in 1981. John Holt inspired a generation of reggae singers who emerged during the 1970s, including Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Clarke and Freddie McGregor.

 

The 2015 staging of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival, The Art of Music is slated to take place from January 29 - January 31 at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium. This year's Festival will feature extraordinary acts such as the multi Grammy-Award winning vocalist Mariah Carey, the energetic sibling group The Pointer Sisters, 2014 Billboard Chart toppers Magic, former lead singer of Chicago and soloist Peter Cetera, R&B Soul icon Charlie Wilson, North American based Reggae band, Soja, Bajan Saxophonist, Arturo Tappin, Roots Reggae group Morgan Heritage Reggae Crooner and Richie 'Ska Teck' Stephens. 

Reggae Month 2K15: More riddims, More Groundings, More on show

Anticipation continues to build for February as the annual reggae Month approaches.

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA)is promising a bigger and better event this year including the following events as part of the choices for "edutainment" which complement the standard Reggae Month offerings:

- Grounation Series at The Institute of Jamaica – February 1, 8, 15, 22

- Trench Town Festival “Jamming at the Bass”, Ambassador Theatre – February 1

- Uptown Mondays, Savannah Plaza, February 2, 9, 16, 23

- Lyming at Culture Yard, Trench Town, February 4

- Weddy Weddy, Burlington Ave, February, 4, 11, 18, 25

This year, in the Reggae Village at Ranny Williams Entertainment Complex, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) will introduce four new and three repackaged events, namely:

- JaRIA LIVE: a weekly series presenting local renown and upcoming talent - February 3, 10, 17 and 24. February 17 and 24 will be dubbed Ladies' Nights. This event began last year at a different location but comes home to the Reggae Village this year.

- JaRIA Mixer: a weekly Friday "after-work jam" with games and music by a guest selector - February 6, 13, 20, 27

- Lunchtime Entertainment will be a big attraction throughout the month of February, as the best of music, dance, poetry and drama will be served along with culinary delights from the Reggae Month concessionaires.

- JaRIA Dance Vibz: a creative dance show in the Louise Bennett Theatre interweaving music and movement - February 21

- Reggae Praise, a music ministry show featuring top gospel artistes, is not a new event. What is new is that it is now holding its own, on Sunday February 8, instead of being one element of Reggae Wednesdays.

- Neither is the Jamaica Music Symposium a new event. However, it will now be a 2-day event in collaboration with the University of the West Indies on February 15 and 16.

- Movie Night on February 23 is an offshoot of the very successful screening of documentaries and a movie during Reggae Month 2014

The annual Dennis Brown tribute event is organised by The Dennis Brown Trust, Leggo Records, Sounds and Pressure and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA). Artistes perform in tribute to Dennis Emmanuel Brown. 

Visit  www.jariajamaica.com to get information on all Reggae Month activities.

Building That Belgium Reggae Vibe

Ran into veteran reggae music promoter Copeland Forbes a short while ago, huddled with Danielle Pater.

Who's that, you may ask? Well, she's the artistic director for Reggae Geel, which is set to take place in Belgium in August.

  "You have to prepare from now" the reggae industry stalwart shared.

The tag line of the event is "catch a vibe" and this Belgium-Jamaica link is to secure the line-up.

One of Europe’s oldest reggae festivals, Reggae Geel was founded in 1978. Throughout the years Reggae Geel became a trendsetting and authentic festival. Every year we bring the best of what Jamaica has go to offer to the ‘Belse Bossen’ in the city of Geel. What once started as a party in open-air is now a leading festival with over 30,000 visitors each year.

The previous roster included Damian "Jr Gong" Marley, Raging Fyah, Chronixx, Bunny Wailer, Sanchez, Protoje, I-Octane, "Daddy" U-Roy, Jesse Royal and more.

Pure Comedic Dynamite: LAFF IT OFF review

The beauty of theatre, wherever you watch it, is that there may emerge, at any instant, a moment so well executed, so transcendent, so plain damn good, that even the most jaded viewer is taken out of their preconceptions and mental blocks and releases their disbelief.

