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Due to the great amount of promo's we receive, we cannot guarantee reviewing every release here. Our apologies for that.

Reviews:

Anthony B Bountykiller Capleton Caribbean Pulse Daweh Congo Determine Peter Broggs Piano-B Queen Omega Revelation Rude Rich & the High Notes Sheya Mission Sizzla Taffari T.O.K. Wyclef Jean Ziggy Marley Compilations

Burn Out Da War – Anthony B – 7” vinyl single - Massive B

Massive B is one of the few dance hall (and hiphop) producers from outside of Jamaica that knows to score in Jamaica itself. From his home-base in New York, Massive B aka Bobby Konders, has been working on his radioshow, sound system and recordlabel for years now and whas recorded jamaican topartists like Supercat, Nicodemus, Sizzla, King Kong a.s.o., and local talent like Loui Ranking, wellknown from his hiphop crossover hit “Typewriter”.
“Burn Out Da War” is a cry for peace by Anthony B, who together with Sizzla and Capleton is one of the three top “conscious” DJ’s from Jamaica. The riddim is a remake of Anthony Redrose’s classic “Tempo” from 1985 and besides Anthony B there are versions available by amongst others Buro Banton, Elephantman, Sizzla and Snow and there is even a version by Mary J Blige and Ja Rule, “Rainy Days Remix”.

published in Touch Magazine, april 2003.

Sufferer - Bountykiller - 40/40 - 7" vinyl single
Steven "Lenky" Marsden's new dance hall riddim "Diwali" entered the Jamaican music charts on number one, when he released Bountykiller's version on this beat, titled "Sufferer". A fast and funky beat, fresh and original drum en bass riffs, and Bountykiller speaks for the poor:
"The system design to keep di people as sufferer
Why di politician dem depriving all di sufferer
Striving sufferer, surviving sufferer
Youth dem inna di ghetto, some ambitious sufferer "

Essential hardcore ragga music as it is supposed to be.
published in Touch Magazine, november 2002.

Call Me On The Telephone - Capleton - The Club Remix 7"
A new trend is visible. Even though the combination of hiphop beats and ragga DJ's is not new, it is fact that at the moment many hiphop remixes of ragga hits are circulating on 7" singles in many record stores. The instrumental track of Busta Rhymes' "Break Ya Neck" or "Pass The Courvoisier", or "Addictive" by Truth Hurts etc, combined with Lexxus, Bountykiller, Merciless or other top ragga DJ's.

In this case the backing track of Tweet's hit "Oops (Oh My)" is utilized by Capleton for a version of his hit "Call Me On The Telephone", and that combination works wonders. The slow and sweaty beat, produced by Timbaland, forms the perfect background for Capleton's aggressive vocal style. Essential music for deep-in-the-night-parties.
published in Touch Magazine, november 2002.

Stand Up - Caribbean Pulse - Irie Records - CD
Jah Is My Rock - Caribbean Pulse - Irie Records - CD single
Good reggae music is no longer coming strictly from Jamaica: Caribbean Pulse is a reggae band from Hawthorne, CA, USA. The band proves that modern reggae does not only consist of the fast produced digital dance hall styles, but that the cultural roots reggae, in the tradition of f.i. Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Israel Vibration, is still very much alive. The band is made up from: William Smith (bandleader, rhythm guitar), Ezzy Judah (lead vocals, percussion),
LaNiece McKay (vocals), Jason “BassyJ” Smith (bass), Billy Smith (rhythm guitar) & Gil Smith (keyboard), plus some musicians whom have earned their respect in the music business long time now, like Carlton “Santa” Davis on drums (has worked with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru and Burning Spear amongst others), Mike Daigeau on trombone (worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Stevie Wonder amongst others) and Gary Herbig on saxophone (has worked with Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart and Gladys Knight amongst others).

