Richie Spice In MA and VT

Richie Spice's summer tour is rolling through New England, with notable stops in both Martha's Vineyard, MA and Burlington, VT on back to back nights.  On Sunday, July 3rd, he will be performing at Nectar's in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard and then heading north to Burlington to stop by Nectar's upstairs stage in Club Metronome on Monday, July 4th.  He will be backed both nights by The New Kingston Band.  One of the top names in reggae playing in two small venues. Check it out at Nectar's MV and Club Metronome.
-EB

Warrior King To Release New Album!

Clarendon, Jamaica's Warrior King is set to release his third full-length album in August, titled Tell Me How Me Sound.  It's been 10 years since he burst onto the conscious reggae scene with his classic debut album, 'Virtuous Woman,' and I'm sure this album will be just as solid.  Tentatively scheduled to be 15 tracks, look for collaborations with reggae legends Barrington Levy and Beres Hammond.  A song I really like from the new album that has been out for awhile is "Melody"--always a solid sign of things to come.
-EB   

O.M.G. Riddim

Penthouse Records released their first riddim of the year in February, 2011 with the O.M.G. Riddim.  With a lineup of mostly lover's rock artists and a smooth, laid-back guitar lick that I really like, I figured this riddim could be real solid.  That being said, most of it was just too slow and average for my liking.  The two songs that I did enjoy are from the sweet-singing Daville with, "Dem Would A Love It" and dancehall artist Busy Signal with his catchy hook on "Right Now."
-EB

 1.  Torch- What's On Your Mind

 2.  Marcia Griffiths- Round And Round

 3.  Busy Signal- Right Now

 4.  Coppa Cat- Since You Came In

 5.  Exco Levi- Bleaching Shop

 6.  Sherieta- My Best Friend

 7.  Shuga- Complicated Love

 8.  Chevaughn- All About You

 9.  Richie Stephens- Dry Your Tears

10.  Sanchez- Won't Surrender

11.  Chuck Fender- Baby Mother's Friend

12.  Daville- Dem Woulda Love It

13.  Duane Stephenson- Saving The Best

14.  The Only One- D-Major

15.  Penthouse Records- O.M.G Riddim Version

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Massive Pick: Anthony B - Live on The Battlefield

Arguably the biggest name in modern roots reggae over the last 15 years, Anthony B released his two-disc live album in 2002.  Originally recorded from a live show in 2001 in Toulouse, France, it was later released as a high quality DVD.  I've seen Anthony B in concert three times, and he's one of my favorite live performers because of how he replicates his shows to sound exactly like his recorded music.  He plays full songs, has great energy, and I can't say enough about the quality of his sound.  Each time I saw him, he was backed by the Star Trail Band (as well as on this album), with whom he has worked with for years, so the riddims and melodies sound identical to his studio albums.  I believe I saw this exact set list at the old Higher Ground in Winooski, VT, so this album brings back some good memories of Anthony B in his prime.  All the hits are here, "Raid The Barn," "Waan Back," "Family Business," "Musical Fire," etc. so enjoy.
-EB

Disk 1

 1.  Intro: Burnin' And Lootin'

 2.  Storm Winds

 3.  Hurt The Heart

 4.  Universal Struggle

 5.  Raid The Barn

 6.  Good Life

 7.  Joy

 8.  Mr. Heartless

 9.  Equal Rights

10.  Johnny B. Goode

11.  Fire Pon Rome

12.  Swarm Me

13.  Waan Back

14.  Cut Out That

15.  Fire Dance

Disk 2

 1.  I Don't Wanna Lose

 2.  Bun Down Sodom

 3.  One Thing

 4.  Prophecy A Reveal

 5.  Damage

 6.  Family Business

 7.  Jerusalem

 8.  Stand Up & Fight

 9.  Musical Fire

10.  One Love (Instrumental)

11.  Give Thanks

12.  Fireman

13.  Rumour

14.  Love Or Infatuation

15.  Redder Then Red

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The Itals in B. VT!