In Oliver Mair's re-mount of the comedy revue "Laff It Off"" which opened at  New Kingston's Theatre Place on Boxing Day (Dec 26), such a moment occurs about midway through "Spelling Bee" one of the latter skits of the play.

For the first few minutes, the combination of Officer Spellman (Ricky Rowe, more on him anon) and a hapless motorist (Akeem Mignott) plays out in the expected ways. Spellman, the corrupt -and illiterate - cop has the motorist (equally corrupt and illiterate) under his thumb, caught speeding - though we are not shown the actual speed on the "gun" - and pleading to "work things out". After the paltry bribe of a patty and coco bread is flatly rejected, Officer Spellman offers his "victim" one last chance to escape the rap and a certain ticket.

"Spell chuck" [as in "truck"] is the challenge.

What ensues cannot really be described, for it must be experienced. But it is fair to say that with that one sketch, any viewer with half a brain (and a funny bone) would consider his money well spent; it is a sketch that would not be out of place on any comedy show anywhere. It is pure comedic dynamite.

Such heights are not otherwise reached, but producer Oliver Mair, doubling as actor, comes close on two occasions. First, as historic Reggae Boyz football coach Rene Simoes, he nails the combination of innocence, ignorance and unbounded optimism that serves to confound interviewer Simon Croskill (Rodney Campbell)a and then later, he does a "double" of a different kind, playing both Johnny Mathis and Deneice Williams as they voice "Its Over" (Too Much, Too Little Too Late)", one of the selections on a special infomercial CD offered to victims of the failed Cash Plus and Olint schemes.

Those aside, 'Laff it Off" is a solid and robust comedy revue, offering the expected send-ups of people (athletes, entertainers and politicians), places and events in ways that are generally satisfying, and its laughs are delivered without skirting the serious issues. "Jamaica's Finest" presents the earlier contretemps in Gordon House between members Olivia "Babsy" Grange and Lisa Hanna in the shameful light that it deserves, while "New Breed" (the clear highlight of Act I) uses the perspectives of two New Kingston street rats to highlight economic hardship and the increasing prevalence of the "gully boys" who have taken up residence in the drain running from Trafalgar Road down to Dumfries Road.

While not all its skits are "hits" most of the few misfires are still interesting, none more so than "Take A Chance." Its opening premise is overtly personal: a young guy (Mignott) torn over whether he should ask the hot girl (Emprezz Golding, in her theatrical debut) out on a date. It then morphs, rather jarringly into a wider motivational tract, complete with backdrop images of our winning athletes, Marcus Garvey and other inspirational figures. The accompanying song is sine in and of itself, but the images are so compelling that they come close to negating the need for the actors to convey the message.

Oliver Mair (standing, left) and the cast of "Laff It Off"

The cast members each had their respective moments to shine, but with his impish grin, dyed hair, impeccable movement and timing, Ricky Rowe was Prime Time. He almost (but not quite) rescued unworthy filler ("Concentrate" - check the side panel of your everyday juice box), and was invariably the best actor in whichever skit he appeared. Aside from "Spelling Bee" his other fine moment came in "Cutting Edge" a spoof of Mutabaruka's popular radio show, in which Rowe, as a still emotionally crushed, cuckolded Mr Vegas, easily bests Rodney Campbell's Muta - each "music" question inevitably drawing him back to the fateful day, and heightening his meltdown.


Director Craig McNally (also pulling double duty) keeps things moving at just the right pace, with welcome and well-handled audience interaction. The other creative nd technical aspects of the production are more than ably fulfilled. Ratingswise, Laff It Off skirts pretty close to a PG-13 bracket, but parents bring may younger children without feeling inordinately uncomfortable
   
Whatever your age, economic status or creed (there's the obligatory church sequence, well played by Campbell), you'll find that the pre-requisite to enjoying this thatrical breath of holiday fresh air is a sense of humour.