The CD contains a large amount of songs, played in various styles and riddims,and recorded and produced with care. Besides three riddims, all the songs are self-penned, and the choice of the three covered riddims (Slim Smith’s “Rougher Yet”, Burning Spear’s “Joe Frazier” and Bob Marley’s “So Much Trouble”) shows that Caribbean Pulse knows what reggae is about. The vocals are tight, Ezzy aswell as LaNiece are capable of carrying a song, and the melodies and lyrics have taken some effort, which you can clearly hear.
The latest single, “Jah Is My Rock”, is a combination of Caribbean Pulse and Junior Gong (aka Damian Marley, yes, the son of...), and will be released in Holland later this year. On this CD-single, and on the “Stand Up” release you can find “Dry Your Eyes” featuring the jamaican top DJ Tony Rebel.

Track listing Stand Up:
  • Victory
  • Jah Is My Rock feat. Damian Marley aka Jr. Gong
  • Freedom
  • Dry Your Eyes
  • Woman
  • Join Forces
  • Stand Up
  • Unity
  • Where Did The Love Go
  • Let Love
  • Misty Moonlight
  • Day By Day
  • Dry Your Eyes Da Remix feat. Tony Rebel
  • I Like It
  • Mr. Man
published in Touch Magazine, april 2003.

Steppin / Dub Step - Daweh Congo - Goldheart Music - 7" vinyl single
More and more great reggae music nowadays is recorded all over the world. In this case, great modern deep roots reggae with different modern, urban vibes, creating a style favouring Massive Attack, or the Select Cuts From Blood And Fire Remixes. "Steppin" uses a slow and heavy, hypnotic beat, which works wonders with Daweh's one of a kind delivery. His voice echoes Burning Spear, Israel Vibration and other vintage roots reggae artists, but no one sounds quit like Daweh. Perhaps this was
inhereted from his father, who also had a style that was fairly unique, namely Leo Graham. The track was produced by Jonahgold from Sweden, with backing vox and rhythm guitar by Desmond Foster and Swedish reggae-hero Silver Zurf plays lead guitar on this track, which is followed by a very nice dubwise, which sounds and feels even more dreamy than the vocal track. Great contempary roots music!.
january 2005.

Ganja Baby / Version Baby - Daweh Congo - Goldheart Music - 7" vinyl single
"Ganja Baby" is the second release by Daweh Congo for the Sweden based Goldheart label. This release features a slow dancehall-like riddim, complete with some hints of indian vibes, creating a tune with a very relaxed feel to it. Daweh declares his love to his beautiful "Ganja Baby" (female or sensemillia, you decide) in his own inimitable and catchy style. Daweh started recording in 1990 for Alton Ellis, and has released four albums to date, "Militancy" (Runnetherlands, 1997), "Human Rights &
Justice" (Roots And Culture Records, 2000), "Guidance" (Charm/Jet Star, 2000) and "Jah Children" (Super Vibez, 2004). Not many artists are as easy to distinguish from others as Daweh Congo, due solely to his unique singing style. Check him out.
january 2005.

Rappin' Up Rhymes - Determine - Studio 2000 - 7" vinyl single
Steely & Clevie are top Dance Hall riddim-builders since the mid-eighties. At first for a lot of different producers, but they soon start to produce music themselves. This producers-duo takes more time and effort to construct a riddim then other Jamaican producers do, what results in riddims that "mash up da place!". "Nine Night" is the name of this particular riddim, named after the version by Red Rat, also available on 7". The riddim resembles the popular "Bam Bam/Dance Hall Queen" riddim, but then even more lively.
Determine shows what he can do with "Rappin Up Rhymes". The single went straight to the Jamaican top 10, not the first time for Determine and it sure won't be his last. Determine's star in the Ragga scene is rising, remember that name.
published in Touch Magazine, november 2002.