Need something fi do after the sun sets on this beautiful Monday in Vermont?  The Itals are at Club Metronome with Pulse Prophets tonight!  The Itals have been making their musical ital stew since 1976.  The trio of Alvin "Keith" Porter, Ronnie Davis and Lloyd Ricketts have worked together since the 60s in The Westmorlites.  Check 'em out tonight.  Doors at 8pm.  $15 at the door.  Bless.
-BenJammin'

Perfect's Fifth Album Due Out Next Month

Perfect (Giddimani) and Lustre Kings Productions have teamed up to release his fifth full-length album, Back For The First Time, due out sometime in July.  Known for his upbeat lyrical delivery, this album is said to be toned down a bit and more on the conscious reggae path.  His first album, 2006's 'Giddimani,' had some huge tunes, but his three releases in between have been pretty watered-down, so we'll see how this one sounds.  Look for 15 tracks, a few of which are produced by Perfect himself.  Here is the official video of his first single, a tribute to the locked up reggae icon, Buju Banton, titled "Hold On."
-EB

Everyday Riddim

Swedish label Adonai Music released the Everyday Riddim in early 2009 with a keyboard-laden one-drop and a heavy European influence.  It's always nice to hear some different artists making good tunes and a few songs I like from people I've never heard of before are German artists Cornadoor with "Long Road," Danjah with "Oh Lord," Junior Natural with "What is Goin' On," and Sweden's Joey Fever with "Tell It To My Heart."  Some other tracks to check out are Papa D's "Do Good," Jah Knight's "Keep Blazin'" and Rebellious & Richie Riott with "Take Us Away."  The most well-known artists on this riddim are Holland's Ziggi Recado (formerly just Ziggi) with "What You Stand For," Chukki Starr with "Congratulate You," and Cali P with "I Know There is Life," but the biggest hit is the title track by Swedish crossover artist Million Stylez with "Everyday" (which became the name of his 2010 debut album).  Be sure to check out the remix of "Blessings" by Alborosie and Etana.
-EB

 1.  Ziggi- What You Stand For
 2.  YT- Mr. Politician
 3.  Chukki Starr- Congratulate You
 4.  Cali P- I know There Is Life
 5.  Cornadoor- Long Road
 6.  Joey Fever- Tell It To My Heart
 7.  Jah Knight- Keep Blazin'
 8.  Papa D- Do Good
 9.  Promoe- Lullabies To Myself
10.  Danjah- Oh Lord
11.  Junior Natural- What Is Goin' On
12.  Kafit- Si Tu Fueras
13.  Rebellious & Richie Riott- Take Us Away
14.  Mazaya- Natural Spices
15.  Jahzebi- Learn To Live
16.  Kapten Rod & Million Stylez- Everyday Riddim Version

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Massive Pick: Tarrus Riley - Parables

Tarrus Riley's breakthrough came in 2006 with the release of his sophomore album, Parables, on VP Records.  With production from Dean Fraser on 14 of 15 tracks, this album is a modern classic that features hits from top to bottom.  The biggest hit is the lover's tune, “She’s Royal,” which won best song & most popular song (people's choice) at the Reggae Academy Awards.  My other favorites are “Micro Chip,” a song about the dangers of over-relying on technology & "Parables," Tarrus' version of the original 1972 Lee 'Scratch' Perry riddim, Three Blind Mice.   Check out "Stay With You," made famous by John Legend, “System Set," "Beware," and even the slower "Lion Paw" & "Something Strong."  Check the whole album 'cause Parables is an essential part of any reggae fan's collection.
-KT