Laff It Off plays weekends at Theatre Place through January 18. For details, call 459-8382/383-0622, check the press or follow the Facebook group at  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1398690393752792/

Early Departures: Keesing Live and Morgan Heritage, RETV Unplugged

The Keesing Live shows may be the best live concert series you haven't heard of.
That's no fault of the organizers Alternative Music (singer-producer-whatever's required Charmaine Limonious and engineer-producer Bobby Stewart). They frenetically promote and work the shows before and after each date amid their already crammed professional and personal schedules.

And amid a live scene that's still partly on life support (with corporate funding going more to parties and hit parade overseas act showcases) its a bona fide miracle: the show starts on time - always, artists are accommodated decently and professionally and, a one might expect, lighting, staging and audio are always spot-on (maybe a few minor glitches but nothing to mar the production.

And so it was at the most recent Keesing outing, with visiting Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan in the audience, there were commendable deliveries from Kelissa (with of-the-moment reggae hero Chronixx unobtrusively providing background vocals off stage), the live return of history-making Rising Stars winners One Third (first group to win the competition) and the blind - but certainly not disabled - singer, Kandi, who admirably raised the curtain.

other duties prevented this writer from catching the curtain-closers, legendary Jamaican pop storytellers Ernie Smith ("Duppy or Gunman") and Pluto Shervington "Your Honour", "Sweet Jamaica") who jokingly remarked in the pre-stage lounge that there's "too much blood in my rum stream"

if quality musicianship and a tight production ship are your style of live entertainment, then you owe it to yourself to help make Keesing Live a less-kept secret.

A few days after, over at the Countryside Club (fast returning to its previous stature as a live venue of note) the singing Morgans, aka Morgan Heritage, held court, speaking to media - well, primarily to IRIE-FM and TVJ, but with others of us "let in" on it; they addressed a wide range of topics, from the ravages of Chik-V to the ravaged state of Jamaican music.

Again, time and other logistical pressures kept from getting the "Full Morgan" but they have been touring behind their most recent album, "Here Come the Kings" as well as pursuing their respective individual projects

The New Talk King? SAINT Int'l boss Deiwght Peters steps into talk TV

The winds are changing internationally in the talk TV format, what with David Letterman's impending retirement and the prior departure of Jay Leno.

Here in Jamaica, a new entrant is intending to bring a "fresh, fun wind" of his own to the format. SAINT International CEO and style guru Deiwght Peters (yes, that's how his name is spelled - he even lampoons it on the show) premieres a new one-hour talk-fest appropriately dubbed the Deiwght Peters Show, on Television Jamaica as of April 25 at 9pm. The show will get an ideal lead-in as it is preceded by the long-running and popular "Entertainment Report"

Peters describes the show as "all about, fun, simplicity and style." There will be a brief mnonologue in the manner of the established chat shows, as well as a "Keepin It real" segment where the host will sound off on selected issues of the day. This beigh the Deiwght Peters Show, one expects a hefty style component and Stylin' 876 will function as a kind of "mini-Mr Blackwell's" identifying the who's hot and who's not of Jamaican fashion and celebrities.

Celebrities will take the couch s special guests, but Peters says they won't be allowed to just sit there and talk. "We'll have some activities as we get into our guests' headpsace and take them just a little bit out of their comfort zone, but all in good fun," he promises.

The show will be presented before and in-studio audience with both those inside and viewers around the world encouraged to link in via social media with  their feedback and opinions.

this inaugural season will be shortened one of six episodes, after which, Peters syas, things will crank up for the full measure next year.

The Deiwght Peters Show is presented withthe support of Courts Jamaica, L'Oreal, and Boom energy drtink (WISYNCo)  

Sounding Stronger than the US Dollar: Pesso and Company at Regency Bar

As we have often stated here, its not enough for a musician to have the chops technically, he (or she) must also be able to express himself in such a way as to pull even a reluctant auidence in to win over hearts and minds with genuine, diverse communication.