Higher Ises - Peter Broggs – Lush Records - 7” vinyl record
Lush Records, based on Goteborg, Sweden, specialises in releasing strictly Heavy Roots Reggae tunes recorded in the U.K, and have released tunes by top UK roots artists like Tena Stelin, Hughie Izachaar, the Vibronics and Alpha & Omega to name a few. This release is by Peter Broggs, born in 1954 in Hanover, Westmoreland, Jamaica. Broggs first recorded two solo singles in the early seventies, then worked with Bim Sherman, Gregory Isaacs and the
Roots Radics at Channel One, where he also recorded the "Progressive Youth" album around 1975/76. Late in 1979 Broggs got to record nine singles for Coxsone Dodd's Studio One label, of which unfortunately only "Sing A New Song" was released. In the years to follow he worked with Prince FarI ("Jah Golden Throne"), Doctor Dread ("RastafarI Liveth" & "Rise An Shine"), and starting in the new millenium, Jah Warrior from the U.K, resulting in "Jah Golden Throne", released in 2000. "Higher Ises" is done in true U.K. roots style, with heavy bass and drums, and with Peter's haunting voice on top. The flip side features a dub version done by Jah Warrior, with a beautiful sax flowing through the riddim. Keepers of the Rastafarian faith should enjoy this release, deep and spiritual, with plenty of meditating space in the dub.
june 2004

Outernational Attack – Piano-B - CD
Not really a "reggae" release as such, but this CD has it's roots firmly in the jamaican music, even though that's not the only musical influence to be heard on this multi-musical, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-beautiful CD.
Piano-B (Italian for "Plan B") consists of members from various musical backgrounds and native countries, working together to bring original music with a strong positive vibe and message.

The project consists of:
Daniele Carmosino: producer & songwriter, Italy;
Kaya: singer, London;
Stamina Li: singer, MC, DJ & saxophone player, Martinique;
Sami Kurd: singer, guitar & arab percussion player, Berlin/Palestine;
Sareal: singer, London

Trip Hop, Drum'N'Bass, Experimental even Lounge influences can be heard here, all smoothly blended together with vocals in different languages. English, german, arab, italian, french, creole & indian lyrics give this release a worldly feel, and somehow this mix of cultures works wonders. Greatest tracks in my opinion: the bouncy yet mooth "Roots", featuring vocals vagely reminding of Erkyah Badu; the incredibly moody and groovy "Balanced" and the fantastic opening track "Show Love", but take it from me: there's not a bad track here.

Not a release for the reggae purists, but music lovers with an open mind and heart will love this one!

Track listing:
  • Show Love
  • Soul First
  • Mek We Sing
  • No Matta
  • They Don't Know
  • Roots
  • War'Bout Ya
  • Fed Up
  • Balanced
  • Mother Earth
  • Forces
july 2004

Destiny - Queen Omega – Special Delivery Music - CD
Strong female roots artists are hard to find. Surprisingly Queen Omega (Mother Of Creation) hailes not from Jamaica, but from Trinidad. Originally being a Soca artist, she later embraced the Rastafarian faith and turned to Jamaican music. She has not looked back since, and even though she is still in her early twenties, she knows how to write and deliver a song. Combining DJ and vocal skills this artist knows how to choose a riddim. The utilised riddims
vary from John Holt's Studio One classic "Let's Dance" ("Love Each Other"), the Heptones' "We're In The Mood" ("Perfect Combination") to hitriddims like Gregory Isaacs' "Tune In" ("Me beg Yu") and the "Clean Vibes" riddim ("No Retire"), but also fresh original backing tracks can be found on this release. The tracks were mostly recorded in the UK, and mixed in Jamaica by top notch producers like Barry O'Hare, Sheldon "Calibud" Stewart and Steven Stanley. All in all Queen Omega releases a beautiful CD, well thought-through, both music-wise and lyric-wise. The CD sleeve even contains the lyrics of the songs, and it looks great to!

Track listing:
  • Psalm 8
  • Selassie I Know
  • Judgement
  • Forever In Love
  • Love Each Other
  • Keep The Faith
  • Simplicity
  • Destiny Interlude
  • Destiny
  • Perfect Combination ft. Buju Banton
  • Me Beg Yu
  • Ganja Party
  • No Retire
  • Joyful Moment
  • Keep the Faith (Remix)
january 2005