 1.  System Set (Willie Lynch Syndrome)

 2.  Haunt You

 3.  Beware

 4.  Micro Chip

 5.  One Two Order

 6.  Stay With You

 7.  She's Royal

 8.  Something Strong

 9.  Lion Paw

10.  Parables

11.  Africa Awaits

12.  Pick Up The Pieces

13.  Let Love Live

14.  Family

15.  My Baby (Cyan Sleep)

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Jam Down Riddim

The Danger Zone crew produced the Jam Down Riddim in 2007 as part of VP Records' 'Riddim Driven' series.  The riddim has a lover's rock feeling and features a smooth baseline and addictive flute.  Jah Cure headlines, telling people to keep focus on His Majesty even when things get "Sticky."  The song was a big hit and was featured on VP Records' 'Reggae Gold 2007.'  Morgan Heritage represents with their herbalist tune, "Plant Up Di Herbs," but Chezidek tops them with his own anthem, "Herbalist."  Lutan Fyah pumps out another hit with "Mightier Than Dem," and Capleton sounds great on his anti-violence song, "No Guns."  Not featured on the official album but a must have is "Burn It," from Mr. Vegas and also check out Buju Banton's "Love Needs."
-KT

 1.  Jah Cure- Sticky

 2.  Morgan Heritage- Plant Up Di Herbs

 3.  Chezidek- Herbalist

 4.  Capleton- No Guns

 5.  Buju Banton- Love Needs

 6.  Cecile- Waiting

 7.  Tony Curtis & Jigsy King

 8.  Pinchers- Seen & Done

 9.  Junior Kelly- Always

10.  Lutan Fyah- Mightier Than Dem

11. Ras Shiloh- All Are One

12.  Perfect- Can't Get Enough

13.  Ginger- Love First

14.  Strat Don- Music

15.  VP Records- Jam Down Riddim Version

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Hard Drugs Riddim

2005 was a big year for reggae music and the Hard Drugs Riddim was just another release that added to the volume of solid tunes.  Delperies Records revamped the riddim based on Gregory Isaac's 1988 song, "Hard Drugs," and it features a nice, upbeat sound full of hits.  The monster song that climbed to the top of the Jamaican music charts was a collaboration between the smooth-singing Anthony Cruz and the unmistakable rough voice of Buju Banton with, "Too Bloody"--definite dancehall classic.  Richie Spice's "Operation Kingfish," Capleton's "Mek It Blaze," and Chuck Fender's "Hungry Attack" are all legit, as well as Luciano's "Too Much Too Long" and Sizzla's "Come Give Me Love."  A few lesser-known tracks I like are from dancehall veteran Pinchers, showing he can still bring it with "Fire," Mickeylous with "Sticky," and Ras Ghandi with "9 Months Pregnant."  Tough to pick a favorite, so I'll give you three.  Anthony B does his version of Isaac's song with the help of Prestige and Little Devon with "Hot Stuff," Fantan Mojah and Singer Flasher sound just right on "Authentic Love," and Perfect again shows his high level of creativity on "For Ma Family."  Another riddim that's so well done that just about any lyrics sound good over it.
-EB

 1.  Buju Banton & Anthony Cruz- Too Bloody

 2.  Sizzla- Come Give Me Love
 3.  Pinchers- Fire
 4.  Mickeylous- Sticky

 5.  Chuck Fender- Hungry Attack

 6.  Ras Ghandi- 9 Months Pregnant

 7.  Bascom X- Bascom Love

 8.  Richie Spice- Operation Kingfish
 9.  Spanner Banner- Bright Fire

10.  Anthony B, Prestige & Little Devon- Hot Stuff

11.  Fantan Mojah & Singer Flasher- Authentic Love
12.  Capleton- Mek It Blaze
13.  Luciano- Too Much Too Long
14.  Perfect- For Ma Family
12.  Cobra- Too Much Brain A Fry
13.  Lukie D- Your Love
14.  Gregory Isaacs- Hard Drugs

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Steady Flow Riddim

Released in April 2011 and produced by GT Taylor for GT Muzic, the Steady Flow Riddim has got a great, uplifting melody that had my head nodding steady throughout!  Sizzla leads with "Pretty Black Girl" preaching, 'meditate right you got to hold it up, read ya book don't take it and fold it up.'  Don't miss Khago's lover's tune, "Take Me As I Am" and Lutan Fyah's conscious message on "Bring Back The Love" 'it's like a blessing from above.'  Make sure to check out tracks from Delly Ranx, Kali Blaxx and Warrior King along side Gal-A-Wasp.  Bless Up.
-BenJammin'

 Sizzla- Pretty Black Girl

Lutan Fyah- Bring Back he Love

Delly Ranx- In A Di Fire

Teflon- That's Life

Warrior King & Gal-A-Wasp- Let Mi Know

Khago- Take Me As I Am

Nesbeth- True Love

Bobby Hustle- Search For It

Dway- Gimme Your Love

Kali Blaxx- Just The Way Your Are

Zamunda- Nuh Let Har Out

Fire Star- My Loving

Villa Dutch- Born Wid Talent

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To All Green Mountain Massive Crew - Serious Reggae Business!!!