The Regency Bar at the Terra Nova was again the place for just such a "campaign" when trombonist-vocalist and multi-hyphenate good guy Everton "Pesso" Pessoa took the floor. With an able cast or "Regency Regulars" such as Paul "Smiley" Madden on bass, Obed Davis on drums and Anders Lopez (who's readying his own full-length recording project) on the piano, the group ran through the expected standards but flipped them in subtle yet startling ways

the real highlight though was a medley of Jamaican folk songs, the call-and-response patois probably lost on several of the expats present but certainly not the spirit as exemplified by Pesso, who uninhibitedly went directly up to persons - trombone still in hand - and sough their own responses to the choruses. Needless to say it was a mixed bag, but there was nothing uncertain about the quality of the music.

There's a good thing happening at the Regency  - one which more of those who say they want quality music should hasten to support

Golden Sun Rises in Kingston - 50 years of Jamaica Japanese releations

Yah Mon - Arigato!

the two terms of greeting/acknowledgement were used pretty much interchangably on Saturday last as the Embassy of Japan teamed with Jamaican cultural interests to mark the golden Anniversary (1964-2014) of Jamaica-Japan diplomatic relations, which would no doubt have been spurred by Jamaica's presence at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The festivities unfolded on the Jamaica House grounds (Hope Road side)

But its cars from Japan and reggae music from Jamaica (although that ratio is changing) that form the bulk of trade and cultural exchange between the two nations today. There was much live reggae, from both jamaican and Japanese artistes, and there were also cars on offer, with banks at the ready to finance. In between, there e was more than enough to keep the large numbers occupied as the following images show.

dancehall stars TOK along with anime characters

Harold Davis CD launch: A groovy Musical Blend at Chaser's

Harold Davis' latest project is interesting as much for the sub-title as for its indisputably first- rate content. "Piano Ska" is what the multi-hyphenate artist (pianist-vocalist-bandleader-composer-producer) has dubbed this 14-track opus, dubbed "Something Special"

Harold Davis (right) watches Seretse Small get down on guitar during the listening party for his new Cd Something Special

And for those present at New Kingston's Chaser's Cafe on Sunday last, that's exactly what it proved to be. With sterling contributions from an expanded band and several special guests, Davis and "the crew" as they were referred to, more than did justice to the ska standards (Skatalites mostly) that constitute the bulk of this programme. I'll have a full review soon

vocalist extraordinare Pam Hall

YahMan! DJ Naaman Goes Deep

Much has been made - rightly so - about the exploits of Chronixx, Kabaka, Protoje and the other young Jamaican reggae revivialists.

But at the risk of hyperbole, its very probable that reggae's next "saviour" just might come from a point further east. From the[ coast of Dieppe, France, singjay Naaman (given name: Martin Mussard) has emerged from the fully equipped with the lyrical flow, mental dedication and emotional resonance to confidently add his name to the upper echelons of  reggae's brightest stars.

French singjay Naaman (right) greets the writer

It was the heavy rhythms and engaging messages of reggae's legends (Marley included) that first hooked the young singer, the raggamuffin styles of the likes of Capleton, Sizzla and Lutan Fyah coming shortly thereafter as he devoured all the Jamaican music product available. It wasn't long before he had formed a sound system with some other enterprising locals.

In 2012, following the equally inevitable mixtape, (featured track: Skanking Shoes")the sing jay made a big French tour with more than 70 dates making and meeting numerous new fans. He also created a buzz on the web, scoring over 600 000 views in the space of a year!

Those milestones were enough to earn him the title of Revelation of 2013 by the Reggae Victories (Reggae.fr / France), but still a trip to the source of the music beckoned. he fulfilled that marker on the musical totem pole last year, describing the feeling of touching down on Jamaican soil as "awesome and incredible". But now Naaman is armed with a full-length  follow-up to the previous compilation, this time titled Deep Rockers Back A Yard!