Book 1 - Revelation – Bass Cat Productions - CD
Revelation, based in Atlanta, USA, have released their debut-CD "Book 1". The band consists of frontman Caleb "Jah Block" Ford on guitar, Damien "Horsey" Lewis on drums & percussion, Dustin "Jah Red" Sargent on bass, Will "Willis I" Scruggs on saxophone and Spliff Starr on percussion. All of these musicians have been playing music all their lives, and come from various mucical backgrounds including Blues, Gospel, Reggae, Jazz and Rhythm'N'Blues.
The Revelation album brings thirteen tracks, one acapella track and twelve reggae songs, beautifully arranged and sung full of feeling by leadsinger Caleb, who's voice you will either love or hate (not a bad thing). The vibe throughout the album is that of classical roots reggae music of the eighties like Bob marley & the Wailers, Big Mountain, Culture and Steelpulse with here and there a slight (eighties) dancehall influence. "Book 1" contains some great tracks, just listen to the great and sensitive "True Love Is Everlasting", or "Let It Burn", both featuring the Wailers' Junior Marvin on rhythm guitar, or the slow-rocking "Bama Man" (my personal favourite!). All tracks were written by the band themselves, bringing uplifting lyrics, sung with conviction. This is music for your ears, heart and feet.

Track listing:
  • Give Thanks And Praise
  • Revelation
  • Babylon Is Burning
  • True Love
  • I Love Reggae Music
  • Dread
  • Wicked MC
  • Wisdom Of Solomon
  • Let It Burn
  • Bama Man
  • Freedom Time
  • Come Chant
  • Hurt So Bad
june 2004

Soul Stomp – Rude Rich & the High Notes – CD & LP – Rude Rich Records
By far the best Ska band to ever emerge from Holland, or Europe for that matter, Rude Rich & the High Notes show there is more to them then Ska alone. The band, who have performed with Rico Rodriquez, Derrick Morgan, Dennis Alcapone & Alton Ellis, releases it's fourth CD, and it's the first release on their own label Rude Rich Records. (Other Rude Rich releases: "The Right Track" - Boombax Music, "Change The Mood" - Grover Music & "Derrick Morgan meets the High Notes Live" - Grover
Music.)
The tracks have been recorded at the brand new High Notes Recording Studio, situated under a bridge in the heart of Amsterdam. Derrick Morgan was quite amazed with the band and the studio, and thus dubbed the studio "Studio One-And-A-Half". Derrick has made recordings at this studio, and more big jamaican artists will follow. Keep an eye open for the releases from this great new studio.
"Soul Stomp" contains more Reggae then Ska tunes, especially Reggae styles and tunes from the early seventies. Rude Rich shows that the band can easily get away with any jamaican music style, with every musician doing his thing with quality. Worth mentioning is the wicked horn section of the band, on this CD even more wicked, by the addition of Obed Brinkman on trombone.


Track listing:
  • Prince Of Peace
  • High School Dance
  • Walking Through Jerusalem
  • On The Bank
  • Everything Is Everything
  • More Love
  • The Punch
  • Hot Milk
  • Money Worries
  • I Won't Let you Go
  • Tom Steady
  • Old Times
  • Tighten Up
  • I'm Still Waiting
  • Ska Beat
  • Come Down '68
  • Check Him Out
  • Simplify
march 2004.

Valley / Take Me To The Hills - Sheya Mission - Goldheart Music - 7" vinyl single
These recordings were originally released in 1999 as a promo, and were well-received. Not just because of the beautiful, deep rootsy vocals by Sheya, who sometimes made me think of Rasheda (who recorded some classic roots tunes for Jah Shaka), but also because of the cool, meditating vibe these tunes have. "Valley" is more meditative then "Take Me To the Hills", but both tunes are well worth listening to. Modern roots music, produced by jonahgold from Sweden, makes you wanna hear more of this
princess. Watch out for more releases by Sheya Mission in the future!
january 2005.