Green Mountain Massive Crew!! Yes Today is the Day, incase you've forgotten EB's post! DO NOT let the rain allow you to write-off today's lineup at Burlington's Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington's Waterfront Park.  Roots reggae legends The Abyssinians are headlining today joined by Midnite, spreading their conscious message from St. Croix VI,  and the soulful lyricist Bushman on the same plane as Luciano and Peter Tosh!  Here's a couple tunes to take you HIGHER! and remind we why the massive crew is heading down to the water today.  It's raining BUT the World Tent will keep I and I dry and irie!

Tunes start at 3:30 with DJ Big Dog.

2011 Burlington's Discover Jazz Festival

Bless.
-BenJammin'

Just Announced - Nas & Damian Marley!

The Lake Champlain Maritime Festival will host 'Distant Relatives,' Nas and Damian Marley, on Friday, August 12th, at Burlington's Waterfront.  First collaborating in 2005 on "Road To Zion," they decided to create a whole album together titled, Distant Relatives, in 2010.  If you haven't heard this album yet, you have to check it out.  This hybrid of reggae and hip hop sounds great together, and who better than combining Nas & Damian, both kings of their genres.  I'm excited for this one!  Plus its the last stop of their yearlong tour.  Come support them at the waterfront.  Tickets went on sale today.  Also preforming as part of the festival are O.A.R. and SOJA on Thursday, August 11th, and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals headline Saturday, August 13th, and Sunday, August 14th.
-KT

Smile Riddim

Abijazz released the Smile Riddim in 2005 with the usual suspects producing the big hits.  Sizzla and Buju Banton combine on my favorite track, "All Shall Be Well," Bounty Killer gets help from Mitch on "Revolution," and Anthony B is at his best on "Crime & Violence."  Lutan Fyah stands strong on "Hard Life Struggle," while Anthony Cruz's "Jamaica, How You Doing?" and Tony Curtis' "Smoking In The Ball Room," are both catchy songs.  Check out Jah Cure's "Long Way Out," and the title track "Smile," from the New Kidz.  20 tracks on this riddim so there are some interesting songs from less-known artists such as Captain Barky, Hawkeye, Chacka Chaks, and Spectacular.
-KT

DOWNLOAD- Smile Riddim

Album Review: Protoje - 7 Year Itch

Super-producer Don Corleon's younger cousin, Protoje, released his first full-length album in early 2011 titled, 7 Year Itch.  With extremely strong family ties to reggae music, Protoje had the support and resources to make a splash on the reggae scene, but that being said, I wasn't overly impressed with the album.  He's got a unique voice and some creativity, but you can definitely tell that he needs some time to mature lyrically.  Notable guest spots include Ky-Mani Marley and Gentleman, but neither of their songs are must haves.  A couple songs I do like are "Dread" and "Arguments."  This album might grow on you a bit the more you listen to it, but I can see his next album being real solid, much like Gentleman from his first album to his second as he found his musical identity.
-EB

1.  The Seven Year Itch

 2.  Dread

 3.  Arguments

 4.  Rasta Love (ft. Ky-Mani Marley)

 5.  Overtime

 6.  Roll

 7.  In The Streets (Interlude)

 8.  Ja

 9.  Wrong Side Of The Law

10.  No Lipstick

11.  On The Road

12.  Growing Up (ft. Gentleman)

13.  After i'm Gone (ft. Jah9)

(Love the Phoenix Coyotes jersey in this music video)