Naaman and his team successfully enlisted the contributions of drumming maestro Sly Dunbar and guitar ace Dalton Browne on this recording, with the process also being overseen on the production side by Sam Clayton and Stephen Stewart, the latte also doubling on keyboards. The recording took place at the famed Harry J Studios in Kingston - under the shadow of the Long Mountain range. The geographical reference is important, Stewart says, as the album is part of a long-term collaboration between French outfit Soul Beats, and Warieka Music (named for the eastern part of the Long Mountain range. The label, he adds is all about returning to a holistic approach of developing artistes of international quality wherever they hail form and working intently with them to  put out and promote top-notch recordings of substance.
Standout tracks on the immediately engaging disc include The House Of Love" and "Rebel For Life" featuring Cutty Ranks, and the lilting acoustic closer, "One Day" which in fact recorded in the DJ's home district of Normandie with his original band.

Naâman says positivity and life are his priority and his boyish ease in conversation lends credence to that statement. He is typically effusive about the vibe that greets him here in Jamaica, and having checked the "recording box" he would next like to add a Jamaican live performance to his musical bucket list. 'Though I haven't been to every country, Jamaica so far is the perfect place for music. I really feel special when I come here and it helped me in putting my truth and my authentic vibes out to the public through this record. If I don't live it, I don't sing it."
A line well worth remembering as Naaman stakes his claim to reggae pre-eminence

"Shaggy & Friends 2014": Mo' Money(?) Mo Problems

so, the "Tessanne Homecoming" edition of Shaggy & Friends is now behind us. Having opted not to go (neither by purchase nor accreditation),  I had refrained from any public review/comment, apart from a social media debate (Ok, Facebook)  on the "unfortunate" decision to give working media armbands with "No Meals" printed on them.

Having watched the greater portion of the live telecast ( I dozed off twice, but more on that later), and having covered each of three previous shows, I write out of a compulsion to address some glaring issues. Before that though , the show had a few positives. Firstly, the turnout was obviously the biggest they have had and that no doubt augurs well for the cause - so eloquently outlined by Agent Sasco mainly, and the other artistes. Secondly, the decision to provide live stream and also live television coverage (the latter via CVM) was highly commendable.

Several of the performances were good to very good; Sasco, as I already mentioned, the Mighty Diamonds, Matthew Schuler and more.

Tessanne, as expected, sounded absolutely great, but I just couldn't fathom why she would want to do her "Voice" repertoire all over again (maybe its just me) but, having acknowledged that your own material has been stifled by local interests (media and otherwise) why not make a proper showcase of that material now that you have the people at your feet?

Next - Macka Diamond. I could probably just leave that there and it would be self-explanatory.

But WHY?

Why bring to the stage of a family event, with scores of kids (okay maybe not "scores" but you get the point) visible in the front rows, one participant in the egregiously disgraceful Sting clash incident. Giving Lady saw her due, she apologised publicly and repeated the apology in an on-camera interview at the venue. Macka Diamond has, to my knowledge, remained defensive and unrepentant. She then added insult to injury by proceeding to tell said audience "how to give bun and not get caught.". Okay, on one level I get it. Shaggy had  a big  hit with "It Wasn't Me" and Macka scored a not-so-big hit with "Bun Him" (which of course was a springboard for her literary career, but I digress). But whereas the Shaggy-Rik Rok combo was an acceptably tongue-in-cheek comic paean with some risque lines, Macka's mini-lecture left subtlety far behind.  A Mercedes Benz and a Lada are both automobiles: they hardly conjure up the same mental associations in people's minds.

Enough on that. On this next issue, I have mixed feelings. Young Gio, Wayne Marshal's son, delivered of himself a poised and very confident performance - in plain terms, he one-upped his Dad on the night. But, truthfully I have some personal misgivings about a pre-teen (or even an adult) using public platform to boast about "stoopid money" and having a house with an Olympic-size pool. I have no objections to kids being inculcated about wealth, but sheer material acquisitiveness without a corresponding attention to values like respect and community-building sends, in my view, the wrong set of messages.