Da Real Thing – Sizzla – CD – VP / Digital B Records
“Da Real Thing” brings Sizzla back to Digital B, the producer who released Sizzla's hit album “Black Woman & Child” in 1997. Surprisingly, most tracks have been recorded with real musicians, which makes the overall sound of this release pretty relaxed, despite the sometimes raw vocals. Sizzla, who just recorded his very first video-clip in Kingston, is one of jamaica's biggest DJ's (=reggae rapper) for years now, and when you listen to “Da Real Thing” you know why.
Sensitive songs like “Oh Mama” and “She’s Loving” on one hand, beautiful powerful rasta anthems like “Trod Mt Zion” (on Junior Byles’ “Fade Away” riddim), “Rejoice” (on the well known “Jah Shakey/Tune In” riddim) and “Rejoice” (on a laidback version of “Cuss Cuss”) on the other. The CD closes with a remix of “Boom & Go Through” and the funky “Touch Me”. All in all, “Da Real Thing” is a great showcase of Sizzla's talents, and even for those who are not really familiar with the modern jamaican music this is a very interesting release. In the humble opinion of the Inspector this is for sure one of the best releases of 2003!! Get it.

Track listing:
  • Mash Dem Down
  • Simplicity
  • Solid As A Rock
  • Rejoice
  • Thank You Mamma
  • Woman I Need You
  • Bless Up
  • Why Should I?
  • Got It Right Here
  • Just One Of Those Days
  • Trod Mt. Zion
  • It's Amazing
  • She's Loving
  • Boom & Go Through
  • Touch Me feat. Rochelle
published in Touch Magazine, april 2003.

One Love – Taffari – 7” vinyl single – Ovadoze Muzik
This is the very first release on the very first Dutch/Jamaican Dance Hall music label Ovadoze Muzik. The riddim, called “Flesh & Blood”, has been built by Melbourne Miller, Donald Dennis and Paul “Rightmove” Crossdale with the Firehouse Crew, Dean Fraser and Nambo Robinson in the 321 Strong Studio, owned by Syl Gordon in Jamaica. The producer is Danny Pepperseed, the host of the reggae radio show “DanceHall Vibes” (*) and selecter of his sound crew Ovadoze Movement.
Taffari, who used to go by the name Singing Bird, recorded his first tune “Nice Girl” in 1988, and has since then worked with legendary producer Soljie, with J&D from New York, but mainly with Syl Gordon. He was raised in the violent Tivoli Gardens and Seaview Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica: “In these areas it was very easy to go the bad way”, says Taffari. “One Love” wants an end to all violence in this world, and is the first release on the “Flesh & Blood” riddim. Other versions are available, by Wayne Wonder and Mikey General.

(*) DanceHall Vibes Radioshow with Danny Pepperseed
Every saturday from 2 - 4 PM on City radio Helmond 107.2FM and 94.4FM (cable) in Helmond and surroundings.

april 2003.

Cree - T.O.K. – B-Rich – 7” vinyl record
T.O.K. mashed up the place and didn't take no prisoners at De Melkweg in Amsterdam earlier this year. There they sang their latest single “Cree”, meaning as much as a sexual time-out. T.O.K. is at the moment the most popular singing group in Jamaica. Their debut album “My Crew, My Dawgs” is selling great, but a lot more T.O.K. music is available on 7" singles. “Cree” uses the new and hot Tai-Chi riddim, produced by Richard “Shams” Browne for his own B-Rich record label. other versions available: Elephantman, Mr.Vegas, Sean Paul, and many more.
published in Touch Magazine, april 2003.

Gangster's Cause - Wyclef Jean - Natural Bridge - 7" vinyl record
Wyclef's versatility is no surprise, but that he regularly records jamaican music is not as obvious. You could have seen him at De Melkweg in Amsterdam doing an electrifying surprise freestyle at David Rodigan's show earlier this year, and he also does a special act on Beres Hammonds' DVD-release "Beres Hammond Live From New York” (VP Records, 2002).
On “Gangster’s Cause” you can hear Wyclef atop one of the hit riddims of 2002, “Rice And Peas”, produced by Rohan “Snow Cone” Fuller. This riddim was used earlier by Capleton (“Woah New Way” on the release “Still Blazin”, VP Records, 2002) and many others (“Rice & Peas – Riddim Driven CD Series, VP Records), and here Wyclef blazes. In hard rap-style he tells us about a different side of the western history. Essential hardcore ragga music with a hiphop edge.
published in Touch Magazine, april 2003.