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Gun Powder Riddim

Not much out about this riddim, but the Gun Powder Riddim was released in June of 2010 and features an extremely infectious beat.  An artist I've never really heard, Droop Lion, provides the solid title track "Gun Powder."  Ginjah's distinct voice sounds good on "Desperate In Need," and Khago slows it down nicely with "Requesting."  The big tune to come from this riddim is a song that will definitely put you in a good mood, Sizzla's "Reggae Music" 'makes the people come together.'  Love that song.
-EB

 1.  Droop Lion- Gun Powder

 2.  Ginjah- Desperate In Need

 3.  Sizzla- Play The Music

 4.  Anthony Que- Hustling

 5.  Khago- Request

 6.  Nesbeth- Can't Give Up

 7.  Don Royal- Show Them The Way

 8.  Jimmy Riley- So In Love

 9.  Renagad- Live On

10.  Powerman- Fight Back

11.  Sophia Brown- Love Therapy

12.  Tyrical- Want Mi Bread

13.  Chiney K Productions- Gun Powder Riddim Version

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Reggae On The Waterfront in Burlington, VT

Burlington's Discover Jazz Festival starts today and is always a good way to kick off the summer, enjoy some sunshine, and check out tons of music over the next nine days.  Next Saturday, June 11th, the event starts to wind down with the ever-popular reggae show at Waterfront Park's World Tent.  Previous years have featured Eek-A-Mouse, The Wailing Souls, The Itals, John Brown's Body, and the Easy Star All-Stars to name a few.  This years lineup features the classic roots harmony trio The Abyssinians, who have been together since 1968, modern day roots artist Bushman, and St. Croix's own Midnite.  Burlington area DJ Big Dog will be spinning before and in between sets and music is scheduled to start at 3:30pm.  Listening to live reggae on the waterfront isn't a bad way to spend an afternoon.
-EB

Nylon Riddim

The Nylon Riddim was produced by Juke Boxx Records and released as the first installment of Greensleeves' 'One Drop Rhythm' series in early 2009.  The start of the riddim features a popular guitar lick as well as a nice violin that can be heard throughout.  Sizzla provides a different, but catchy tune with "Chillin' In Chile" and Queen Ifrica goes off on "Dem Nah Learn."  The two monster hits are from the usuals, Richie Spice and Tarrus Riley.  Spice's hit "Serious Woman" is a classic, and my favorite favorite song on this riddim is "Start A New," where Riley weaves a story about domestic abuse.
-EB

 1.  Busy Signal- Trading Places

 2.  Tarrus Riley- Start A New

 3.  Richie Spice- Serious Woman

 4.  Konshens- Looking For Me

 5.  Etana- Loose Talking

 6.  Peter Morgan- In Love With Ya

 7.  Queen Ifrica- Dem Nah Learn

 8.  Demarco- If I Could

 9.  Assassin- Only God Knows
10.  Sizzla- Chillin' In Chile
11.  Kris Kelly- You Promised
12.  Chuck Fender- Getting Serious
13.  Tony Rebel- Good Times

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Heavenly Riddim

In 2006, Don Corleon released the Heavenly Riddim that featured some big hits from Gentleman, Anthony B, Capleton, and Richie Spice.  Gentleman shouts for Jah on "No Doubt About It," while Anthony B wonders "How Long" injustice in the world will continue.  Capleton tops them both with his big tune, "Jah Protect Us."  The best track comes from one of my favorite artists, Richie Spice, as he expresses love for his girl on, "Brown Skin."  Check out Morgan Heritage's, "Have Been Loving You," and Alaine's title track, "Heavenly."
-KT

 1.  Anthony B- How Long

 2.  Alaine- Heavenly

 3.  Capleton- Jah Protect Us

 4.  Munga Honerable- Hold Her

 5.  Bounty Killer- High Altitude

 6.  Gentleman- No Doubt About It

 7.  Spanner Banner- One Love

 8.  Chevelle Franklyn- Peace

 9.  Voicemail- Take You There

10.  Morgan Heritage- Have Been Loving You

11.  Richie Spice- Brown Skin

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