Inadvertently or not, it had a seam of crassness about it that beyond any particular act or performance,  tainted the body of the show in my opinion. I'm the last person that anyone could justifiably label a snob, but the show came across as a virtually "anything goes" type of affair which, to me is not befitting the cause: will the  children lying ill or recovering in their beds at Bustamante really be uplifted by "How To Give Bun"? or "Stoopid Money"? With great respect, I think not.

Then to the famous media pass issue, which as I indicated, formed the basis of a moderately lengthy debate on my Facebook page (here:  https://www.facebook.com/EmxGroup - scroll dwn to Jan 4). In the strictest sense, hospitality for media is not mandatory but then, neither is media coverage at said events. Its not  a quid pro quo, but simply a matter of basic goodwill. My belief is that if I invite your presence at my event, then all such invitees - media included - are deserving of an acceptable level of hospitality. This, obviously, is not (necessarily) the same level as paying patrons, but it should still be acceptable. Also, there's a media accreditation process, where the organizers, having received applications to cover (or having decided to invite select media directly) will make a determination, in good time, as to the media presence at the event, give or take a few "unexpecteds" (my term) If, for whatever reason, the promoters decided not to provide any such hospitality then it should not have been too difficult to communicate directly to said media, again, in good time. To do otherwise, such as to have it blatantly displayed on the press accreditation, as was reported to me (reliably) to be the case, speaks to a level of disdain that also is unworthy of an event such as Shaggy & Friends 

I expected the telecast to be long and, frankly, having been busy through the day and facing an early assignment (6:00 am) the following morning, I admittedly didn't have the juice to stay up through the whole thing. That knock is squarely on me. Having said that, why was Tessanne not the closing act? As far as I'm aware, the convention in multi-act shows is that the headliner closes and I'm sure that notwithstanding his name in the title, even Shaggy would concede that the clear headliner in this case, was Tessanne. With respect Tarrus, Sean Paul, et al who I understand followed her ( I was counting sheep), the overwhelming public anticipation was for the "Voice" winner so why not allow her the honour, even if it might have meant trimming the line-up/running order to accommodate her?

I'll reserve comment on the technical aspects as I believe those would be more fairly served by an on-site experience which, clearly, I did not have.

So that essentially, is my two cents on the subject. I see neither acclaim nor attack, but I've been doing this long enough now to comfortably handle either. I'm open to to being corrected (if its demonstrable that I was incorrect) as well as challenged on any of the preceding points.

One last thing: I included this partial shot of the 2009 Shaggy & Friends poster (the inaugural show, if memory serves). Tessanne is pretty much smack in the middle of that pic. This is highly personal of course, but I ca't help but prefer that lushly exotic and dare I say, sensual, image to the more streamlined Tessanne whose visage is now justly world-famous.

Again, that's just me

"Likkle" for "Little": Soulster Tanice Morrison recalls Stevie Wonder's "Christmas Tree"

Its a staple (though somewhat forgotten on today's airwaves) of pop-soul Christmas songs: Stevie Wonder's allegorical "One Little Christmas Tree" which uses the image of a solitary tree serving as a beacon to a strife-torn world was an instant hit on its release in 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War and other world crises.

Now a generation later, Jamaican reggae-soul artist Tanice Morrison has given Wonder's Christmas gem the "yard-style" treatment. One Likkle Christmas' Tree' features production by Demar 'Keysie Gayle and the singer's gently endearing style transposing the lyrics.

the inflections may be Jamaican but the spirit of the message is Morrison, says universal

"One Little Christmas Tree' has always been a favorite of mine ever since and love the message of unity among men."