Dragonfly - Ziggy Marley - Private Music / Tuff Gong - CD
This a a good release for the long summer evenings to come. The real reggae-purists will not dig this release one bit, but those who like sunny, relaxed music without boundaries that has been thoroughly thought through, will surely appreciate this CD. In the U.S. Ziggy is more popular then Bob ever was ("Bob? Oh, Ziggy's father!"), and this releases is tailored to fit the american market. "Real" reggae you will not find here, but the reggae vibe is clearly present, aswell as
influences from pop, rock and jazz music. This is Ziggy's first solo release, who before ofcourse played with the Melody Makers alongside his brother Stephen and sisters Cedella and Sharon, and earned three Grammy awards in this line up (in 1988 for "Conscious Party", in 1989 for "One Bright Day" and in 1997 for "Fallen Is Babylon"). The songs have been writen in Jamaica, and recorded in Miami and Los Angeles. Ziggy took over a year to complete the recordings, a luxury that only a very few jamaican artists know. "Dragonfly" has become a very laidback CD, without much firework, but made with attention and love for music. Watch out for the first video from this CD "True To Myself".

Track listing:
  • Dragonfly
  • True To Myself
  • I Get Out
  • Looking
  • Shalom Salaam
  • In the Name Of God
  • Rainbow In the Sky
  • Melancholy Mood
  • Good Old Days feat. Cedella Marley
  • Never Deny You
  • DYKL (Don't You Kill Love)
published in Touch Magazine, september 2003.

Compilations - Clean Vibes Riddim – Special Delivery Music – 7" vinyl records & LP
The Clean Vibes riddim is the first release on the London-Paris based Special Delivery Music label, which was founded in 2001 by Jay Pee Greve & Pierre Bost. The riddim was built by Bost & Bim, both from France: a cool and heavy, one-drop roots riddim, with a nice saxophone melody flowing through it. So far they have released nine versions, by not the least in the business, take a look at the tracklisting below. There is not a bad track amongst them, but definite standouts are Tony Rebel (big up the
youths in Amsterdam!), Turbulence and Queen Ifrica.

Releases like this, well-thought through, cultural and heavy, can't done. Keep an eye open for these releases in your recordstore, and for future releases on the Special delivery Music label, like the upcoming "Storm Alarm" riddim.

Track listing:
  • Tony Rebel - Poison & Medicine
  • Michael Rose - Never Take It For Granted
  • Turbulence - Don't Worry
  • Queen Omega - No Retire
  • Chukki Starr - Youths Dem Want
  • Alpheus - Forgive Them
  • Queen Ifrica - Love & Hapiness
  • Ryan - Liberate
  • Harry Toddler - Jah Jah Joy
march 2004.

Compilations - Strictly The Best 29 en 30 – VP Records – CD
VP does it again: two new parts out of the "Strictly The Best" CD-series. This seemingly endless CD-serie keeps a close eye (and ear) on the jamaican dance hall scene. Sixteen tracks per CD, brand new and red hot! Part 29 contains mainly hardcore Ragga riddims. Jamaican top artists can be heard riding the big hit riddims of the moment: Bountykiller’s “Sufferer”, like Buju Banton’s “Tra La La” on the big club hit riddim “Diwali”, Madd Cobra’s “Press Trigger” on The Buzz
(= the riddim of “Gimme The Light” by Sean Paul), Wayne Marshall’s big hit “Party Time”, and many more rough tracks by superstars like Elephantman, Sean Paul, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Capleton and many more.
Part 30 contains mainly modern reggae riddims, and is more focused on singers then part 29. A CD full of lovely reggae tunes by jamaican singers like Glen Washington, Sanchez, Singing Melody and Tony Curtis. The Strictly The Best serie is a great way to keep in touch with the latest trends and fashions in the jamaican dance hall scene.