The single is available from the artist, at http://www.tanicemorrison.net/ as well as atthe customary digital music outlets (iTunes, etc) 

STARTING FROM IN THE EARLY 80’S WHEN SHE WAS JUST A LITTLE GIRL GOING TO THE STUDIO WITH HER MOTHER, STUDIO ONE RECORDING ARTISTE, KETURAHDUFFUS. HER MOTHER HAS ALWAYS BEEN HER STRONGEST SUPPORTER AND THE LITTLE GIRL INSIDE TANICE HAS NEVER FORGOTTEN THE MANY CHALLENGES SHE FACE GROWING UP AND ALWAYS DOES HER BEST TO MAKE HER MOTHER PROUD. 

BEING SURROUNDED BY A LOT OF MUSIC, TANICE TOOK HER SINGING QUITE SERIOUSLY. SHE ENTERED SEVERAL COMPETITIONS INCLUDING THE RED LABEL WINE SONG COMPETITION (1997), WHERE SHE ADVANCED TO THE FINALS AS THE SOLE FEMALE CONTESTANT BUT NEVER WON. BUT THAT ONLY SERVED TO STRENGTHEN THE YOUNG SINGER. 

STILL PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN THE PERFORMING SIDE OF THE BUSINESS AS ONE OF THE PROFESSIONAL CABARET ACTS ON THE COAST, TANICE HAS PERFORMED AT MAJOR EVENTS INCLUDING STUDIO ONE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW WITH THE MARLEY BROTHERS, CAPELTON, MARCIA GRIFFITHS, KEN BOOTHE AND OTHER TOP LOCAL ACTS, IN 2004. IN NOVEMBER2005, SHE WAS ONE OF THE OPENING ACTS FOR THE “KENNY ROGERS IN CONCERT”, HELD AT KING’S HOUSE. ANOTHER MAJOR CONCERT WAS THE 2011 STAGING POWERFUL MEN AND WOMEN IN CONCERT.

IN 2010, SHE RELEASED AN ALBUM, NO LIMITATIONS, 

Fela got the Gleaner treatment

may be a little late, but still recognizing the great vibe that attended the recent Fela Kuti birthday tribute at Red Bones in Kingston about a month ago.

Giving thanks to Mel Cooke of the gleaner for the terrific review of the night, and of course to Gordon Wedderburn, conceptualizer and producer, the Red Bones team (Enola, Evan, the staff), and all who turned out and expressed their appreciation.

VC’S “NO NEW WORLD ORDER” IS AN “ITALIAN JOB”

International reggae recording artiste VC is continuing to fulfill the global mandate of the music  with “No New World Order” his latest single.

The joint, delivered in his now classic style, is  on the Inna Mi Yard riddim from Italian-based sound system and production outfit, JamStone Sound. The sound, established in 2008, plays top festivals and other venues across Europe.

Outlining the genesis of the collaboration, the artiste said the Italians were inspired by his smash hit “By His Deeds” and reached out in a number of ways before sending him the track over the summer. “The vibe was definitely right with this one, so I wasted no time in putting the song together and laying down the vocals,” he explained.

The track is now hitting digital and terrestrial airwaves worldwide. In the meantime, VC is looking forward to a busy period of performances and appearances through the end of 2013 and into the new year, having been signed to new management under the GrayPatch Music camp. GrayPatch CEO, Don Gibbs, said he was confident of great things to come for both the artiste and the camp under the new relationship, and would be making more announcements over the coming months 

Studio Ten: Building The New Legacy in Global Jamaican Music

There was Studio One, Techniques, Penthouse and several others. Even though these classic music recording studios still stand in some way shape or form today, the time and circumstance are opportune, the principals say, so along comes a new entity to strengthen and build on the undeniable legacy of global Jamaican music. Studio Ten, seeks not to raise the bar, but to set it.

Not only is the facility furnished with genuinely state-of-the-art equipment so as to foster the full creative development of the industry, it is uniquely structured  so as to hone the business aspect of professional media recording,"  The entrepreneurs come to the industry with a clear vision of helping to mold artistes to effectively function at an unquestionably international level and is also committed to making a difference in respect of the administrative sector of the industry.

There is of course, acknowlegdement of its counterparts, but this physical facility is more than just a place for people to make music or media; this is reflection of our passion for music; of the team's desire to see Jamaican productions resume the top shelf in the global music scene and command respect from global interests on both the creative and the business aspects.

A step into Studio Ten's facilities instantly confirms that the vision has been realized and that there is in fact, no distinction between creative and business. On the aesthetic side: from the tiny lights projecting from the floor to the cool, clean, ultra-mod colour choices (lime greens, mod oranges figure prominently, but the overall feel is one of assertive balance). The visual communication is clear: these folks know what they're about and that knowledge and confidence WILL redound to your benefit.

Of course, one expects a studio to be a welcoming space to the artistes who utilize it, a list by the way, which includes Beenie Man, TOK, Lukie D (of L.U.S.T.) and more recently, the current Miss Jamaica World, Gina Hargitay to name but a few. Beyond that, there is an unmistakable emphasis on talent that may not yet be in the spotlight. The company is actively recruiting voice and other talents for a full slate of audio and video productions - a roster of 20 individuals (equally split between male and female) - and growing. But Studio Ten's  commitment extends beyond the artistes to its commercial clients - be they advertising agencies, media houses or corporate entities.

The principals point to the increasing popularity of the Jamaican music across the globe and its growing, if not always acknowledged influence on current popular acts like Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift who have featured the Jamaican sound in their current releases. This, he adds, provides a further boon for Jamaican production facilities to step up their level and hence the sizeable investment (he declines to give the actual figure, but rest assured, the equipment and appointments are all A-1). In addition to the studio there's a well-equipped conference room, and a mini-foyer. Digital and other connectivities are standard.

Even as Studio gathers steam within the artiste/entertainment community, the team, while diligently maintaining the established standards, are advancing plans to further extend the range of services. Firstly, the company also provides message-on-hold services to fit the full spectrum of budgets from individual home-office to major corporation, guaranteeing everyone can eliminate the inevitable dead space in held calls. More recently, Studio ten signed on as the exclusive agent for the SMS Center, which overs an affordable and convenient way for individuals and companies of any size to send targeted messages utilizing both audio and video. The group also intends to move into the still largely untapped sphere of publishing. To the latter end, Studio Ten is fortunate in having an internationally renowned recording artiste/producer/label founder as co-principal in the venture. But even so,  there remains a clear-headed focus on the way forward in what many are still describing as very challenging times: offer a consistently superior product at a reasonable price.

A granite-like foundation on which to build the new Jamaican music legacy

Miss Global 2013 Brings the World's Beauties to Jamaica

Press Release

"Rather than be content to send our Jamaican beauties abroad, we are actively bringing the world's beauties to Jamaica."

With that assertion, Pageant Direct Lachu Ramchandani officially set in motion the run-up to the official coronation of Miss Global International 2013 during a lively media launch at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston on August 19. The Grand Coronation show will take place on September 28 at the Sunset Jamaica Resort in the western capital of Montego Bay.

"While we are still awaiting final travel itineraries from some of the entrants I can confirm that we will have 40 participants for this year's Miss Global International Crown," Ramchandi said. They include Ireland, Trinidad & Tobago, Russia, Canada, South Africa, India, Colombia, Australia, Haiti, Belgium, Portugal, Sri Lanka,  Panama, Singapore, the United States and more

The contest, which enters its 8th renewal,  will this year support the charity Friends for Education, which raises funds to help provide tuition and other educational needs for deserving students in several communities.

J Reid Lillico of the Canada-based Commonwealth Group, which is among the sponsors, told the gathering that the Group was not only happy to be associated withthe pagaent, but was working to present the 2014 renewal in Toronto, ata venue to be announced.

The launch also took time out to recognize the 35 anniversary of the crowning of Joan McDonald as Miss Jamaica World (1978).

The Miss Global International Pagaent is being presented with the support of Sunset Jamaica Resort, The Commonwealth Group, Soft Sheen Carson, Fire Blade Energy Drink, Interlinc Communications