Track listing Volume 29:
  • Sean Paul - Like Glue
  • Elephantman - Higher Level
  • Bountykiller - Sufferah
  • Baby Cham - Wah Dat Fah
  • Madd Cobra - Press Trigger
  • Capleton - Tek It Off
  • Tanto Metro & Devonte - Money
  • Wayne Marshall - Party Time
  • Buju Banton - Tra La La
  • Elephantman - Tallup Tallup
  • Wickerman - Gungu Walk
  • Bountykiller & Angel Doolas - Fitness
  • Wayne Marshall & Elephantman - We Thugging
  • Capleton - How It Ago
  • Sizzla - Come On
  • Warrior King - Jah Is Always There


Track listing Volume 30:
  • Mr. Easy - Drive Me Crazy
  • George Nooks - Hero
  • Anthony Cruz - U Got It Bad
  • Sean Paul & Sasha - I'm Still In Love
  • Glen Washington - Your Love
  • Sanchez - Love We Had Stays On My Mind
  • Ghost - Speechless
  • Beres Hammond - Holiday
  • Yogie - I'll Be Ready
  • Jarvis Church & Elephantman - Run For Your Life
  • Singing Melody - I Wanna Know
  • Tony Curtis - High Grade
  • Shinehead - You Sang To Me
  • Lloyd Brown - Bless Me
  • Kashief Lindo - Music Is A Part Of Me
  • Sanchez - Hit Song
published in Touch Magazine september 2003.

Master Blaster - Stephen Marley featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Kymani Marley, Julian Marley & Spragga Benz – Ghetto Youths United – 7” vinyl record
Of all Bob Marley’s children only Ziggy has gained worldwide recognition. Even though a number of Bob's children are regularly releasing tunes on their own Ghetto Youths United label, naturally distributed by Tuff Gong, Bob's own label. “Master Blaster” was originally written and recorded by Stevie Wonder in 1980, and was meant as a tribute to Bob:

...............
“Though the world's full of problems
They couldn't touch us even if they tried
From the park I hear rhythms
Marley's hot on the box
Tonight there will be a party
On the corner at the end of the block”
...............

“Master Blaster” goes full circle: an honour to Bob, written by Stevie Wonder, now recorded by Bob’s children, alongside jamaican top DJ Spragga Benz.
september 2003

We Are Getting Bad - The Sound Of Phase One – Motion Records – CD & 2LP vinyl record
Motion Records has built quite a name for itself, releasing classic, hard-to-find tracks on both vinyl and CD, beautifully designed and packed with lots of additional info. Here we find a compilation of eighteen tracks, recorded in jamaica in the late seventies by Roy Francis, now running the infamous Mixing Lab Studio's.
A Phase One compilation could not be complete without some tracks by the Chantells (Samuel Bramwell,Tommy Thomas & Lloyd Forrest) , the singing group that was the reason for Roy Francis to get into the music industry, and build his label, Phase One, named after the number one studio of that time, Channel One. On this release you'll find the classic "Waiting In the Park" featuring Phase One's in-house DJ Jah Berry, and other great Chantells tunes like the rocking "Sister Fay" featuring Barnabas and the laidback "Hey You". Besides the Chantells, this release features tunes by the Heptones, by Tabby (lead singer of the Mighty Diamonds) and many more. Several tracks on the release include beautiful, crispy sounding and mixed in original seventies "discomix" style dubs, mixed by Ernest Hoo-Kim at Channel One and Errol Thompson at Joe Gibbs' studio.

For lovers of the seventies roots music this release is one not to miss. Most Phase One music has never been released outside of Jamaica, and this is one of the first decent compilations of Roy Francis' productions, and a great one it is!.

Track listing:
  • the Untouchables - Help Us Jah
  • the Chantells & Barnabas - Sister Fay
  • the Chantells & Barnabas - Version
  • the Chantells - Hey You
  • Steve Boswell - I Am Getting Bad
  • Steve Boswell - Version
  • Jah Berry - Daily News
  • Jah Berry - Version
  • the Untouchables - Sea Of Love
  • the Chantells & Jah Berry - Waiting In The Park
  • Tabby - Takes A Miracle
  • Dean Fraser - Takes A Magic Dub
  • Jah Berry - Sister Jacqueline
  • Jah Berry - Version
  • Unknown DJ - The Sons Of Man
  • the Heptones - Deceivers
  • Paul Powell & Unknown DJ - Gena
  • Prince Mohammed - Lightning & Thunder
march 2004

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